Sri Lanka-India Youth Exchange Program 2017

The Deputy High Commissioner of Sri Lanka in Chennai V. Krishnamoorthy hosted a reception on 31 July at the Chancery premises of the Deputy High Commission in Chennai in honour of the Sri Lanka-India Youth Exchange Program – 2017 with the participation of officials of Audacious Dreams Foundation of India, Auxillium College in Vellore, Rotary Clubs in Tamil Nadu, Bank of Ceylon and SriLankan Airlines in Chennai and all staff members of the SLDHC. 

The reception was held as the closing event of their nine-day program with the exposure of various activities in the state of Tamil Nadu including educational session at the Rajiv Gandhi National Institute of Youth Development (RGNIYD), visit to places of cultural and natural interest, sporting events, discussions, and engagement in local service projects alongside Rotary club members.

The closing program began with the welcome remarks by Wishwanath Aponsu, Minister of the Mission amidst the gathering amounting to approximately 100 persons.

In his speech, Deputy High Commissioner V. Krishnamoorthy highlighted the importance of exchanges and interactions between the youth between Sri Lanka and India which gives the opportunity to experience life in other cultures and gain new understanding of the world which will serve as a solid foundation to develop better relations between the two countries for the future development forging the way to becoming young ambassadors for peace and international understanding.

Dammika Muthukudaarachchi, Country Manager, Bank of Ceylon, Chennai, S.P. Mohan, Manager – Tamil Nadu and Karnataka of Sri Lankan Airlines and Dinesh Gajendran, Local Organiser from Audacious Dreams Foundation also addressed the gathering on the topic of connectivity between India and Sri Lanka.

The program also included an interactive session by four Sri Lankan youths on their experiences and the knowledge they gained during their visit to India in connection with India-Sri Lanka Youth Program moderated by H.M.K. Herath, Minister of the Mission.

Thereafter, a short video on Ramayana trail was played. Ramayana is one of the largest ancient epics in the world the literature which has fascinated many generations, and had a profound impact on art and culture in the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia. Sri Lanka shares a special bond with India geographically, historically, culturally and spiritually – The Ramayana is one such link.

The program was concluded by offering variety of Sri Lankan food with Ceylon Tea, highlighting the Sri Lankan hospitality.