Vietnamese culture promoted at National Day celebration in Sri Lanka
VOV.VN - The Vietnamese Embassy in Sri Lanka held a ceremony in Colombo on August 24 to mark the 81st anniversary of Vietnam’s National Day (September 2), showcasing Vietnamese culture through traditional costumes, handicrafts, tea and cuisine.
The function was attended by Sri Lankan ministers, political party leaders, representatives of government agencies and businesses from both countries, as well as members of the Vietnamese community in Sri Lanka.
Speaking at the event, Vietnamese Ambassador to Sri Lanka Trinh Thi Tam highlighted Vietnam’s achievements over 81 years since independence, including progress in economic development, social welfare and the country’s growing international standing.
She also highlighted recent developments in Vietnam-Sri Lanka relations, particularly Vietnamese Party General Secretary and State President To Lam’s state visit to Sri Lanka in May 2026, which marked the upgrade of bilateral ties to a Comprehensive Partnership.
The opening of direct air routes between Ho Chi Minh City and Colombo by Vietnam Airlines and Vietjet Air from August 16 is also expected to boost people-to-people exchanges, tourism and economic cooperation.
Culture as a bridge between the two peoples
The celebration featured a strong cultural component, giving Sri Lankan and international guests an opportunity to experience different aspects of Vietnamese cultural heritage.
A highlight was a fashion presentation combining the traditional Vietnamese dress Áo dài and conical hat with traditional Sri Lankan costumes, showcasing similarities and connections between the two cultures.
Guests also watched Vietnamese artisan Dang Dinh Thuong demonstrate tò he, the traditional art of making colourful figurines from glutinous rice flour.
Vietnamese tea culture was also introduced through a demonstration of the delicate art of lotus tea preparation, led by tea expert Lam Dieu Linh.
The event also featured a selection of Vietnamese cuisine, allowing guests to explore flavours associated with the country’s diverse culinary traditions.
Together, the activities offered a more personal introduction to Vietnam, bringing cultural heritage and everyday traditions closer to international audiences.
Strengthening ties through people-to-people exchanges
Sri Lankan Minister of Justice and National Integration Harshana Nanayakkara congratulated Vietnam on its National Day and expressed appreciation for the long-standing friendship between the two countries.
He reaffirmed Sri Lanka’s commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation across a range of areas and helping deepen the newly established Comprehensive Partnership.
Meanwhile, the Vietnamese ambassador also praised the Vietnamese community in Sri Lanka for its contribution to friendship and people-to-people exchanges, particularly through activities promoting Vietnamese culture, cuisine and the Vietnamese language.
For Vietnamese nationals living and working in Sri Lanka, the National Day celebration was also an opportunity to reconnect with their homeland and share its cultural traditions with the wider community.
By bringing Vietnamese traditions, cuisine and craftsmanship to the heart of the National Day celebration, the celebration offered more than a commemorative occasion. It also showed how culture can serve as a bridge between Vietnam and Sri Lanka, strengthening people-to-people ties as the two countries enter a new phase of partnership.