May 2016
People of Ha Noi were treated into an exciting performance of Sri Lankan traditional and contemporary dance presented by Vinyasa Academy of Fine Arts: Youth Dance Ensemble of Sri Lanka.
“Rhythms of Sri Lanka: A Cultural Rhapsody” was held at the Hong Ha Theatre on 7th May, in the Old city area in Ha Noi and was organized by the Embassy of Sri Lanka. It was sponsored by a Sri Lankan well-wisher, Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Viet Nam and Ha Noi People’s Committee. The 400-seated theatre was fully packed.
Performances included a Vandana dance, choreographed to showcase Kandyan, Low Country and Sabaragamuwa dance traditions, Devol Pattini dance depicting a story of a devil possessed woman being cured, Mayura Wannama and Gini Sisila which received much accolade from the audience.
The Chief Guest for the event was Mr. Ngo Van Quy, Vice Chairman of the Ha Noi People’s Committee and was attended by Dr. Nguyen Trung Khanh, Director General of International Cooperation Department of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Ambassador Vu Binh, Deputy Director General of the External Culture and UNESCO Department of Ministry of Foreign Affairs, many Ambassadors, diplomats, representatives of international organizations, Viet Nam-Sri Lanka Friendship Association, Ha Noi Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, members of the Viet Nam Society of travel Agents and Vietnamese public, as well as expats.
The event was widely covered by both printed and electronic media including two major TV stations. Ambassador Hasanthi Urugodawatte Dissanayake was also interviewed on Embassy’s activities to promote Sri Lanka by one of the channels. In fact, this the 5th time up to now, that Vietnamese media covered Sri Lankan +activities organized by the Embassy and 3rdtime by a TV station.
After the performance, a young Vietnamese speaking to VTV24, said that “I was so excited following each drum beat and dances were so beautiful and impressive”. Another commented, “not just the dancing, but the video of Sri Lanka showed how beautiful the country is and indeed the event was a nice way to introduce Sri Lanka to Vietnamese people”. Most of the audience wanted to see more of such performances in the future.
In fact, this the 5th time up to now, that Vietnamese media covered Sri Lankan activities organized by the Embassy and 3rd time by a TV station.
Meanwhile, Ha Noi People’s committee Vice Chairman hosted a special dinner for the Dancing Group as well.
Addressing the audience at the prior to the commencement of the performances, Ambassador introduced Sri Lanka, its multi-ethnic and multi religious culture which has contributed to a colourful and meaningful festivities all year round, origins of dancing and performing arts of the country and representation of most performing arts in the Kandy Esela Perehara. “Cultural diplomacy is not only to promote understanding among people, which is essential for peace, it is also a precursor to economic diplomacy” She further highlighted.
Speaking on behalf of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Dr. Nguyen Trung Khanh, Director General of International Cooperation Department of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism welcomed the audience to the event aimed to boost the exchange of arts and culture between the two countries, highlighting the importance of such activities in further strengthening the traditional friendship and cooperation between Viet Nam and Sri Lanka. “We are delighted to contribute for this splendid event tonight, another important milestone which is bringing bilateral relations into the new heights, encouraging understanding and friendship among the people of the two countries. Today’s performance is a lively testimony of the cultural exchanges which gives an opportunity to Vietnamese audience to enjoy traditional dances of Sri Lanka”, he added.
In fact, this the 5th time up to now, that Vietnamese media covered Sri Lankan activities organized by the Embassy and 3rd time by a TV station.
Meanwhile, Ha Noi People’s committee Vice Chairman hosted a special dinner for the Dancing Group as well.
Addressing the audience at the prior to the commencement of the performances, Ambassador introduced Sri Lanka, its multi-ethnic and multi religious culture which has contributed to a colourful and meaningful festivities all year round, origins of dancing and performing arts of the country and representation of most performing arts in the Kandy Esela Perehara. “Cultural diplomacy is not only to promote understanding among people, which is essential for peace, it is also a precursor to economic diplomacy” She further highlighted.
Speaking on behalf of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Dr. Nguyen Trung Khanh, Director General of International Cooperation Department of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism welcomed the audience to the event aimed to boost the exchange of arts and culture between the two countries, highlighting the importance of such activities in further strengthening the traditional friendship and cooperation between Viet Nam and Sri Lanka. “We are delighted to contribute for this splendid event tonight, another important milestone which is bringing bilateral relations into the new heights, encouraging understanding and friendship among the people of the two countries. Today’s performance is a lively testimony of the cultural exchanges which gives an opportunity to Vietnamese audience to enjoy traditional dances of Sri Lanka”, he added.
The Vinyasa Academy of Fine Arts 2016 led by Mr. Kamal Wimalaweera, Director of the Academy, participated at the Hue International Festival held in the city of Hue in Central Viet Nam from 29th April to 4thMay, performing in three locations in Hue during the festival period. The festival attracted over 250,000 Vietnamese and foreigners to Hue City, a festival held biennially.
The organizers, having viewed the Sri Lankan dance performers, has invited the group to perform at the Closing Ceremony, which is in fact a remarkable achievement for Sri Lankan dancing, as the original festival plan was to have only 02 foreign dancing groups to perform both at the Opening and Closing Ceremonies.
Ambassador of Sri Lanka was a special Guest of Honour at the opening ceremony of the festival along with 18 other Ambassadors. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Viet Nam, H. E. Pham Binh Minh was the Chief Guest.
