Sinhala and Tamil New Year in Berlin
View(s):Under the theme of peace and reconciliation, the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Berlin, Germany, celebrated the Sinhala and Tamil New Year with the participation of more than 250 Sri Lankans and German friends at the Sri Lankan Embassy in Berlin on Saturday, April 25.
The full-day event organized by the Embassy together with the Sri Lankan Association in Berlin started with the lighting of the oil lamp and religious observances. To mark the harmony among the people, boiling milk (kiri ithiraveema) was also held at an auspicious time during the morning. After the religious rites, blessings were conducted by members of both Buddhist and Hindu clergy.
Ambassador Karunatilaka Amunugama highlighted the cultural significance of the Sinhala Tamil New Year. “This clearly demonstrates the deep-rooted common bond and cultural heritage between Sinhalese and Tamils in Sri Lanka. Let us all continue to uphold and cherish that common bond and heritage among us and wish that all our people in Sri Lanka will live in peace and harmony as just one family,” he said.
Traditional games such as kanamuttiya bindeema, kamba edema, and others were played and the German guests, who attended the event, also participated. More than 40 children also enjoyed the event.
All who attended the event were treated to a traditional New Year breakfast with milk rice (kiribath) with the Sri Lankan sweets mung kavum, kokis, welithalapa and peni walalu as well as pure Ceylon tea. A traditional buffet lunch followed.
Ambassador Karunatilake Amunugama appreciated the support given by the Sri Lankans living in Germany and pointed out that Sri Lankans needed to teach the cultural and traditional practices to the young generation as well. The event concluded after singing the National Anthem.