The program was supported by Truc Lam Monastery, the first Vietnamese pagoda in Sri Lanka, led by Venerable Phap Quang.

The event was attended by Central Province Governor Professor Sarath Abayakon, the provincial education director, local school principals, students, residents, as well as officials from the Embassy and representatives of the Vietnamese community, fostering an atmosphere of friendship and connection.

In her opening remarks, Ambassador Trinh Thi Tam highlighted the long-standing friendship between the two countries, rooted in shared history, culture and religion. She said cultural exchanges such as this serve as bridges bringing the two peoples closer, strengthening mutual understanding, and opening prospects for cooperation in education, tourism and people-to-people exchange.

Governor Abayakon recalled his affection for Vietnam, its people and President Ho Chi Minh, and expressed appreciation for the Embassy and Vietnamese community in organizing such a cultural event in the province for the first time. He underscored Truc Lam Kandy Monastery as a vivid symbol of Buddhist and people-to-people links, noting its role in cultural and religious exchange as well as community service, education and Vietnamese language teaching –“seeds of culture” that further nurture bilateral ties.

The exchange offered a diverse cultural tapestry, combining traditional folk songs and contemporary music from both countries. Distinctive Vietnamese instruments such as the monochord, zither and bamboo flute were showcased in joint performances. Traditional Cheo opera also won warm response, with some students eager to sing along with the artists.

A highlight came when children from Truc Lam Monastery sang in Vietnamese the song “Đi học” (“Going to School”) and joined Vietnamese artists in dances to “Trống cơm” (“Rice Drum”) and “Việt Nam quê hương tôi” (“Vietnam, My Homeland”).

These performances underscored the growing presence of Vietnamese culture and language in Sri Lanka.

The event reaffirmed the Embassy’s role not only in boosting political and diplomatic relations but also in bolstering cultural and educational cooperation, while connecting communities, and promoting the Vietnamese language. It was part of a series of activities throughout 2025 celebrating Vietnam–Sri Lanka relations, while reinforcing the enduring friendship between the two nations at both national and local levels.

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