The “Third Annual Communities Convention cum Exhibition” organized by the Islamic Presentation Committee (IPC) under the theme “Islam Unites Us” was held from 11 – 12 June 2010 at the Qortuba – Salim Al-Ali Hall with the participation of a large gathering of Embassy delegations representing over  10 countries (Sri Lanka, Kuwait, India, Pakistan, Indonesia, Benin, Philippines, Ethiopia, China, Nigeria, Sierra Leon) amid an audience of distinguished invitees. 

The event showcased a range of activities from country exhibitions, poetry recitals to cultural shows and bridal presentations under the patronage of respective embassies.   In keeping with its cherished traditions of representing Sri Lanka’s multi-ethnic and multi-cultural social fabric, the members of the  Sri Lankan Embassy Seva Vanitha Unit accompanied by a group of kids from Sri Lankan diaspora in Kuwait took part in all activities organized by the IPC featuring a choir, a perahera, country exhibition and a kids dress parade.



The choir recited a welcome song and a Sri Lankan theme song introducing Sri Lanka’s historical, socio-cultural, touristic and other attractions around the country while a group of kids dressed up in traditional attire walked on the stage representing all major ethnic communities of Sri Lanka  i.e. Sinhalese, Tamils, Muslims, Burghers etc.  Thereafter, a group of boys and girls clad in costumes identical to characters of “Nilame, Hemamala – Dantha Kumaru” paraded in a colorful procession much to the delight of the guests in the audience. 


 
The members of the Seva Vanitha Unit elegantly dressed up in “Kandyan” sarees and adorned with jewellery / ornaments lined up on the stage and sang  Sri Lankan devotional songs which reminded the Sri Lankans of their glorious history and rich heritage.  The finale of  Sri Lankan attractions was  the bridal show in which a group of ladies who modeled bridal costumes representing the traditional Sri Lankan brides displayed their glamour. 

The group of Sri Lankan ladies and kids did their country proud with the display of their talents and rhythm in front of an audience comprised of Kuwaitis and different nationalities representing from over 10 countries.  
 
The Sri Lankan kids who joined the Seva Vanitha members for this unique event included Master Kavishka Madushanka Kavikumara, Miss Nisansala Sandamali Abeysundara, Miss Fathima Shabriya, Miss Virashi Sasansala, Miss Sanduni Perera, Miss Hashika Dissanayake, Samadhi Pathiratne, Miss Induja Indranesan and Miss Dulakshi Nethmini de Silva.  Mrs. Sandya Kodagoda of the Sri Lanka Pasala arranged brides and children for the programme.

Embassy of Sri Lanka
Kuwait
14th June 2010.