Sri Lanka Independence Day celebrated at Surajkund Mela

Faridabad (Haryana), February 4, 2014: Tuesday marked the Sri Lanka Independence Day celebrations at the Surajkund International Crafts Mela being held at Faridabad. Prasad Kariyawasam, High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to India, A.H.M. Fowzie, senior Minister for Urban Affairs, Minister of Parliament and veteran actress Malini Fonseca, Buddhi Keertisena, Chairman, National Crafts Council, Sri Lanka were a part of the celebrations and appreciated the efforts of the Haryana government, Surajkund Mela Authority and Haryana Tourism in hosting such a big event. Also present were  Chakrvrty Sharma, Chairman, Haryana Tourism Corporation and  Sumita Misra, Director General, Tourism, Haryana & Managing Director, Haryana Tourism Corporation.
At the Sri Lankan pavilion of the Mela, a warm welcome was rendered to all guests by handing betel leaves -- a custom in Sri Lanka, and then the national flag of Sri Lanka was hoisted by Fowzie followed by the recitation of their national anthem.
While addressing the media,  Fowzie said, “Sri Lanka has been taking part in this Mela for last several years and now as the Partner Nation, we have a prominent presence in the Mela. This Mela is a step towards strengthening Indo-Sri Lankan relations and goodwill has been generated between the Tourism Ministries of both the countries.”
He further stated that the Mela is a good platform for cultural exchange between people of both countries and soon they would organise a fair of this kind and invite Indian craftspersons and artistes to be a part of it.
The Sri Lankan dignitaries also witnessed the performance of Sri Lankan folk dance troupes at the Chaupal during the day and were thrilled to see the jam-packed audience enjoy the foot-tapping music and dance of Sri Lankan troupe.
During the day, a mehndi competition was also organised in which 150 students from 14 schools participated. Nisha & Rizbana of Govt. High School, Badkhal, Faridabad; Shardha Chaudhary & Sakshi of Govt. Girls Sr. Sec. School, Sector 8, Faridabad; Resma and Amit of Shri Sanatan Dharam Senior Sec. School, I-B, NIT, Faridabad stood first, second and third respectively in the competition. Consolation prizes were given to Muskan Sharma & Tanya Bhatia of Gita Bal Niketan Sr. Sec. School, Faridabad and Minakshi & Harshita of Govt Girls Sr. Sec. School, NIT, Faridabad. There will be another round of mehndi competition on February 5 for students of Class V-VIII.
The celebrations for Sri Lanka Day continued till the evening at the Natyashala with exclusive performances by Sri Lankan dance troupes that included Gajaga Wannama dance (Elephant Walk),  Naga Gurulu dance (Cobra and Eagle), Gini Sisila dance (Fire), Nana Vile dance (Folk Dance),  Pandam Paliya (Firework dance), Peacock dance, Fishing dance and Sri Lankan Drum fusion.
While on Monday evening, the Natyashala reverberated to the tunes of an internationally renowned singer from Goa Sonia Shirsat & her band. They entertained audiences with traditional Goan and contemporary music. Besides the folk dancers of Goa presented unique and vibrant performances at the Natyashala.
Many international and exotic performances are lined for February 5.// Haryana news,  Haryana current news,  Haryana news live, sri lanka news, Haryana breaking news, Haryana headlines, Haryana latest news, india news, world news,

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