Take a trip back through Sri Lankan history and culture during “Sihanada: A lion’s dynasty” 5:30 p.m. Sept. 23 in Ritsche Auditorium, Stewart Hall.
“We chose this theme because we wanted to showcase the Sri Lankan flag and what it really means. Each and every part has an extensive meaning,” said Kanishka Amarasinghe, who is the president of the Ayubowan Sri Lanka Organization, who is hosting the event.
The event features live acoustic performances of Sri Lankan music and dances along with a comedy drama, called Kolam, based on a traditional comedic story, said Amarasinghe.
After the entertainment, about 7 p.m., there will be a dinner of authentic Sri Lankan dishes in the Atwood Ballroom.
“There will be a kiosk in the Atwood Memorial Center or you can pick up tickets at the entrance of Ritchie auditorium on the day,” Amarasinghe said. “It will be $8 for students and $10 for others. In the kiosk, it will be $1 less than the regular price.”
The Ayubowan Sri Lanka Organization is an active member of the Educate Lanka Foundation and has held fundraisers in the past to benefit this cause. The group’s members also volunteer locally with the United Way Kids Fighting Hunger charity to package food for communities facing crisis worldwide.
Cultural festivals are one way the university is providing a transformative educational experience for students to help prepare them to be global citizens at home, at work and in their communities. More than 1,000 students from about 90 nations attend St. Cloud State, and cultural festivals give them an opportunity to share elements of their culture with the campus community.
“We are trying to express our cultural values and traditions with the St. Cloud State community and others, so they can take good things from our culture just as we take good things from theirs. A good time to share our true cultural values among everyone,” Amarasinghe said.
To learn more about the Ayubowan Sri Lanka Organization.
