The Embassy of Sri Lanka in the United States, in collaboration with the “International Club of DC, hosted a vibrant evening reception on 02June 2023 at the Embassy premises in Washington D.C., promoting Sri Lanka as a key tourist destination among US nationals during the summer season in the Northern Hemisphere. A large number of members of the Club attended the event.
Ambassador Mahinda Samarasinghe, in his speech, invited attendees to visit Sri Lanka during the upcoming holiday season and discover her unique splendour highlighting diverse tourism prospects that the country offers.
The Embassy showcased the main tourist attractions of the country by exhibiting vivid photographic sceneries whilst screening tourist-oriented videos portraying pristine beaches, and green mountain landscapes, and highlighting Sri Lanka tourism ranging from adventure and wellness to wildlife.
A cultural recital showcased the talents of “Serendib Dance Troupe” in Washington D.C captivating the attendees. Dances of both up-country and low-country styles that depicted Sri Lanka’s rich traditional dance heritage were performed. The talents of the troupe of “Ceylon Bera” enthralled the crowd with the rhythms of Sri Lanka accompanied by instrumental music. A Bharatanatyam dance depicting the culture of the Tamil community was performed by the “Natraj School” showcasing the vibrant diversity of Sri Lankan culture.
Attendees were treated to a sumptuous authentic Sri Lankan dinner buffet with flavours of Ceylon spices prepared by a Sri Lankan chef with a live station serving “Kottu Roti”
The Embassy made arrangements to serve all the visitors a freshly brewed cup of hot & iced Ceylon tea sponsored by “Basilur(Sri Lanka)” and “QTrade Teas & Herbs(California, USA)” in a specially set up tea corner that demonstrated different types of Tea. In addition, a spice corner was set up for the visitors to learn about and experience the highest quality of different varieties of Ceylon spices that the country offers.
Among other activities organized by the Embassy to mark the occasion, guests were offered a photo opportunity wearing traditional Sri Lankan outfits of batik Sarees & Sarongs. Sri Lankan traditional handicrafts comprised of wooden masks, drums, bags, batik wear, brass items and paintings were also displayed.
The event concluded with a raffle draw offering prizes that include a return air ticket to Colombo from Washington DC sponsored by Sri Lankan Airlines GSA in New York and complimentary hotel packages for stays in reputed hotels in Sri Lanka from Jetwing Hotels and Theva Residency Boutique Hotel Kandy.
The International Club of DC offers international cultural experiences including art, music, dance, and theatre as well as the opportunity to sample culinary delicacies from around the world with their diverse membership of over 47,000 professionals partnering with over 80 embassies in Washington DC to present concerts, festivals, galas, and receptions.
In commemorating the important milestone of the 75th anniversary of establishing diplomatic relations between Sri Lanka and the United States, the Embassy has planned a number of other initiatives with the assistance of the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau, Sri Lanka Tea Board and Joint Apparel Association Forum (JAAF).