To share the blessings of Ramadan, the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Berlin celebrated the traditional Ifthar on Monday, 11th June 2018, at the Embassy premises. The event was well attended by a large gathering of the Sri Lankan and German Muslim community living in Berlin and representatives from the Sri Lanka Associations in Berlin.

The Ambassadors of Pakistan and Maldives also graced the event and appreciated Sri Lanka’s efforts in promoting ethnic and religious harmony between its communities.

Welcoming the guests, Ambassador Karunasena Hettiarachchi highlighted the significance of Ramadan, the month of introspection, tolerance and restraint, and emphasized the importance of promoting inter-faith harmony for the betterment of the country. Ambassador Hettiarachchi further stated that the celebration of such events highlights Sri Lanka’s multi-ethnic and multicultural nature. The Embassy Ifthar celebration provided an opportunity for the Sri Lankan community to commit to support their brothers and sisters in Sri Lanka in their efforts to achieve unity and reconciliation.

Moulavi Fathiah led the Ifthar prayers and blessed the country, the people of Sri Lanka and the participants. He recalled the significance of Ramadan and how it contributes to self-development and global peace.

The breaking of the fast and prayers were followed by a dinner with Sri Lankan cuisine.

The Embassy of Sri Lanka in Berlin celebrated ‘Vesak’ on Friday 4th May 2018 at the City Hall in Steglitz with the participation of Sri Lankan and German nationals. The program was conducted in German language with the intention of reaching out to the German Buddhist Community. The Vesak commemorative sermon was delivered by Ven. Dr. Wijayarajapura Seelawansa Thero, the Chief Patron of the Austrian Buddhist (Theravada) Association in Salzburg. The dhamma topics discussed at the session provided a deep insight into the teachings of the Lord Buddha. and the participants were encouraged to follow and reflect more deeply on the Buddhist way of life.

The celebrations commenced with a ‘Gilanpasa Buddha Pooja’ and chanting of Seth Pirith by Ven. Mahagama Suvineetha Thero of the Buddhist Temple in Frohnau and other resident Venerable Theros of the Buddhist Temples in Berlin. A meditation session for the participants was conducted by Ven. Rambukwelle Devananda Thero of Berlin Sri Sambodhi Temple. An introductory sermon to the program was conducted by Ven. Santuttho Thero of Germany.

Speaking at the occasion, Ambassador Eng. Karunasena Hettiarachchi highlighted the importance of the Vesak day and the teachings of the Buddha, which convey a timeless message for every individual to live happily and peacefully. At the end of the program the participants were invited to enjoy a Sri Lankan vegetarian meal prepared by the Embassy staff.

In order to commemorate this significant event, the Embassy premises were also decorated with Buddhist flags and colorful Vesak lanterns for a period of one week, creating the Vesak ambiance in Berlin. During his visit to Berlin, Ven. Dr. Wijayarajapura Seelawansa Thero delivered a sermon at the Embassy premises for the benefit of the staff members and their families.

The Ambassador and the staff of the Embassy also collaborated at the special Vesak Day program on 06th May 2018 at the Buddhist Temple in Berlin-Frohnau with the participation of a large gathering of Sri Lankans and Germans. The event included a Vesak Dansala and Bakthi Geetha.

The Embassy of Sri Lanka in Berlin together with the Sri Lanka Associations in Berlin and the Berlin Lions Cricket club organized the Sinhala and Tamil New Year festival on 14th April 2018 at the grounds of Reinickendorf, Berlin.
Highlighting the festive spirit, the ground was decorated with National flags and other traditional items.

Celebrations commenced with the hoisting of the National Flag by Ambassador, Karunasena Hettiarachchi which was then followed by singing of the National Anthem and the lighting of the traditional oil lamp.

Buddhist and Hindu religious observances were conducted to bless the participants and the people of Sri Lanka. Marking the New Year tradition the ‘Kiri ithiriaweema’ was performed anticipating prosperity for the nation.

The Festival provided an immense opportunity for both Sri Lankan and German participants to experience and enjoy traditional Sri Lankan customs and rituals. The participants were keen to take part in the traditional new year games and festivities which included, pillow fight, keeping an eye on the elephant, lime & spoon race, bun eating, tug o’ war, fancy dress parade and ‘avurudu kumariya’ & ‘avurudu kumara’ contests.

Speaking at the occasion, Ambassador Hettiarachchi wished everyone present a happy and a prosperous New Year and highlighted the significance of celebrating New Year which renews family bonds and friendships. Ambassador also thanked members of the community and well-wishers for being present throughout the festival and for their active assistance and contribution in promoting Sri Lanka’s unique traditions and customs in Germany.

All participants were treated to a sumptuous traditional New Year ‘Kevili’ table specially prepared for the occasion.

To mark the 70th Anniversary of the Independence of Sri Lanka, the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Berlin organized a series of events in addition to the official ceremony at the Embassy on 4th February 2018. The celebrations included a reception for the diplomatic community on 5th February, a reception for the Sri Lankan community on 6th February and a Cultural Evening at the Institute for Cultural Diplomacy on 7th February.

The Embassy of Sri Lanka in Berlin is in the process of finalizing arrangements for the participation of ITB 2018.

In view of that, the Embassy would appreciate to receive quotations for the following:

The former Sri Lankan Honorary Consul Mr. Klaus Dames-Willers died on 27th January 2018. Mr. Klaus Dames-Willers served as the Honorary Consul of Sri Lanka for the German Federal States of Bremen and Lower Saxony from 1992 to 2002.