The Embassy of Sri Lanka in Washington D.C. opened its doors for American visitors as part of Passport DC’s ‘Around the World Embassy Tour’ from 10.00 a.m. to 4.30 p.m. on Saturday, 04th May, 2024. Under the advice and guidance of Ambassador Mahinda Samarasinghe, the Embassy made elaborate arrangements to promote Sri Lanka as an exciting tourist destination. Over 5,037 US nationals, as officially verified by the organizers of the Passport DC, visited the Embassy during the event which was a record despite bad weather. As a unique feature of the event, a photographic exhibition of over 80 colorful photographs titled “Beauty of Sri Lanka” depicting the ancient cultural heritage, natural beauty with a special emphasis on wild life and the people of Sri Lanka, was presented by the "America - Sri Lanka Photographic Art Society Los Angeles" led by Mr. Suriya Perera, Mr. Shantha Weerasinghe, Ms. Hiranthi De Silva, Mr. Lakshitha Karunarathna and Mr. Sanjaya Warnasuriya, and captured the attention of all attendees. The visitors were treated to traditional Sri Lankan hospitality and were able to sample authentic Sri Lankan cuisine having witnessed live cooking demonstrations of preparing of Kottu Roti and Hoppers, and were also able to taste a variety of finger foods from Sri Lanka. This was provided with the assistance of the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau. The Embassy also offered all the visitors a freshly brewed cup of hot or iced Ceylon tea sponsored by “Basilur (Sri Lanka)” and “QTrade Teas & Herbs (California, USA)”. Traditional Sri Lankan dances depicting up-country, low-country and northern dancing styles and drums showcased the vibrant diversity of Sri Lanka’s rich cultural heritage. The performances were at regular intervals by students from four local academies led by Ms. Chathuri Wickramarachchi, Ms. Achila Perera, Ms. Rajanandhini Balachandran and Mr. Indika Attanayake and was a key attraction that captivated guests throughout the day. In line with the theme of “Passport DC 2024” which was Music diplomacy, the Embassy made special arrangements for the “Serendib” band led by Mr. Kutila Dias to entertain the crowd by performing Sri Lankan songs and were also joined by saxophonist Mr. D I Senarathne who performed live music at regular intervals.
