Mumbai: The Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Mumbai hosted a combined event on Sri Lanka trade and tourism promotion and a celebration of Christmas on 19 December 2024. The event commenced with blessings from Reverend Father K.T Emmanuel representing Cardinal Oswald Gracias, the Archbishop of Bombay, who shared insights into the meaning of Christmas, focusing on the themes of peace and humanity, and conducted Christmas prayers.

According to Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Sri Lanka, the event was further enhanced by Christmas carol performances by the ‘Our Lady of Dolours Church Choir.’ Additionally, the event featured the screening of videos promoting Sri Lankan trade and tourism and a networking session. In her address, the Acting Consul General of Sri Lanka in Mumbai, Shirani Ariyarathne, highlighted the peace, harmony, and unity demonstrated by Sri Lankans and emphasized the religious, cultural, trade, and economic cooperation between India and Sri Lanka.

Attending the event, CEO of the India Business Gr
oup (IBG), Priya Pansare, conveyed Christmas greetings to the Sri Lankans and introduced key partners of IBG while also sharing success stories of collaboration with Sri Lanka in 2024. The Consulate was decorated in classic Christmas decorations, with a meticulously crafted nativity scene depicting Jesus’s manger as the key highlight of the day.

The Sri Lankan community based in Mumbai and members of the India Business Group participated in the event. The event marked a unique blend of trade exploration, tourism promotion, and festive cheer that brought together esteemed members of the IBG, who were introduced to potential investment opportunities and business partnerships in Sri Lanka. The beauty of Sri Lanka’s landscapes and rich culture was portrayed through tourism, MICE, and trade promotional videos that captivated the audience.

The event concluded with an interactive networking session followed by a dinner.