The 2024 Sri Lanka Day Virtual Global Celebrations, presented by the Sri Lanka Foundation International, premiered to a worldwide audience on August 17th, 2024. Suffice it to say that Sri Lanka’s vibrant historical heritage and culture were showcased through splendid cultural performances from diverse corners of the globe. All that and more while being entertained by breathtaking fashion, traditional drums, and music from around the world, all enjoyed in the comfort of your homes. Here is a snapshot of our performing groups: The Global Celebrations began with a special tribute to our sponsors, whose invaluable partnership was instrumental in the event’s success. We extend our heartfelt thanks to Techno Dad, Sunland Group of Companies, J Med Supply Inc., Anon Catering, Uniformity, Holy Family Alumni Association of California, and Antonette Duval from Wells Fargo for their generous support. Their contributions were crucial in making this event a resounding success. Achala Weerasinghe,
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On Friday, August 9th, 2024, the City of Los Angeles celebrated Sri Lanka Day and Dr. Walter Jayasinghe’s accomplishments with the Sri Lanka Foundation and community members. The celebration began with Councilwoman Heather Hutt and Councilman Curren D. Price, Jr. recognizing SLF and Dr. Jay. Councilwoman Hutt gave testimony praising Dr. Jay for his dedication and commitment to helping others, especially those in the Los Angeles community. She told the story of Dr. Jay’s arrival in the US in 1962 and his accomplishments along the way. Councilman Price then spoke about Dr. Jay’s impact on the Los Angeles community. The City of Los Angeles recognized 9 August 2024 as Sri Lanka Day and presented Dr. Jay and the Sri Lanka Foundation with beautiful proclamations to mark the occasion. Dr. Jay was very honored by the recognition received by the City Council Officials and other dignitaries and expressed his utmost gratitude.
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Sri Lanka Day 2024, a global virtual celebration, will launch in the United States on the Sri Lanka Foundation International YouTube channel on August 17th, 2024. This event will showcase Sri Lanka’s rich artistic traditions, including music, dance, and visual arts. As part of the cultural show for the Sri Lanka Day 2024 celebration, viewers will experience a captivating performance inspired by the 18 traditional Wannam of Kandyan dance, which dates back to the 1700s in the royal courts of Kandy, Sri Lanka. The Gajaga Wannama, the most popular of these Wannam, symbolizes the harmonious blend of feminine and masculine qualities, represented by the majestic elephant. Prepare to be mesmerized by the beauty and grace of Sri Lankan dance with this spectacular rendition of Gajaga Wannama! This unique performance brings together talented teachers from the Sri Lanka Foundation Academy of Performing Arts, from Sri Lanka and the USA, united on
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Sri Lanka Day 2024, a global virtual celebration, will be launched in the United States on the Sri Lanka Foundation International YouTube channel on August 17th, 2024. This event will showcase the rich artistic traditions of Sri Lanka, including music, dance, and visual arts. As part of the cultural show of the Sri Lanka Day 2024 celebration, you will experience traditional performances by the Students of the Sri Lanka Foundation Academy of Performing Arts. One of the student performances is set to the theme song of the Sri Lanka Foundation International – Sri Lanka Day, which was created with the aim of proudly displaying the Sri Lankan cultural identity around the world. The talented students of the Sri Lanka Foundation’s Academy of Performing Arts will guide us on a journey through our history, beautifully weaving together the threads of heritage and pride. Holding the revered Blue Lotus flower, they symbolize
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Sri Lanka Day 2024, a global virtual celebration, will be launched in the United States on the Sri Lanka Foundation International YouTube channel on August 17th, 2024. This event will showcase the rich artistic traditions of Sri Lanka, including music, dance, and visual arts. As part of the cultural show of the Sri Lanka Day 2024 celebration, you will experience traditional performances where we dive into a centuries-old legend from Welihela village, Sri Lanka. It tells the tale of a prince who made the ultimate sacrifice under a kohomba tree. Revered by Malayalam kings, he was worshiped as Lord Kohomba, giving narration to the Kohomba Halla in the Udarata dance tradition. As drums resound and dancers move with precision, the air fills with pleasant singing and the ancient rhythm of the “Kohomba Halle”. Each movement by the performers pays homage to the Kohomba god, invoking his blessings and healing powers.
