Celebrating the 40th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Korea and Sri Lanka this year, the Embassy of the Republic of Korea, the National Unification Advisory Council South West Asia Chapter, the Korean Residents Association of Lanka, and the Korean Businessmen’s Association in Sri Lanka successfully held the Korean Cultural Festival 2017 at the Bishop’s College Auditorium on July 1. The festival was organized in partnership with the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Wayamba Development and Culture Affairs of Sri Lanka, and the Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation. A number of corporate sponsors such as, Carnival World, Hyundai Engineering and Construction, Keangnam Enterprises, Kolon Global, Korean Air, LG Abans, Samsung, SM Line Corporation, and S&S Lanka Gloves supported generously.
On this occasion, Korean Ambassador Chang Won-sam presented a welcome speech and Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs Palitha Thewarapperuma, Wayamba Development and Cultural Affairs, as Chief Guest graced the festival, with the participation of about 1,000 guests from all walks of life, including government officials, media, citizens, students and Korean expatriates.
The Korean Cultural Festival consisted two main events: (1) the Quiz-on Korea and (2) the K-Pop World Festival. About 70 participants in the Quiz-on Korea competed on knowledge about Korean culture, history, language and lifestyle. At the K-Pop World Festival, 18 teams comprising talented Sri Lankan vocalists and/or dancers showed their K-pop spirits on stage, and 3 special performances were also presented by last year’s winner and two Korean student teams.
Meanwhile, the Korea Week organized by the Korean Embassy will start on the 40th anniversary day, November 14, and continue until November 20. During the Korea Week, various events will take place to celebrate the 40th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Korea and Sri Lanka: cultural performances of Nanta* (BMICH, November 14-15), the Korean Film Festival 2017 (NFC Theatre, November 17-20), the Korean Cultural Experience Event (TBC, November 18), the Korean Language Speech Contest (TBC, November 18), issuance of commemorative stamps (November 14), a television documentary screening on the diplomatic ties (Rupavahini TV, November 18), and the Korean Ambassador’s and Kukki won Cup Taekwondo Championship (TBC, November 19). In addition, the Korea Navy Cruise Training Task Group is scheduled to visit the Colombo Port (October 26-29).
* NANTA, derived from the traditional Korean instrumental performance “Samulnori”, is a musical performance gaining popularity worldwide.