Sural Nada" a cultural extravaganza by a 15-member troupe from "Vidyarathna Ranga Manjarie", an affiliate of State Dance Ensemble of Sri Lanka was held on 03rd April in Kuwait organized by the Seva Vanitha Unit of the Sri Lanka Embassy, in aid of "Api Wenuven Api" Ranaviru Housing program. Hon. Faiszer Musthapha, Deputy Minister of Tourism of Sri Lanka who was visiting Kuwait for "Sri Lanka Tourism Road Show" was the Chief Guest on the occasion.

Speaking on the occasion Hon. Minister appreciated the Embassy staff for their initiatives in promoting Sri Lankan culture and heritage among the Sri Lankan community and the Kuwaiti people. He added "Sri Lankan community in the Middle East has been rendering a yeoman service to the motherland with their remittance of hard earned foreign exchange which is the main stay of Government's income.

The evening began with the lighting of the traditional oil lamp following which the President of the Seva Vanitha Unit, Mrs. Ramanika Dissanayake delivered the welcome speech. She thanked the Hon. Minister and the Sri Lanka community for their commitment and support for a worthy endeavor toward building houses for the war heroes. She expressed the hope that this cultural show would be of benefit, especially for Kuwaiti people, who are interested in learning more about Sri Lankan culture and relations with Kuwait, at a time vast strides have been made in fostering a long lasting friendship with Kuwait at all levels.

Ambassador Sarath Dissanayake in his speech thanked the Minister for his contribution towards organizing this unique opportunity. He was also grateful to the Sri Lankan community in Kuwait, for their commitment and concern towards the welfare of the war heroes and their families in Sri Lanka.

A special message issued by the President of the Foreign Ministry Seva Vanitha Unit, Madam Deepthi Bogollagama was read out in which she commended the Seva Vanitha Unit for their active role for the promotion of friendship and people to people contacts between Sri Lanka and Kuwait through the medium of culture and arts.
 
The cultural troupe which comprised of a versatile group of artists performed some of the well known traditional and contemporary cultural items in a truly Sri Lankan atmosphere. The items included fire eating, pooja dance, tea plucking, swan dance, salu paliya and many other items which have been well received and appreciated by all. The audience was mesmerized by the troupe with their amazing display of both oriental and western dancing. At the end of the show there was a fashion parade in which the dances clad in Sri Lankan traditional attire performed a cat walk much to the delight of all present. The troupe was given a standing ovation for their breathtaking performance. The funds raised at the show will be donated to the "Api Wenuven Api ".