Photo Story
‘Tea for Harmony’ in Colombo (Pics)
A Chinese cultural event was held in Colombo yesterday (May 22), featuring cultural components from the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous region located in Southern China.
Titled ‘Tea for Harmony – Yaji Cultural Salon 2024’, the event showcased a catwalk featuring Guangxi ethnic wear , a Guangxi pictorial tour exhibition, traditional song and dance performances by China and Sri Lanka.
The event, which coincided with the International Tea Day, featured an intangible cultural heritage tea art experience as well as tea products from both countries.
The event was attended by a host of distinguished guests including Chinese ambassador to Sri Lanka – Mr. Qi Zhenhong and Madam Jin Qian, Speaker of Sri Lankan Parliament – Mr. Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena and Mr. Lai Fuqiang – Level-I Counsel of the Department of Culture and Tourism of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region.
Addressing the gathering, the Chinese ambassador – Mr. Qi Zhenhong said that tea has become a significant medium for people in China and around the world to connect and be friends.
He added, “The people of China and Sri Lanka share a long history of growing, making, tasting and drinking tea, fostering exchanges and mutual learning. Though tea is produced in different places, it derives from a common source. Tea has become a common part of lifestyle of the two peoples and an important link to connect and bring them closer. I hope that everyone here today will enjoy a delightful cup of tea, watch the performances, and enjoy the wonderful time. I believe that tea, as a medium today, will further promote cultural exchanges between the two countries and strengthen the friendship between the two peoples.”
(Pics : Shanika Jayasekara)
Photo Story
10-day Yoga Mahotsav launched in Sri Lanka (Pics)
A 10-Day Yoga Mahotsav celebrating the 10th International Day of Yoga (IDY) was launched today (June 13) at Colombo National Museum.
The event was celebrated under this year’s IDY theme ‘Yoga for Women Empowerment’ with over 200 students participating from different schools in Colombo.
Yoga Mahotsav 2024 is being organised by Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre (SVCC), the cultural arm of High Commission of India, Colombo in collaboration with about 30 organisations of Sri Lanka from 13th to 22nd of June 2024.
Day-II of the Yoga Mahotsav on the focus area ‘Yoga for Health’ will be organised on 14 June at Mc Heyzer Stadium, Trincomalee in collaboration with the Eastern Province Tourism Bureau. Yoga Mahotsav will proceed under various focus areas, such as Yoga for Family, Yoga with Spirituality, Yoga for Humanity, Yoga for Well-being, Yoga for Ayurveda, Yoga for Peace, Yoga for Harmonyin different iconic locations across the country. The Mahotsav will conclude with a grand event at Galle Face Green in Colombo on 22 June.
As a prelude to IDY, approximately 100 yoga events will be organized across Sri Lanka by the High Commission of India and its posts in Hambantota, Kandy and Jaffna. A series of these will be organized in the backdrop of iconic locations in Sri Lanka, in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism and Lands, Government of Sri Lanka.
In December 2014, the United Nations declared 21 June as the International Day of Yoga through resolution 69/31, recognizing yoga’s holistic approach to well-being and its ability to provide a sanctuary from modern life’s stresses. Since then, millions of yoga practitioners worldwide celebrate IDY on 21 June each year. Yoga is an ancient practice that harmonizes mind, body, and spirit through physical postures, breath control, and meditation. It fosters self-discovery, inner peace, balance, flexibility, strength, mental clarity, emotional stability, and spiritual awakening.
News
President Ranil meets Bangladesh Prime Minister
President Ranil Wickremesinghe held discussions with Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina this morning (June 10), according to the President’s Media Division.
The Bangladesh PM had assured President Ranil Wickremesinghe of Bangladesh’s support for Sri Lanka’s agricultural modernization program, the PMD adds.
Meanwhile, the President had also met with Dr. S. Jaishankar in New Delhi earlier today.
This was in the backdrop of the swearing-in ceremony of Indian Prime Minister Narenda Modi. The event was also attended by regional leaders such as Bhutan’s Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay and Nepal’s Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal.
Entertainment
“Ravi”, a cinematic self reflection of half a century (Pics)
The “Ravi – Cinema Half-Century Self-Reflection” ceremony was held yesterday (June 05) at the Bandaranaike International Conference Hall in Colombo to honour veteran actor Ravindra Randeniya for his five decades of service to Sri Lankan cinema.
Randeniya, who began his career with the 1974 film ‘Taranga,’ has appeared in over 100 films and received numerous awards, including the Swarna Sankha O.C.I.C. Best Actor award and the Darshan Suri Award.
Two biographies of Randeniya, written by Gamini Weragoda and Uditha Devapriya, were launched during the event.
President Ranil Wickremesinghe, who presided over the event, praised Randeniya’s contributions to cinema and recalled their political collaboration.
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