MSL holds Mother Sri Lanka Festival

Sri Lanka celebrated its 71st National Independence Day on February 4. The ‘Mother Sri Lanka’ movement (MSL) promotes Independence Day of the nation as the most appropriate day that all Sri Lankans can celebrate the “Pride of being Sri Lankan”.

Hence, they launched an annual event aptly named the “Love Sri Lanka Festival” to be held on the eve of the Independence Day, with the first festival held on February 3, 2018; in lieu of the 70th Independence Day, in the presence of President Maithripala Sirisena.

The ‘Love Sri Lanka Festival 2019’ was held over two days, from February 2 to 3, at the Viharamahadevi Grounds. It was a celebration of Sri Lankan culture, art, craft, street drama, local fashion and accessories, as well as music and entertainment displayed and demonstrated during two days of festivities.

The Love Sri Lanka Festival commenced on February 2 at 10.00 am, following the hoisting of the national flag and the recital of the national anthem, with the participation of State Finance Minister Eran Wickremaratne, who was the chief guest at the opening ceremony. The closing ceremony was held on February 3, with the participation of Opposition Leader Mahinda Rajapaksa.

As promised by the organisers, participants were given a feast of local delicacies, ranging from kiriappa to paniappa, from isso wade to kottu, from roasted bread sandwiches to ulunduwadai, kalu dodol, muscat, and thousands of other local food types.

There was also faluda, plain tea with jaggery, a wide range of fresh juices, and fresh milk. Famous artistes such as Wilson Gunaratne, Dilantha Malagamuwa and Sunil Perera provided entertainment during the evenings with their special performances.

In addition, there were display stalls and cultural performances set up and conducted by Mother Sri Lanka school clubs representing all regions of the country.

Furthermore, artworks, handicrafts, clothes, and plants were also available at the event, to support small and medium-scale entrepreneurs.

Established in 2008, Mother Sri Lanka (MSL) is a non-profit, non-political Sri Lankan movement which brings together the collaborative efforts of the public, private, and non-profit sectors focusing on the educational, socio-economic, spiritual, and cultural development of Sri Lankans.