Sri Lanka, being a key player in Commonwealth, supports the efforts underway at the UNESCO headquarters in Paris to commemorate the grouping.

Several activities had been organized in Paris to coincide with the 185th session of the Executive Board of UNESCO including a photographic exhibition under the title “Faces of the Commonwealth” which has brought together the member states of the grouping to showcase various aspects of life in our respective countries in terms of the diversity in culture and tradition on one common platform.

The Minister of Education and Representative of Sri Lanka on the Executive Board visited the Exhibition which is showcased at the UNESCO headquarters along with the Ambassador of Sri Lanka and Permanent Delegate to UNESCO, Ambassador Lionel Fernando and Secretary General of the Sri Lanka National Commission for UNESCO, Mr. Prithi Perera.

Some of the exhibits from Sri Lanka on display include photographs depicting the traditional Sinhala and Tamil New Year and the festivity surrounding the playing of traditional drums to herald the dawn of the New Year. Also on display is the Vel Festival held annually in honour of Hindu deities.

Similarly a special culinary exposition is underway at the UNESCO headquarters with varying delicacies from the countries of the Commonwealth being featured, including dishes from Sri Lanka.