HT
Correspondent, Hindustan Times
Gurgaon,
February 13, 2013
Enchanted with the display of craftsmanship at the
ongoing Surajkund International Crafts Mela, Sri Lankan high commissioner
Prasad Kariyawasam said he was keen to hold a similar fair in his country.
Kariyawasam visited the 15-day annual fair on Tuesday, which was observed as Sri
Lanka Day.
While addressing the media, the diplomat said that a
discussion will be held with the Surajkund Mela authority in this regard. The
fair would not only prove economically beneficial for both the countries, but
would also promote the tradition of handicrafts.
“Also, to have good relations with a developing
country like India is a matter of great significance for Sri Lanka,” he added.
He said that the Haryana government has provided the
artistes and craftsmen with an international platform. Comparing the culture of
both the countries, he said that Sinhala language of Sri Lanka is quiet similar
to Sanskrit and Pali languages spoken in India and both the countries have
equal devotion for Buddhism.
“This Mela offers a good cultural exchange between
people of both friendly countries, and now we too will be replicating the Mela
in Sri Lanka from this year, to be known as National Crafts Fai,” Kariyawasam
said.
He said that Sri Lanka and India share similar
cultural heritage.
Indians constitute the maximum number of tourists
visiting Sri Lanka and similarly, India is the first choice for Sri Lankan
tourists.
“Craftsmen of Sri Lanka
and India are benefitted by participating in Surajkund Mela and Mela is a
benchmark for economic development of the participants of the two countries.”
Sri Lanka has been
taking part in the Mela since 2008, Kariyawasam said adding, “Surajkund Mela
has grown from strength to strength and it is very neatly organised and best
presented Mela.”
The envoy also said that
there was definite connection between Sri Lanka and India in terms of cultural
heritage.
The Sri Lankan
civilization was originated from India and Buddhist travelogues of these two
neighbouring countries testify this fact.
Sri Lanka Day
celebration was an attempt to encourage other countries to participate in the
event in years to come.
Vijai Vardhan, principal
secretary, Haryana Tourism, said, “Both the countries have cultural
similarities. A circuit is being planned for Buddhists in Kurukshetra and
Yamunanagar, which should bring more Sri Lankan tourists to our country.”
