Photo Story

Chinese Mid Autumn festival celebrated in Colombo (Pics)

Published

8 months ago

September 18, 2024

editor

The moon carries the aspirations and hopes of both the Chinese and Sri Lankan people for a better life. It connects us and draws our hearts closer together, building a bridge of cultural understanding between our two nations, Chinese ambassador to Sri Lanka – Mr. Qi Zhenhong says.

He said this during the celebrations of the Chinese Mid Autumn festival held in Colombo earlier this week.

“It is particularly noteworthy that today also marks the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the China Cultural Center in Sri Lanka. Ten years ago today, leaders of China and Sri Lanka jointly unveiled the Center. Since then, it has played an active role in fostering cultural and tourism exchanges between our two countries, serving as a bridge and bond that connects our cultures and people,” the ambassador added.

Titled as ‘A Moonment to Remember’, the event was hosted by the Chinese embassy in Colombo as well as the Culture and Tourism Ministry of China.

Speaker – Mr. Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena attended the event as chief guest.

The event featured several cultural performances by a troupe of performers from Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region as well as a poetry recital by several Sri Lankan students studying Chinese.

The event also featured a photographic exhibition featuring the 10 years’ journey of the Chinese Cultural Centre in Sri Lanka as well as several cultural activities including mooncake making.

The Chinese Mid Autumn festival is one of the four main traditional festivals celebrated in China.

It is celebrated on the night when the moon reaches its fullest and brightest on the 15th day of the eighth month on the lunar calendar. This year, the day fell on Sept 17. During the festival, families reunite, admire the moon, share mooncakes and light up lanterns.

(Pics : Shanika Jayasekara)

Photo Story

07 new envoys to SL, present credentials to President AKD (Pics)

Published

4 days ago

May 15, 2025

editor

Seven newly appointed foreign ambassadors to Sri Lanka presented their credentials to President Anura Kumara Disanayake today (May 15) at the Presidential Secretariat.

The new ambassadors represent the State of Israel, the Argentine Republic, the Republic of Zimbabwe, the Republic of the Philippines, the Republic of Tajikistan, the Kingdom of Cambodia, and the Kingdom of Denmark.

The new diplomats who presented their credentials are as follows :

– Mr. Mariano Agustin Caucino has been appointed as the Ambassador-designate of the Argentine Republic, based in New Delhi.
– Ms. Stella Nkomo has been appointed as the Ambassador-designate of the Republic of Zimbabwe, based in New Delhi.
– Mr. Reuven Javier Azar has been appointed as the Ambassador-designate of the State of Israel, based in New Delhi.
– Ms. Nina P. Cringlet has been appointed as the Ambassador-designate of the Republic of the Philippines, based in Dhaka.
– Mr. Lukmon Bobokalonzoda has been appointed as the Ambassador-designate of the Republic of Tajikistan, based in New Delhi.
– Ms. Rath Many has been appointed as the Ambassador-designate of the Kingdom of Cambodia, based in New Delhi.
– Mr. Rasmus Kristensen has been appointed as the Ambassador-designate of the Kingdom of Denmark, based in New Delhi.

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, Vijitha Herath, along with the Secretary to the President, Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, were also present at the occasion.

(President’s Media Division)

Photo Story

“Lassana Dansala” offers beauty care during Vesak (Pics)

Published

5 days ago

May 14, 2025

editor

A special ‘Dansala’ was held at the Maharagama Youth Services Council premises from 7:00 a.m. yesterday (May 13) to mark Vesak Poya Day.

Unlike traditional ‘dansal’ that offer food, this unique initiative provided a host of free beauty care and advisory services for both women and men, including haircuts, head massages, eyebrow shaping, facials, under-eye treatments, and skin analysis.

This event attracted over 5,000 participants who received professional grooming and skincare advice in a Vesak-themed setting.

Present at the event were Deputy Youth Affairs Minister Eranga Gunasekara, NYSC Chairman and Director-General of Youth Affairs Attorney Supun Wijerathna, MP Kaushalya Ariyarathna, Maharagama Mayor Saman Samarakoon, and Colombo Mayoral candidate Vraie Cally Balthazaar, among others.