Glimpse of Serendipity: SRI LANKA in Türkiye

Glimpse of Serendipity: SRI LANKA in Türkiye

As a part of celebrating 2023, marking milestones for Sri Lanka and Türkiye, with celebrating of 75^th Anniversary of Sri Lanka’s independence, 100^th anniversary of founding of the Turkish Republic and the 75^th anniversary of bilateral relations between the two countries, the Embassy recently organized a painting exhibition on Sri Lanka as well as a Sri Lanka Gem and Jewellery exhibition in Ankara.

These events also contribute to make Sri Lanka better known and Sri Lanka’s image in Türkiye and thereby in the long run, contribute to increasing tourism to Sri Lanka.

The gem and jewellery exhibition took place at the official residence of the Ambassador on 26^th November 2023 and Sanray Gems of Sri Lanka exhibited their collection of gems and jewellery items, which consisted of modern design as well as traditional jewellery with semi- precious and precious gemstones. Ambassador explained the background of gem industry of Sri Lanka which dates back to over 2000 years, wide variety of gemstones available in Sri Lanka and famous Sri Lankan gemstones.

Over 30 attendees from the diplomatic corps in Ankara and the Turkish community, including government officials, appreciated the collection and were happy to know about the history of gem industry of Sri Lanka. The event increased awareness on the beauty and the value of Sri Lankan gems and jewellery.

The Embassy also arranged B2B meetings for the Proprietor of Suunray Gems, Mr. Samantha Wickramaarachchi in Istanbul and Trabzon.

The painting exhibition, held on 27^th November 2023, consisted of 25 water-colour paintings and sketches of renowned Sri Lankan Master Water-colourist, Mr. Vasantha Perera. Mr. Perera is visiting Türkiye currently, and is committed to publish a sketchbook on Türkiye, next year.

The paintings depicted Sri Lanka’s unique cultural traditions. In addition, the coffee table books with Mr. Perera’s paintings, Jaffna, Kandy and Colombo were also available at the exhibition.

The Embassy of Sri Lanka in Ankara organized the event in partnership with Sri Lanka’s Hony. Consul for Central Anatolia Region, Nevsehir, Mr. Mahmut Uluer, at the Mimi Hotel. Mr. Uluer, is the owner of Mimi Hotel and also is the owner of Lanka Balloons Ltd., the only hot air balloon company in Sri Lanka.

Mr. Perera is an eminent self-taught artist from Sri Lanka. His early talent manifested itself in naturalistic paintings from childhood, setting the stage for a lifetime of artistic exploration. His contributions to the Sri Lanka Philatelic Bureau is remarkable with  designing of 39 unique stamps celebrating wildlife and nature, which has garnered international praise, symbolizing his place in the annals of art history. Mr. Perera also designed the special commemorative stamps, for both Sri Lanka and Türkiye, to celebrate 75 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries. Stamps and the Special First Day Covers, designed on gratis basis for both countries, are to be launched soon.

The exhibition was attend by over 50, diplomats, Turkish community including art lovers, business community and government officials.

At events, Sri Lankan delicacies and Ceylon Tea was served.