Bangladeshi artistes captivate Colombo

A cultural presentation by Bangladeshi artistes captivated guests in the Sri Lankan capital of Colombo on Monday. The programme was held at the Western Province Aesthetic Resort, where Sri Lanka's Minister for Internal Affairs, Wayamba Development and Cultural Affairs, SB Nawinnaand and Bangladeshi ambassador to Sri Lanka, Tariq Ahsan were present. Ambassadors and senior officials from various embassies, cultural personalities, government officials, members of the Bangladesh embassy and the audience also enjoyed the performance. Led by noted dancer-choreographer Tamanna Rahman, a dance troupe presented folk and contemporary dance, while singers Bhagiroth Malo and Anjali Ghosh Durga rendered Baul songs at the event.

Earlier in the day, a 19-member cultural delegation, led by Cultural Affairs Minister Asaduzzaman Noor, reached the country. This is the first tour of a cultural troupe from Bangladesh to Sri Lanka, as part of the two countries' cultural exchange initiatives. Bangladesh and Sri Lanka are observing 40 years of diplomatic relations this year.

Asaduzzaman Noor  met  SAARC Cultural Centre's director Wasanthe Kotuwella, and discussed issues including naming a Bangladeshi city as SAARC Cultural Capital this year, and Bangladesh's participation at the SAARC Film Festival, to be held in Colombo.

The Bangladeshi Minister also inaugurated the Bangladesh Gallery at Kandy's International Buddhist Museum on Tuesday. On Wednesday, the cultural troupe performed at the Kandy Provincial Council Auditorium.