Sri Lanka participates in Singapore’s largest Deepavali Utsavsm 2019

The High Commission of Sri Lanka in Singapore, for the first time, joined the Little India Shopkeepers and Heritage Association (LISHA) of Singapore this year, in its 60-day celebration of Deepavali Utsavsm that kicked off on 7 September, with the Light-up Ceremony and Street Parade 2019. 

A dance troupe from the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, which comprised of 22 budding artistes from the national pool of dancers, was especially flown in from Sri Lanka for the event. The Sri Lankan cultural troupe was the only foreign contingent, from among a host of local artistes that participated at this year’s event.  

The President of Singapore Halimah Yacob, as the Guest of Honour, graced this event, which also attracted a varied audience comprised of key Government representatives, diplomatic community, business representatives and a large number of locals and tourists visiting the Little India area as a multi-cultural and multi-ethnic tourist destination in Singapore.

High Commissioner Sashikala Premawardhane participating as a special guest of the ceremony joined President Halimah Yacob, who launched the light up of the streets and decorations of Deepavali in Little India area, during this event.  The two countries have organised several exchanges of cultural programs, following the signing of a MOU on cultural cooperation between the two countries in 2016. 

The Mission collaborated with the LISHA on this unique cultural event as part of series of activities lined up, in its cultural diplomacy program in order to promote the rich heritage of Sri Lanka’s culture and arts among the people of Singapore.