Media Release
The Embassy of Sri Lanka in the Netherlands celebrated the Deepavali festival, at the Embassy premises with the participation of a cross-section of the Sri Lankan community living in the Netherlands.
The event commenced with the traditional Hindu rituals that were performed by the Chief Incumbent Kurukkal, Gowri Sankara, of the Sri Thurkai Amman Temple in Zeist, The Netherlands. The Pooja ceremony invoked blessings on Sri Lanka, the Embassy and the Sri Lankan community in The Netherlands.
The Deepavali celebration continued with colourful and mesmerizing dance performances including Bharatanatyam by Sri Lankan children living in The Netherlands and the children from the Natya Sudha Dance Academy. In addition to the dance performances, the “Swar Deep” musical performance (Deepavali Bajans) together with the Sithar and Tabla captivated the audience.
The Ambassador of Sri Lanka to The Netherlands, Rekha Gunasekera, while welcoming the Sri Lankan community to the Embassy, highlighted the significance of the message of Deepavali that transcends all boundaries of religion, faith and culture. It is a festival that represents hope, joy and the triumph of good over evil, bring communities together in a spirit of unity and celebration. The Ambassador also quoted the Deepavali Message by the President of Sri Lanka, who invited everyone to join in creating a new cultural existence that embodies compassion and critical thought and emphasized the importance of a cultural, political, and attitudinal transformation if Sri Lanka is to realize the hope of a prosperous country and a fulfilling life for all. Chief Incumbent Kurukkal, Gowri Sankara, and Mr. S. Sritharan President, of the Sri Thurkai Amman Temple in Zeist, The Netherlands, also spoke at the event.
The Embassy premises were adorned with traditional Deepavali decorations, including a vibrant 'Kolam', traditional Diwali lights, lamps, flowers, and many more. The event concluded with a reception where traditional Sri Lankan Deepavali dishes were served. The members of the community praised and appreciated the efforts of the Embassy for holding the Deepavali celebrations at the Embassy after a lapse of many years. They also appreciated the Sri Lankan traditions and culture reflected in the celebration that reminded them of their motherland.
Embassy of Sri Lanka
The Hague
The Netherlands