People in the North and East of Sri Lanka now witness a cultural renaissance with the defeat of terrorism which for thirty years obstructed cultural activities. This is a singular victory achieved by Sri Lanka, stated President Mahinda Rajapaksa at the Sri Lankan Cultural Show held in Ukrainian House, Ukraine yesterday (01 July).

Writers and artistes of the North and East who contributed to enrich our culture left the country due to the threats posed by three decades of terrorism, the President added.

Those traveling in Sri Lanka can experience our vibrant culture. They can witness centuries old traditional song and dance. They can also observe the world renowned Esala Perahara and Madhu feast as well as the massive procession of Tamil pilgrims coming by foot from North to South to worship Lord Kataragama, the President further stated.

Following is the Speech delivered by President Mahinda Rajapaksa at the Sri Lankan Cultural Show held in Ukrainian House, Ukraine yesterday (01 July)

During my first visit to Ukraine, we were able to take several measures to further strengthen the relations between Ukraine and Sri Lanka. Having established relations in the spheres of political, commerce and defence, we must also strengthen relations in the cultural field too.

Friends,

I must state that Sri Lankans have a good understanding of Soviet art and literary traditions including that of Ukraine. Soviet literature especially children’s literature, ballet and music are not unfamiliar to Sri Lankan people. They are no strangers to Ukrainian folk stories, poems, song and drama too.

We know that Ukrainian culture is enriched by Christianity. We have heard it was Ukraine that introduced to the world, the tradition of distributing multi-coloured Easter eggs. Influence from both Europe and Asia have nourished Ukrainian music, art and architecture.

Culture is enriched not only by the traditions of a single country. Influence of diverse traditions of various nations helps its enhancement.

Friends, similar to Ukraine, Sri Lanka too has a culture enriched by the influences of various ethnicities and religions. Not only by the Sinhalese, Tamils, Muslims, Burghers or Malays but also the indigenous people of Sri Lanka have contributed in making Sri Lanka’s culture enriched and vibrant. In addition, cultural influences of the Portuguese, Dutch and English were also significant. The freedom required for the people to engage in their own cultural activities has now been established in Sri Lanka.

Writers and artistes of the North and East who contributed to enrich our culture left the country due to the threats posed by three decades of terrorism. It did not leave room for cultural freedom or mental stability. People in the North and East of Sri Lanka now witness a cultural renaissance with the defeat of terrorism which for thirty years obstructed cultural activities. This is a singular victory achieved by Sri Lanka.

With the defeat of terrorism which for thirty years obstructed cultural freedom, Since we were able to defeat terrorism which posed a threat to the culture as well there is a cultural renaissance in the north and east provinces of the country today. That is a huge achievement gained by Sri Lanka.

Friends,

Those traveling in Sri Lanka can experience our vibrant culture. They can witness centuries old traditional song and dance. They can also observe the world renowned Esala Perahara and Madhu feast as well as the massive procession of Tamil pilgrims coming by foot from North to South to worship Lord Kataragama.

These can be called, cultural achievements of the entire world. We are preserving them for the benefit of the entire world.

Friends,

We have established cultural freedom. We have built a vibrant culture with the combination of various ethnicities of our land. We now seek to enrich our culture with influences of art and craft from cultures of the rest of the world. I convey my best wishes to the Ukrainian people who appreciate and work towards that end.