Sri Lanka's 59th Independence Day Celebration in Los Angeles February 4
Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Los Angeles Hosts Sri Lankan Independence Day Celebration on Feb. 4; Flag Hoisting Ceremony, Cultural Music, Dance, Ethnic Foods and more.
Los Angeles, CA (PRWEB) January 29, 2007 -- The Consulate General of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka announces a public celebration commemorating the 59th anniversary of Sri Lanka's independence from the United Kingdom. This celebration of independence will take place on Sunday, the 4th of February at the Japanese American National Museum, located at 369 East First Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012. The festivities commence at 9:30a.m. This cultural event is open to all and free to the public.
A cultural show reflecting the tropical island's 2000 year old history will be the highlight of the celebrations, organizers said. Exotic dances belonging to both Sinhalese and Tamil ethnic groups and traditional music of the island's Muslim community will be featured in the varied entertainment offerings.
Aruni Boteju, a choreographer of the ancient school of Kandyan dancing who runs a professional Sri Lankan dancing school in Santa Barbara said: "Our students are extremely excited to be performing at the Sri Lankan Independence Day celebration! They will be dancing to the rhythm of the drums and songs of modern day Sri Lanka but reflecting ancient dancing methods. It will be an alluring mixture of the ancient wisdom combined with modern talents."
The production of Melanie Ranasinghe, another choreographer, will depict more modern dancing forms and images of Sri Lanka. Both choreographers will be presenting the cultural events on behalf of the Sri Lanka America Association.
Jagath Lakpriya, a male choreographer from the dance Saptha Bhumi, will be presenting more traditional dancing elements, on behalf of the Sri Lanka Foundation. The dances will be of the famous Kandyan tradition.
The Sri Lankan Tamils, who have a rich dancing tradition influenced by "Bharatha Natyam," which is like kolattam (a charming dance in which two sticks are used to produce rhythmic sounds while in motion) will also be presenting two performances in the production, a Tamil Association spokesman said.
The celebration will start by hoisting the Sri Lankan national flag and singing the national anthem. There will also be a lamp lighting ceremony, which is traditionally performed on auspicious Sri Lankan occasions. Delicious Sri Lankan refreshments will be served and souvenirs, including a DVD loaded with gorgeous images from the Indian Ocean island nation, will be distributed to all guests. Attendees are expected to include Sri Lankan ex-patriots as well as local dignitaries and culturally interested Angelenos.
###
|
