Mumbai: The Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Mumbai organized a promotional event focused on Sri Lanka’s cultural and educational cooperation in collaboration with Somaiya Vidyavihar University. This event aimed to promote cultural exchange and strengthen ties between universities in Sri Lanka and India, emphasizing Sri Lanka’s rich heritage and fostering educational cooperation.
According to Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Sri Lanka, a meeting was also held during the event to discuss potential collaboration between India and Sri Lanka in the sectors of tourism and education. Key attendees included Samir Somaiya, Chancellor of Somaiya Vidyavihar University; Buddhika Hewawasam, Chairman of the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB); Dheera Hettiarachchi, Chairman of the Sri Lanka Convention Bureau (SLCB); and Shirani Ariyarathne, Acting Consul General of the Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Mumbai. The meeting was followed by a networking lunch with the academic staff, along with a campus tour to explore
the university and its facilities.
Chancellor Samir Somaiya expressed his willingness to extend cooperation to strengthen bilateral ties between India and Sri Lanka. Shirani Ariyarathne delivered a speech on the potential cooperation between the two countries. The event also featured addresses by the Chairmen of SLTPB and SLCB, and a virtual address by Samantha Lal Opanayake, Coordinating Officer – Foreign Universities, Faculty of Buddhist Studies of the Nagananda International Institute for Buddhist Studies.
The event included performances by a Sri Lankan dancing troupe from Karunadasa Olaboduwa Dancing Academy, showcasing traditional Sri Lankan dances. Somaiya University and the Maya Somaiya School of Music and Performing Arts contributed traditional Indian classical music performances, a drama on women empowerment, and yoga demonstrations. A video presentation highlighting Sri Lanka’s cultural heritage and the Ramayana Trail with a focus on tourism was also screened.
The Consulate General presented a ph
oto frame of the Esala Perehara to Somaiya Vidyavihar University, followed by felicitations for the distinguished guests. The event was deemed a significant success, showcasing the cultural and educational connections between Sri Lanka and India.
The Consulate General, along with SLTPB, SLCB, and the EDB, organized a visit for the Dean of Dharma Studies from Somaiya University to Sri Lanka from 14 to 16 February 2025, for follow-up discussions with Sri Lankan universities, SLTPB, and SLCB.