The Embassy of Sri Lanka in Bahrain in collaboration with the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities (BACA) organised a ‘Sri Lanka Cultural Evening’ at the Bahrain Cultural Hall on 27 February, as part of a continuing series of events marking Sri Lanka’s 72nd year of Independence and the 28th anniversary of the establishment of Sri Lanka – Bahrain relations. This was the first ever mega cultural event organised by the Embassy from its inception in 2013.
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| Ambassador Pradeepa Saram |
The diverse cultural show consisted of performances by Sri Lanka’s renowned ‘Channa Upuli Dance Ensemble’ and attended by over 800 dignitaries that included Ambassadors, members of the diplomatic corps, Bahrain dignitaries, Members of the Council of Representatives, businessmen and friends of Sri Lanka. The Chief Guest of the event was Ministry of Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Shaikha Rana bint Isa Al Khalifa, who delivered the congratulatory remarks on behalf of the Bahraini Government while Bahrain Authority for Culture & Antiquities Director General Shaikha Hala Bint Mohammed Al Khalifa, attended as the Guest of Honour.
Welcoming the guests, Ambassador Pradeepa Saram stated that the cultural performances were part of a continuing series of events sponsored by the Embassy of Sri Lanka to promote both Sri Lankan Culture and tourism. The Cultural Event provided an ideal platform to showcase Sri Lankan cultural attributes as well as sceneries of attractive tourist destinations of Sri Lanka among visiting audience. The performances included the traditional Sri Lankan dances as well as modern dances depicting Sri Lanka’s culture, drawing inspiration from over 2500 years of history and is much appreciated by the foreigners as well as Sri Lankan Community living in Bahrain.
A documentary on Sri Lanka was also screened during the program, highlighting Sri Lanka as a travel destination as well as the benefits to consider Sri Lanka as a potential destination to conduct businesses and investment. The complimentary gift packages provided by Sri Lanka Tea Board and Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau were given to all invited guests. Past events have included a Sri Lankan food and produce mart, food festival and display, sale of Sri Lankan products such as tea, handicrafts, coir products, spices, batik and handlooms. The ‘Sri Lanka Cultural Evening’ was able to create a positive impression of the country in the minds of those who witnessed the cultural performances, at the prestigious Bahrain Cultural Hall.
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