EMBASSY OF SRI LANKA HOSTS “DELIGHTFUL EVENING OF SRI LANKAN CULTURE” WITH INTERNATIONAL CLUB OF DC

Members of the International Club of DC were hosted by Ambassador Jaliya Wickramasuriya and Mrs. Wickramasuriya at their elegant Embassy Row Residence on Saturday, July 25, 2009.

The well attended event was filled with enthusiasts from a range of countries, who were treated to sights, sounds and tastes of Sri Lanka.

Guests were able to witness the beauty of Sri Lanka on a large projection screen while live traditional Sri Lankan music was performed by a group of talented Sri Lankans from the Greater Washington D.C. area. A group of young dancers then mesmerized the guests with a graceful performance of traditional and modern Sri Lankan dance.

A sumptuous Sri Lankan dinner which included traditional items of food was followed by a demonstration of “how to brew the perfect cup of Ceylon tea”.

Speaking at the event, Ambassador Jaliya Wickramasuriya presented a brief history about Sri Lanka, and its long-standing relationship with the United States. Ambassador Wickramasuriya invited the guests to visit Sri Lanka, stating, “I was there last month and I can tell you that it is a happy place, full of new freedom and excitement for a future of peace, happiness and prosperity. We would love to share that experience with you”. At the end of the event, many of the attendees signed up to take part in a tour to Sri Lanka, which is to be organized by the Sri Lankan Embassy shortly.

International Club of DC, with a membership base of over 35,000 is Washington's premiere organization for internationally-minded professionals who enjoy international cultural experiences as well as social, educational, and outdoor events while helping the community. Addressing the gathering at Saturday’s event, Sanjaya Hettihewa, President of the Club explained that this event is especially significant for him as Sri Lanka was the country he grew up in before moving to the United States, and that the organization will be looking forward to working closely with the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Washington DC on several more projects.