Karachi hosts Sri Lankan dance event to mark cultural ties with Pakistan

KARACHI: A Sri Lankan cultural performance titled Kanya was staged in Karachi as part of a joint effort by the Arts Council of Pakistan and the Consulate General of Sri Lanka, with organisers presenting the event as an expression of cultural connection between the two countries.

The gathering brought together Sri Lankan Consul General Sanjeewa Pethiyagoda, Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi President Ahmed Shah, diplomats and consuls general from several countries, along with business figures and members of the arts community. Proceedings opened with the national anthems of Pakistan and Sri Lanka, followed by a traditional Sri Lankan oil lamp-lighting ceremony, described at the event as a symbol of friendship, unity and cultural harmony.

The programme was led by Sri Lankan choreographer and dance director Chandana Wickramasinghe, whose troupe presented a mix of traditional dance, fusion and percussion. Wickramasinghe said he had previously performed in Pakistan and had again received an encouraging response from the audience in Karachi.

He said this was his fifth trip to Pakistan and his third appearance at the Arts Council. "This is my fifth visit to Pakistan and my third performance on the Arts Council stage. The Pakistani audience has always appreciated my choreography and dance"

Explaining the name of the production, Wickramasinghe said Kanya means virgins and also serves as the brand name of his dance company. He added that after the Pakistan tour, the troupe was due to travel to Paris for a month-long engagement.

The choreographer also spoke warmly about Pakistan’s artistic traditions and recalled attending the Theatre Arts Festival on the same stage two years ago, where he said he had seen a broad range of performances.

"I love your culture. I love Pakistani songs, dance, and especially the arts"

Calling for peace, he also said he was pleased to be back in the country. "We need peace. Every country needs peace. I'm happy to be here again, and I hope to see you all very soon"

Consul general highlights people-to-people links

Addressing the audience, Consul General Sanjeewa Pattiwila said he was happy to be in Karachi and to celebrate what he described as the strong relationship between Pakistan and Sri Lanka. He said cultural exchange has an important role in drawing the people of the two countries closer and thanked the Arts Council of Pakistan and the organisations involved in arranging the event.

Dance line-up featured traditional and contemporary pieces

The cultural show included a sequence of Sri Lankan performances presented by Wickramasinghe’s troupe. The items listed in the programme were Ukusa (Rhythm), Naga Raksha, Ragum Gee, Ridhmanjali, Peacock (Fusion in Blue), Thelme, Hoiya Hoiya, Ridhma Rata, Abhisheka, Salina Lelina, and Rathna Deepa Janmabhoomi.

The performances drew strong applause from the audience, with the evening framed as part of broader efforts to deepen cultural relations between Pakistan and Sri Lanka.