The inaugural Sinhalese Heritage Day and 43^rd Annual New Year Celebration organized by the Sri Lanka Canada Association of Ottawa (SLCAO) was held at the Parliament in Canada on 27^th April 2019. This event was organized in collaboration with Canada Sinhalese Association of Toronto, Sri Lanka United National association (SLUNA) of Toronto, Sri Lanka Canada Association of Manitoba (SLAM) and Friends of Sri Lanka in Montreal among others.

The ceremony comprised of Sri Lankan cultural dance/music performances, heritage stations exhibiting various aspects of Sinhalese heritage and complementary traditional Sri Lankan Food. The Sri Lanka High Commission station promoted Sri Lanka as a tourist destination and served complementary Ceylon tea to the visitors who attended the event.

Addressing the large gathering at the ceremony Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner to Canada, Asoka Girihagama stated that the Sinhalese Heritage Day recognizes the contribution made by the Sri Lankan community to the Canadian society and showcases the richness of the its language, tradition and culture and that the occasion was also a good opportunity to educate the younger generations on the contributions of their ancestors while enabling them to reflect on Sri Lanka’s national heritage and their contribution to Canada.

High Commissioner also noted that Sinhalese Heritage Day was an opportunity to remember, celebrate and preserve the Sri Lankan culture and heritage while also enabling the future generations to be inspired by the important role played by the Sinhalese community in Canada.

The event was attended by Member of Parliament of Canada, Chandra Arya who is also a member of the Canada - Sri Lanka Parliamentary Friendship Group, distinguished personalities and the staff of the High Commission and many attendees from across Canada. Sri Lanka's Consul General in Toronto, Mr. Kapila S. Jayaweera also graced the occasion.

Sri Lanka High Commission

Ottawa

01^st May 2019