The State Dance Ensemble adds an aura of grandeur to the event

The celebration of Sri Lanka’s 60th Anniversary of Independence in Washington DC had an aura of grandeur, which was almost palpable.

On February 3, 2008, the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Washington DC, invited Sri Lankan expatriates in the Greater Washington area, and officials of the administration, as well as NGOs, think tanks and media, to participate in the evening program held at the University of the District of Columbia in Washington DC.

The highlight of the program, as the audience had been in great anticipation, was the spectacular performance of Sri Lanka’s State Dance Ensemble led by Artistic Director and Choreographer, Ravibandhu Vidyapathy. The State Dance Ensemble comprises thirty members, fourteen of who were in Washington DC, to celebrate Sri Lanka’s 60th Anniversary of Independence, sponsored by the Ministry of Cultural Affairs. They gave stunning performances of drumming mastery and exquisitely professional dancing. The male dancers included Ravibandhu Vidyapathy, Upul Bandara, Matotage Hemachandra, Chaminda Mahawatta, Nilantha Karunarathne and Manoj Shivantha. The female dancers comprised Tanuja Dilhani, Dulani Vajiramala, Harini Peiris, Sujani Malithi and Nayana Kumudini. The Master Drummers included Prasanna Rupathilaka, Udayapriya Kumara and Saman Kumara. The troupe Manager was Lakshman Perera, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Cultural Affairs.

The early part of the cultural program included items by the Sigiri Lalanavo, the Ranga Kala Kavaya, a Bharata Natyam, and musical items by popular expatriate musical groups in Washington DC.

Prior to the cultural part of the evening’s program, the children of the Embassy staff and expatriates, joined in singing the National Anthem and reciting the Jayamangala Gatha, following which, the multi-religious observances and prayers took place. Joining Ambassador Goonetilleke in lighting the traditional oil lamp, was Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia, Mr. Evan Feigenbaum. The Sri Lanka Desk Officer at the State Department, Ms Kelly Billingsley was also present at the event. Ven. Maharagama Dhammasiri Nayake Thera and Ven. Ambulambe Khemananda Nayake Thera, representing the Washington Buddhist Vihara and the International Buddhist Center in Wheaton, respectively, invoked Buddhist prayers. Mrs. Kanaga Ranganathan led the Hindu prayers, Mr. Nazir Azeez, the Islamic prayers and Dr. Gregory Fernandopulle, the Christian prayers.

Following the reading of the President’s, the Prime Minister’s and the Foreign Minister’s Independence Day messages by Embassy staff, Ambassador Bernard Goonetilleke addressed the gathering. Speaking on the current security and political situation, the Ambassador said, “You would recall, that on the day of his inauguration, President Mahinda Rajapaksa said that the conflict in Sri Lanka can only be resolved politically, not militarily, and he believes in granting maximum possible devolution to minorities within one country.”

Referring to the APRC’s recent recommendation to fully implement the 13th Amendment to the constitution, the Ambassador said, “This is an evolving process, and the proposals that were presented are only a step in the direction of lasting political solution.”

The Ambassador, speaking on the US-Sri Lanka economic and security relations, said, “The US continues to rank as Sri Lanka’s number one export market, accounting for nearly 1/3 of Sri Lanka’s exports.” Noting the pivotal role played by the U.S. in Sri Lanka’s peace process as a Co-Chair of the Tokyo Donor Conference, Ambassador Goonetilleke said, “The embassy has continued in its efforts to ensure the understanding and support of the U.S. administration and the Congress, in achieving a negotiated political settlement to the conflict.”

The Ambassador also focused on the role Sri Lankan expatriates play, “in assisting Sri Lanka in critical times.” He said, “In this same spirit, many of you, as individuals and groups, are currently making important contributions toward achieving peace and development in Sri Lanka.” Referring to the focus of the Embassy’s new Outreach Program, Ambassador Goonetilleke said, “President Mahinda Rajapaksa, recognizing the proactive role played by the expatriate Sri Lankans in the US, said, in Los Angeles last September, that he sees each one of them as an unofficial ambassador, who is promoting the interests of our country.”

On the morning of February 3, the Embassy had its multi-religious observances program at the Embassy premises, preceded by the hoisting of the flag and the singing of the National Anthem by staff members. Ambassador Bernard Goonetilleke, who spoke on the occasion, said that it is important for us to rise above the petty considerations of caste, creed and ethnicity, and stand proud as Sri Lankans, as the National Anthem refers to all Sri Lankans as, “the children of one mother.”

Embassy of Sri Lanka
Washington DC
USA

04 February 2008