Deepavali ‘Festival of Lights’ celebrated in London

The High Commission of Sri Lanka in London celebrated Deepavali on 20 October amidst a large gathering of the Sri Lankan community in the UK at the High Commission premises.

The event commenced with blessings being invoked by Rev. Ramanada Kurukkal. Addressing the gathering, Rev. Kurukkal commenced the High Commissioner’s efforts in organising the event to celebrate this important Hindu cultural festival.

Welcoming the guests, Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner to the UK Amari Wijewardene highlighted the significance of celebrating Deepavali. She wished all Sri Lankans across the UK a happy and prosperous Deepawali. The High Commissioner also said that the festival of Deepavali, with its message of victory of good over evil, of light over darkness and of hope over despair, assumes a special significance and that it has come to be celebrated by the global community. 

She also stressed the importance of inculcating that spirit in every Sri Lankan as the country continues to embark on the path of nation-building and creating meaningful reconciliation amongst the Sri Lankan people.

The Deepavali celebrations included a spectacular Bharatanatyam dance and vocal performances by Preeti Mahenthran, Gayathri and Sitara Ahilan.

The guests were treated to traditional sweets and a vegetarian dinner, in keeping with the spirit of Deepavali.