'Sri Lanka, a country beyond our expectations'

by Carol Aloysius

"Sri Lanka is a country beyond our expectations. Everything about it is unforgettably wonderful."

These were the impressions of the 52nd Commonwealth Meeting of Heads of Government (CHOGM) that Ambassador to Nigeria Asalina Raymond Mamuno and Director, Asian-Pacific Division Adekumbi Sonaike-Ayodeje will carry with them as they left for their native land.

I met them at the Methodist church in Kollupitiya, where they too had come to participate in the Sunday service.

They were greeted by the pastor Rev. Shihan Fernando and others and signed the Visitors Book.

They told me they were leaving for their homeland that afternoon, but would love to meet the people who attended the service since this was the first time they were in close touch with the public. "I have realised that our country shares a lot with yours in many aspects; in our diversity of races, religions, economies, cultures, political beliefs and most of all the friendly smiling faces that greet you everywhere you go," the ambassador said.

"We are sisters in Christ and belong to the Pentecostal church," they told me by way of introduction, adding that they were extremely pleased to see so many Christians in a predominantly Buddhist country practising their faith freely.

"Ours is a Muslim country. But like yours, all religions are given equal freedom to practise their different religious beliefs."

Mingling easily with the rest of the congregation, they were particularly impressed with the number of activities in which the young people she met were involved. Commenting on the leadership programs conducted on their behalf they observed, that such training were important since "youth are our future leaders". After chatting with some of the youth whom she observed were "very intelligent and appeared to have many innovative ideas", they headed for the School Hall to watch the primary Sunday School children rehearsing for their Christmas concert next month, interacting with them by clapping hands and singing some of the songs miming the children in their actions.

"I come from Nigeria and the Lutheran church I attend back home has children just like you who share the same culture, same religion and same smiling faces", she said while taking several pictures of the children in action.

Of her very first impressions of Sri Lanka, she said, "From the time we got down from the plane and till we reached our hotel, we were highly impressed by the orderliness, efficiency and meticulous arrangements including security arrangements put into place for us delegates. The politeness and friendly nature of your people made us feel instantly welcome. These are valuable lessons which we can learn from."

She also noted how rapidly the country was progressing. "I have visited many capitals in many countries and I know that you are a developing country. But looking at all the high-rise buildings, clean roads, beautiful landscaped city, and the on-going structural development, we have no doubt it could be a leading tourist destination in the near future." The Director Asian Pacific countries commented on the dress of the women especially their colourful and elegant sarees, and noted how emancipated the women were.

Both were also impressed with, "the spectacular opening sessions of CHOGM, the dances that traced the history of your country, the dazzling cultural pageant and the slide shows which were exquisitely creative and truly showcased your country's natural beauty as a Paradise Island".

"We believe that the outcome of CHOGM will have much potential for Sri Lanka's future development and her links with the Commonwealth countries including those in the Asian region. The close dialogue between the nations of the commonwealth family has resulted in forging stronger bonds among us. We have observed how your government has drawn on its own home-grown resources to rebuild the country after the war against terrorism".

Do they hope to visit Sri Lanka in the near future? "We would certainly love to. We have made so many friends here and it would be great to see them again".