The Department of Commerce marked the commencement of official duties for the New Year 2026 on 1 January 2026 with a simple ceremonial event held at the Department premises. The event was graced by Mr.K.A.Vimalenthirarajah , Secretary to the Ministry of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Co-operative Development, who attended as the Chief Guest.

Proceedings began with the lighting of the traditional oil lamp, symbolizing prosperity and auspicious beginnings. A two-minute silence was thereafter observed in remembrance of those who lost their lives due to Cyclone Ditwah, and in honour of the members of the tri-forces, war heroes, and all individuals who made the supreme sacrifice in service of the Motherland.

The Oath of Public Servants was solemnly read out by the staff, reaffirming their commitment to integrity, responsibility, and public service. Ms. Ameena Mohin, Director General of Commerce extended New Year wishes to all staff members. The Secretary, in his address, also conveyed his best wishes for the New Year and commended the staff for their dedication and service.

During the ceremony, it was informed to the Secretary that the staff of the Department of Commerce had collectively contributed a sum of Rs.600,000 to the “Rebuilding Sri Lanka” Disaster Relief Fund to assist individuals affected by Cyclone Ditwah. The Secretary appreciated this collective gesture and commended the staff for their social responsibility.

The ceremony concluded with the sharing of traditional Sri Lankan sweets and milk rice, fostering unity and goodwill among the staff for the year ahead.

The Embassy of Sri Lanka in Washington D.C. opened its doors for American visitors as part of Passport DC’s
‘Around the World Embassy Tour’ from 09.30 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. on Saturday, 03 rd May, 2025. Under the advice
and guidance of Ambassador Mahinda Samarasinghe, the Embassy made elaborate arrangements to promote Sri Lanka as an exciting tourist destination. Over 4,200 US nationals, as officially verified by the organizers of the Passport DC, visited the Embassy during the event.
As a unique feature of the event, a photographic exhibition of over 80 colorful photographs titled “Beauty of Sri Lanka” depicting the ancient cultural heritage, natural beauty with a special emphasis on wild life and the people of Sri Lanka, was presented by the "America - Sri Lanka Photographic Art Society Los Angeles" led by Suriya Perera, Andy Samarasena, Lakshitha Karunarathna, Sameera Kotelawala and Riznad Hussain, captured
the attention of all attendees.

The visitors were treated to traditional Sri Lankan hospitality and were able to sample authentic Sri Lankan cuisine having witnessed live cooking demonstrations of preparing of Kottu Roti and Hoppers, and Rice & Curry. The Embassy also offered all the visitors a freshly brewed cup of hot or iced Ceylon tea sponsored by “Basilur (Sri Lanka)” and “QTrade Teas & Herbs (California, USA)”. Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau provided valuable funding assistance for organizational activities.Traditional Sri Lankan dances depicting up-country, low-country and northern dancing styles and drumsshowcased the vibrant diversity of Sri Lanka’s rich cultural heritage. The performances were provided at regular intervals by students from four local academies led by Chathuri Wickramarachchi, Lanka Mudannayake, Indika Attanayake and Achila Perera, and was a key attraction that captivated guests
throughout the day.

The Embassy made special arrangements for the “Serendib” band, led by Kutila Dias, to perform Sri Lankan songs throughout the day, supported by local Sri Lankan singers. The performances captivated the crowd, offering a rich experience that highlighted Sri Lanka's musical heritage.
Another highlight organized by the Embassy to mark the occasion, was a photo opportunity while clad in traditional Sri Lankan attire. Many Americans queued up to drape themselves in Kandyan sarees, while the men tried on vivid batik sarongs and shirts. Sri Lankan traditional handicrafts comprised of wooden masks, drums, bags, batik wear, brass items, paintings, Ceylon spices and tea were on display in three separate stalls set up at the Embassy garden, sponsored by Sri Lankan-American vendors that proved another major

attraction for the visitors. A Sri Lankan-American-owned company offered tourism packages that captured the interest of attendees eager to explore Sri Lanka's rich cultural heritage and scenic landscapes. The Embassy delighted visitors by presenting them with complimentary packs of Ceylon tea, generously sponsored by Basilur Tea (Sri Lanka). This gesture contributed towards the promotion of the rich heritage of Ceylon tea among attendees. On a request made by the Embassy, voluntary support was extended by the members of six Sri Lankan
community based Associations in Washington DC, Maryland and Virginia. The Sri Lanka Association of Washington DC, Sri Lanka Ranga Kala Kavaya, Kala Lanka Foundation, Ape Kattiya/American Sri Lankan Friendship Foundation, Bethesda Api, Organization of Sri Lankan Americans for Sri Lanka and Friends of Sri Lanka of Greater Washington Area helped in the smooth running of this day-long event that attracted a large number of visitors throughout the day. 

The open house launched under a special event, “Passport DC”, was organized by Events DC in partnershipwith over 60 foreign Missions based in Washington D.C. including the Embassy of Sri Lanka. It is a month-long festival in May that pays tribute to Washington D.C.'s thriving international diplomatic community and its lively and varied culture. As part of the festival, the first Saturday in May, the ‘International Cultural Awareness Month’ in Washington D.C., is devoted to Embassy open houses.

Organized annually, Passport DC showcases Washington D.C.'s embassies and cultural organizations with a wide range of performances, discussions, and exhibits. It has become very popular among Americans in the Greater Washington area (Washington D.C., State of Maryland and Northern Virginia, and surrounding metropolitan area), as it gives them a rare opportunity to enjoy many aspects of foreign cultures and traditions in a single day.

Embassy of Sri Lanka
Washington D.C.       
06 th May 2025