Friday Nov 15, 2024
Friday Nov 15, 2024
Saturday, 18 May 2013 00:32 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
The Sri Lanka Embassy in Washington DC played host to a record number of over 3,600 US cultural enthusiasts during the sixth annual Passport DC – around the World Embassy Tour on Saturday, 4 May.
In keeping with the Embassy’s ongoing efforts in promoting Sri Lanka as an attractive destination for tourism and business, a series of events were organised to showcase Sri Lanka’s rich cultural heritage, unique hospitality and spectacular natural beauty.
The usually serene Embassy Row in Washington DC became a hive of activity when over 40 Embassies participated in the sixth annual Passport DC around the World Embassy Tour.
The festive atmosphere coupled with an exciting range of events won the hearts of the visitors who were streaming into the Sri Lanka Embassy premises from 10 a.m. to 4 pm. Ambassador Jaliya Wickramasuriya and Priyanga Wickramasuriya were seen mingling with the visitors and greeting them throughout the day. The Embassy staff and their family members were on hand to assist the visitors, respond to their inquiries and brief them on the rich cultural heritage and numerous attractions that Sri Lanka has to offer.
The fashion corner attracted many visitors who were eager to be photographed in traditional Sri Lankan attire. The ladies had the opportunity of wearing sarees including of the Kandyan style. The gents had the opportunity of wearing colorful batik and silk sarongs and shirts.
Another of this year’s highlights was the photographic exhibition depicting Sri Lanka’s cultural and heritage sites, verdant landscape, scenic beaches and glimpses into rural lifestyle. Informative publications and DVDs on Sri Lanka tourism, Ceylon Tea, trade and investments opportunities were distributed among the visitors.
The visitors also experienced Sri Lankan hospitality by being served delectable Sri Lankan cuisine including milk rice, spicy kottu, pol roti with sambol, patties and pancakes. Guests also had the occasion to savor fine Pure Ceylon Tea. Walters Bay iced tea with 100% Pure Ceylon Tea was a perfect drink to quench the thirst on a balmy sunny day.
All visitors departing the Embassy took the opportunity to participate in a free raffle draw which offered attractive prizes from Sri Lanka.
Around the World Embassy Tour is part of the annual Passport DC celebration, a month-long international program organised by the Washington based nonprofit Cultural Tourism DC.
