‘Refreshingly Sri Lanka’ showcased the diversity and cultural heritage of Sri Lanka [Wednesday , June 21, 2006- 9.30 GMT]

'Refreshingly Sri Lanka,' the first in a series of events to promote cultural diplomacy was held on Saturday, June 17^th at Trafalgar Square in London. The festival showcased the diversity and the cultural heritage of Sri Lanka and promoted it as a destination for tourism, trade, and investment. 

The event was organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Sri Lanka High Commission in London in collaboration with the Ministry of Enterprise Development and Investment Promotion, Ministry of Tourism, Ministry of Trade, Commerce & Consumer Affairs and the Ministry of Culture & National Heritage.  

Refreshingly Sri Lanka was the result of a successful partnership between the Public and Private Sectors and was sponsored by the private sector with Sri Lanka Telecom and Mobitel being the principal sponsors.

The festival was aimed at gaining maximum exposure for the country by projecting an image of Sri Lanka that had not been seen before by showcasing the excellence of Sri Lanka in various fields while retaining its essential charm of being a small tropical island.   The festival demonstrated the best that Sri Lanka had to offer while retaining the rustic, traditional and exotic allure of the country.

The Open Air Festival at Trafalgar Square, held on a warm, bright sunny day reminiscent of Sri Lankan weather, attracted over 15,000 visitors who were treated to a traditional Perahera which highlighted Sri Lanka's multiethnic composition.

First Lady of Sri Lanka Madam Shiranthi Rajapaksa, who together with the Lord Mayor of London Ken Livingston were the chief guests, delivered a message from President Mahinda Rajapaksa.   Speaking at the occasion, Mayor Livingston spoke glowingly about the large Sri Lankan community in the United Kingdom and their contributions to the British economy.  After having seen this event, Mayor Livingston encouraged all British travellers to visit Sri Lanka and enjoy everything the island had to offer.

Additional events which continue till June 25th include an Investment Round Table, Trade Exhibition with more than 70 exhibitors, a Film Festival, a Book and Photographic Exhibition, a Food Festival and a Tea Tasting event.

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Last Updated Date: June 21, 2006 -9.30 GMT