The Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB), in partnership with the Sri Lankan Embassy in the Netherlands, showcased the country's rich culture, tourism, and heritage at the Embassy Festival 2024 held on 7 September in The Hague. The event served as a platform to promote Sri Lanka's tourism potential to Dutch and international visitors, encouraging more travelers from the European continent to explore the island’s unique attractions.
The festival, an annual celebration organized by the Municipality of The Hague, attracted over 60,000 visitors. This year, it was inaugurated by Mayor Jan Van Zanen, with participation from 46 embassies and international organizations. Sri Lanka’s stalls became a popular highlight, drawing significant interest from the crowd. Visitors were treated to an immersive experience, with tourism promotional materials such as videos, brochures, and maps distributed to those curious about the island nation. Many who had already visited Sri Lanka returned to share their fond memories.
The stalls featured Sri Lankan handicrafts, including wooden masks, soft toys, batik, reed, and brassware products. These items, along with Sri Lankan tea, were in high demand, while the authentic Sri Lankan cuisine served at the event captivated attendees. Traditional dishes such as yellow rice and curry, string hoppers, egg hoppers, kottu, jackfruit cutlets, vadai, and kokis were enjoyed by many, with food becoming a focal point of Sri Lanka’s presence at the festival.
Adding to the cultural experience, children from the Sri Lankan community in the Netherlands performed traditional Sri Lankan dances, mesmerizing the crowds with their vibrant costumes and rhythmic movements. The Embassy also joined the cultural parade, contributing to the festival’s colorful and diverse procession.
Ambassador Rekha Gunasekera commended her team at the Embassy and the Sri Lankan community for their dedication and efforts, which made the event a resounding success. The Embassy’s participation in the festival highlighted Sri Lanka’s multifaceted charm, from its cultural heritage to its diverse tourism offerings, leaving a lasting impression on visitors.
Author - Usemee.lk