A unique meetup of Sri Lankans in UAE

The walk was adorned with traditional performances by various Sri Lankan community groups including children.

Thousands of Sri Lankans thronged the Zaabeel Park on Friday to celebrate the Sri Lankan Day event, hosted by the Consulate General of Sri Lanka to mark two events - the 70th anniversary of Independence of Sri Lanka as well as 25th Anniversary of establishing Sri Lanka Consulate General in Dubai.
The event began at 10am with a photography competition for amateurs which was followed by a host of other activities such as legal clinic session by Sri Lankan lawyers, blood donation drive, while popular Sri Lankan bands in the UAE played on the stage at the park. The event aimed to remember and honour all national heroes who devoted and sacrificed their lives for independence and sovereignty of Sri Lanka.
The UAE-Sri Lanka friendship walk - a distinctive walk symbolising the strong relationship between the two countries - began at 2pm. The walk was adorned with traditional performances by various Sri Lankan community groups including children.
Cultural shows depicting the rich Sri Lankan heritage - traditional dances, orchestra, dramas and songs based on patriotism themes - commenced from 4pm.
Addressing his countryman gathered at the open amphitheatre at Zaabeel park, Consul-General of Sri Lanka Charitha Yattogoda said: "Dubai, which saw skyrocketing development under the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has always been a model for development for cities across the globe. The UAE has been an inspiration for Sri Lanka to sketch ambitions in its trajectory on the way to becoming a metropolitan hub."
Sri Lankan expat Fayyaz had come to the park with his family, relatives and his college friends representing the St Sylvester's College OBA UAE. "As soon as I parked my car and entered the park, I felt as if I was home. I have never seen so many Sri Lankans together in one place. I could smell Sri Lankan food and hear people talk in our mother tongue, Sinhalese. The feeling was fantastic as my college friends also joined me here as part of our old boys associations. I want to thank the Consulate of Sri Lanka for making us feel home and hosting such a programme that reminded us of our roots, our country and giving us an occasion to celebrate together.
Speaking about the gathering, Sri Lankan expat Anosh said: "This is a very important event for us as this is the first time we are witnessing an unprecedented gathering of Sri Lankans in one place in the UAE. The line up of activities assembled today from morning 10am to night 11pm has never been done before. It showcases the cultural diversity of Sri Lankan community."
saman@khaleejtimes.com