COLOMBO: The Korean Embassy launched “Korea Week 2022” at Colombo City Centre last week .
This year, the Korean Embassy organised Korea Week in consonance with Vesak which is the most significant festival for Buddhists around the world including in Korea and Sri Lanka. Korea Week 2022 comprised of a lantern exhibition displaying Korean lanterns, a Korean meal box giveaway and a zone for handcrafts resonating the spirit of compassion and kindness during this festival. The Buddhist culture and heritage shared by both countries were highlighted with the display of hanji (Korean) lanterns made in Korea especially for this event and also featured creative collaborations of Korean and Sri Lankan traditions.
Delivering welcoming remarks, Korean Ambassador H.E. Santhush Woonjin JEONG emphasised the significance of celebrating Vesak and the importance of cultural cooperation. “Korea Week 2022 is a demonstration of the perfect synergy shared by Korea and Sri Lanka. In harmony with the Vesak festival celebrated worldwide including in Korea and Sri Lanka, this event attempts to show a preview of the Seoul Lantern Festival. During the Seoul Lantern Festival, the streets of Seoul are decorated with multi-coloured, life-sized lanterns which sparkle in the Seoul Skyline. The lanterns showcased today are a symbol of our common historical and cultural experiences which have brought our nations together. In that vein, like two friends who become closer due to complementary characteristics, I hope that Korea week 2022 will bring Korea and Sri Lanka closer together.”
Many dignitaries and friends of Korea participated in the opening ceremony of Korea Week 2022. The only Korean Monk Ven. Gakwon in Sri Lanka attended this event. The Embassy appreciates the attendance of Madam Aban Pestonjee, Chairperson and Founder of Abans Group of Companies and Mr. Rusi Pestonjee Chairman of Colombo City Center and CCC’s continuous support to the Korean Embassy.
Envoys of ASEAN countries, where Buddhist heritage is prevalent, were present at this special occasion. The attendance of H.E. Dewi Gustina Tobing Ambassador of Indonesia, H.E. Tan Yang Thai High Commissioner of Malaysia, H.E. Han Thu Ambassador of Myanmar, H.E. Poj Harnpol Ambassador of Thailand and H.E. Ho Thi Thanh Truc Ambassador of Vietnam emphasised the strong relations between Korea, Sri Lanka and ASEAN countries. Meanwhile, Dr. Sunil Nawarathne Director General of National Institute of Education, Legendary Actor Mr. Ravindra Randeniya and Award-Winning Actress Ms. Michelle Dilhara also graced the inaugural event. In particular, the active participation of the Leaders of the Korean Community in Sri Lanka, Mr. Seongcheol Byeon, Kyung Ho Um, Hong Kyu Kwak, Bae Kyung Ho, Beomchul Kim and Kisu Lee contributed to the success of this event.
“Korea Week 2022” was an opportunity for people from all walks of life to gather in Colombo to witness the beautiful lanterns and decorations that reflect the traditional Korean culture and Buddhism. The true essence of Vesak, on the 15th of May, a Korean meal box was provided for visitors at the Lantern Festival.
