SRI LANKA HOSTS WEDDING CEREMONY FOR 50 CHINESE COUPLES

Sri Lanka hosted 50 young Chinese couples as they entered into wedlock in a glittering wedding ceremony held at the Town-hall Grounds yesterday, further boosting the tourist potential for Sri Lanka in the eyes of the world and promoting it as an ideal destination for couples to enjoy that very special day in their lives.

The colourful event that showcased our nation’s rich culture, the hospitality and friendship shown to another friendly country was an opportunity to enhance Sri Lanka-china religious, trade and cultural ties going back thousands of years.

The ‘Royal Wedding Ceremony’ was held according to traditional Sri Lankan customs with the beating of Magul Bera, ‘Jayamangala Gatha’ and also the exchanging of wedding rings.

Megapolis and Western Development Minister Champika Ranawaka speaking at the occasion said the mass wedding ceremony is sure to strengthen the cultural, religious and trade links between China and Sri Lanka further and act as major boost to tourism as well.

“I want to thank these young couples for choosing Sri Lanka as the destination to have one of the most important events of their lives. No one can provide you with a scenic as well as romantic destination that captures the rich cultural diversity of a country quite like Sri Lanka,” Minister Ranawaka added.

Ministers Ranawaka was joined by Ministers Rajitha Senaratne and John Amaratunga to gave away marriage certificates to the 50 couples.

Ministers Arjuna Ranatunga, Wijith Vijayamuni Soyza, Sri Lanka ambassador in Beijing, Dr. Karunasena Kodituwakku and the Chinese ambassador in Colombo were present at the ceremony. PIX BY NISAL BADUGE