The Embassy of Indonesia together with The Sri Lanka Indonesia Friendship Association (SLIFA) organized “THE INDONESIAN FESTIVAL” on Saturday, 10th August, 2024 at the premises of the Embassy of Indonesia, at 400/50, Sarana Road, Colombo 7 commenced at 2.00 pm.
“The Indonesian Festival” was a cultural evening and Bazaar and was organized for the third consecutive year. All proceeds from this event will be in aid of charity.
The Bazaar was declared opened by H.E. Dewi Gustina Tobing, Ambassador of Indonesia for Sri Lanka and Maldives. She was received by the President of SLIFA, Mr. Nihal Jayasuriya and members of the Executive Committee. This Festival also attended by some foreign Ambassador in Sri Lanka.
The Chief Guest for the Indonesian Festival, Cultural show was Ms. Kushani Anusha Rohanadeera, Secretary General of Parliament of Sri Lanka. She was received by H.E. Dewi Gustina Tobing, the Ambassador of Indonesia, Mr. Nihal Jayasuriya, the President of SLIFA and members of the Indonesian Embassy and members of the Executive Committee.
The High light of the event was the Indonesian Pavilion, which show cased the Indonesian Batik Industry with a demonstration of Batik manufacture done by an Indonesian team. In addition, there was a display of Indonesian musical instruments, Indonesian products as well as promotion of tourism of Indonesia.
The Gala Cultural show featured a special Indonesian dance team, Ayodya Pala which was flown in from Indonesia as well as the Sri Lankan Police Cultural troupe and other local artistes. The performances show cased dance items, songs, music and other items both from Sri Lanka and Indonesia, which kept the audience entertained.
On this occasion, Ambassador Dewi Gustina Tobing invited the Ambassador to play Angklung, the music instrument of West Java Province Indonesia and it is made from bamboo.
The Bazaar consisting of 40 trade stalls displayed and sold a wide range of products which included food items, clothing, household items, Handicrafts, Cosmetics, Fancy items, and food. Indonesian food in this festival is incredibly diverse and flavorful with its rich tapestry of cultures and regions. But those can unite the diversity. The visitors of the festival are enjoying the Indonesian food.
The INDONESIAN FESTIVAL was an event for the entire family. It was observed that there was a large participation of Sri Lankan and Expats along with their families who had an enjoyable time.