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Sri Lanka Day 2024, a global virtual celebration, will be launched in the United States on the Sri Lanka Foundation International Virtual Platform on August 17th, 2024. This event will showcase the rich artistic traditions of Sri Lanka, including music, dance, and visual arts. As part of the cultural show for the Sri Lanka Day 2024 celebration, you will experience a performance based on Sri Lanka’s History. Since ancient times, legendary Sri Lankan heroes have made ultimate sacrifices to safeguard our treasure island, Sri Lanka. This performance with the song of ‘Gombeti Hiddalaya’ beautifully honors King Dutugamunu, a great leader who unified our nation and brought peace and stability through his brave and wise leadership. Known affectionately as ‘Hiddalaya’ in his youth, meaning ‘strong-willed one,’ he embodied the spirit of a robust Sinhalese and remained a symbol of unwavering loyalism, determination, perseverance, and endurance. Meet the talented Junior students of
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Sri Lanka Day 2024, a global virtual celebration, will be launched in the United States on the Sri Lanka Foundation International YouTube channel on August 17th, 2024. This event will showcase the rich artistic traditions of Sri Lanka, including music, dance, and visual arts. As part of the cultural show of the Sri Lanka Day 2024 celebration, you will experience Sri Lanka, known as the pearl of the Indian Ocean’s rich cultural heritage, offering a fascinating array of three main forms of traditional dances including upcountry known as Kandyan Style, Low country known as Pahatharata Style and, Samabaragamuwa style that captivates both locals and tourists alike. This item is a creative fusion comprising all three forms vibrantly and expressively and those styles are deeply rooted in the country’s history, religion, and folklore. Each dance style has its own unique story and intricate movements showcasing the beauty and diversity of Sri
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Our Next performance is an expression where the ancient art of Kandyan Dance finds resonance in Chile. You will witness a group of women dance to nourish the land and embody the spirit of this traditional dance form through their movements and music. As part of the cultural show of the Sri Lanka Day 2024 celebration, you will experience traditional performances by Movimiento Colibrí from Chile. This item is Choreographed and music composed by Catalina Vidales, Dana Cerda, and María Elena Espinosa. Meet the talented Movimiento Colibrí from Chile and get ready to see their amazing performances at Sri Lanka Day on August 17, 2024. You can watch the performances here: youtube.com/slfoundation
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Sri Lanka Day 2024, a global virtual celebration, will be launched in the United States on the Sri Lanka Foundation International Virtual Platform on August 17th, 2024. This event will showcase the rich artistic traditions of Sri Lanka, including music, dance, and visual arts. As part of the cultural show for the Sri Lanka Day 2024 celebration, you will experience the Sri Lankan folk songs, or “Jana Kavi,” which are cherished for their simple, rhythmic melodies and profound lyrics passed down through generations. These songs cover themes of love, nature, work, and social events. The performance includes traditional songs like “Yaga Gee,” which invoke blessings and ward off negative influences, and other “Jana Gee” celebrating agricultural life, rituals, and festivals. Additionally, “Hela Gee” songs by revered Sri Lankan artists, inspired by Jana Kavi, will be featured. This fabulous performance, directed by Abhiman Hennadige and choreographed by Hasini Ruwanpathirana, was organized
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Sri Lanka Day 2024, a global virtual celebration, will be launched in the United States on the Sri Lanka Foundation International YouTube channel on August 17th, 2024. This event will showcase the rich artistic traditions of Sri Lanka, including music, dance, and visual arts. As part of the cultural show of the Sri Lanka Day 2024 celebration, you will experience Kathak dance, which originates from northern India and features complex footwork, expressive gestures, and rhythmic complexity. Kathak dancers display grace and precision, portraying narratives from mythology, history, and everyday life through expressive dance sequences. You will witness a fusion version of a Kathak performance rich in graceful Kathak movements accompanied by an exciting music track. This performance is choreographed and performed by students of Ms. Rachna Upadhya, Kathak Kala Academy Meet the talented Kathak Kala Academy and get ready to see their amazing performances at Sri Lanka Day on August
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