DUBAI, 3 January 2022 – The Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka celebrated its National Day at Expo 2020 on Monday with a visit from Foreign Minister Hon Professor Gamini Lakshman Peiris, who highlighted the country’s export potential and opened a series of cultural festivities, including a beautifully-choreographed show that presented the history of Sri Lanka from its beginnings to the present day.
The Minister was welcomed by His Excellency Ahmed Al Sayegh, Minister of State; His Excellency Khalid Nasser Sulaiman Al Ameri, Director of West Asia Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; and Najeeb Al Ali, Executive Director, Office of the Commissioner General, Expo 2020 Dubai.
HE Al Sayegh said: “By adopting the theme ‘Opportunities beyond waters’, one that is quite fitting for a country that has the highest waterfall density in the world, the Sri Lanka Pavilion highlights how this friendly nation innovatively transforms challenges into opportunities, along with its tremendous capacity for entrepreneurship.
“We are proud to say that our two countries have enjoyed strong and friendly relations for decades, with the UAE being the largest trading partner of Sri Lanka in the Middle East, and collaboration extending across a diverse number of sectors, such as trade and investment, environmental cooperation, as well as mutual support on the international stage.
“Through Sri Lanka’s strong participation at Expo 2020 and beyond, we aim to further fortify our relations and foster new opportunities for collaboration that will lead to the mutual benefit of our nations.”
In an interview, Hon Professor Peiris said: “Expo 2020 is a wonderful opportunity for Sri Lanka to showcase our unique offerings. We have many inherent strengths: the warmth and hospitality of our people in the tourism sector; the scenic beauty of the island and its cultural heritage; our value-added exports of Ceylon tea; world-famous sapphires; and spices, of which we produce 85 per cent of the world’s cinnamon
“We have 300,000 Sri Lankans living and working in the UAE. They contribute to the economy here and send valuable foreign exchange back to their home country. Not only does the UAE and Sri Lanka have excellent bilateral relations but our people-to-people relations are robust as well, which adds a strong dimension to our relationship.”
Later, at a media briefing, Hon Prasanna Ranatunga, Sri Lanka’s Minister of Tourism, described Expo 2020 as an opportunity for Sri Lanka to market itself to the world, and thanked the UAE for “giving the opportunity to the world to come together under one umbrella.”
‘The Pearl of the Indian Ocean’, staged during the ceremony, was a colourful choreographed presentation of the heritage of Sri Lanka, portraying phases of agriculture, medicine and healing, Mother Nature and astrology, and blending traditional dancing with entertainment and drumming.
The Sri Lanka Pavilion, which on Monday unveiled a flawless, vivid yellow sapphire to showcase the country’s natural resources, highlights the country’s best tourist attractions, its investment and business opportunities, as well as its timeless ruins, rail network, world-class culinary scene, preserved ecosystems and stunning spiritual monuments.
National and Honour Days at Expo 2020 Dubai are moments to celebrate each of our 200-plus International Participants, shining a light on their culture and achievements, and showcasing their pavilions and programming.
Running until 31 March 2022, Expo 2020 has invited visitors from across the planet to join the making of a new world in a six-month celebration of human creativity, innovation, progress and culture.
