Under the theme of ‘Sri Lanka Hospitality 2013’, Sri Lanka Tourism celebrated Sinhala and Hindu New year (Avurudu) at Negombo beach (opposite Hotel Camelot) recently. The celebration was rich with Sinhala and Hindu ‘Avurudu’ rituals, which are exclusively found in Sri Lanka.
Under the guidance of Economic Development Minister, Basil Rajapaksa, Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) has already taken steps to provide exposure of unique Sri Lankan culture and rituals to the world and thereby to convey the message that Sri Lanka is a very positive destination. The ‘Avurudu’ celebrations were also done with this purpose.
The selection of ‘Avurudu Kumara’ and ‘Avurudu Kumari’ or the New Year Prince and Princess, among the events, was the most eye-catching event. Miss Yevegenia Kotenko from Russia and Shota Kiladze from Russia secured ‘Avurudu Kumari’ and ‘Avurudu Kumara’ titles respectively, for the year 2013. The event also offered the experience of ‘Avurudu’ sports to the participants who enjoyed pillow fighting, tug of war, bursting of balloons and climbing the grease pole and marking the eye on elephant and so on.
All the foreign visitors to the event were warmly welcomed according to Sinhalese rituals and they were entertained with cultural performances and the beat of the ‘Rabana’. They were also provided a chance to see how ‘Kevum’ or oil cakes are cooked and to taste such freshly cooked oil cakes. The guidance and the advice of SLTPB Chairman, Bashwara Gunarathna was highly important in making this event a colorful one. Western Province Tourist Board Chairman, Claude Thomas also played a major role in organizing this event. Other than the SLTPB and Western Province Tourist Board, Negombo Hoteliers Association, Sri Lanka Travel Journalist’s Association also took part in organizing this event. The support extended by Sri Lanka Police, Negombo Tourist taxi drivers Association and three wheelers Associations is commendable.
Western Province Tourism Minister, Nimal Lanza, was the Chief Guest and SLTPB Managing Director Rumy Jauffer, Western Province Tourist Board Chairman Claude Thomas, SLTPB Board Member Mervin Fernandopulle participated as Chief Guests at this event.
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