COLOMBO — Marking the 55th anniversary of the diplomatic ties between Viet Nam and Sri Lanka, the Embassy of Viet Nam launched the “Viet Nam Film Show 2025 in Colombo,” a cultural event running from July 22 to July 24 at the Lighthouse Auditorium of the Lakshman Kadiragamar Institute.
The commemoration ceremony and inauguration took place on July 21 at the same venue, bringing together key figures including Hon. Speaker of the Parliament of Sri Lanka as Chief Guest. Also in attendance were the Hon. Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs; Hon. Deputy Speaker of the Parliament, Hon. Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Employment and Hon. Deputy Minister of Plantation and Community Infrastructure, along with officials from various ministries, government bodies, Sri Lankan friends, the Vietnamese community in Sri Lanka, and members of the media.
The opening program featured welcome remarks and inspirational speeches by Ambsassdor Trinh Thi Tam and Hon. Speaker Jagath Wickramaratne. Attendees enjoyed an overview of the films scheduled for screening, alongside recognition ceremonies for winners of online quiz and logo design competitions centered on Viet Nam–Sri Lanka bilateral relations. Additionally, an ongoing translation of the celebrated Vietnamese book “Nhật ký Đặng Thùy Trâm” (Dang Thuy Tram’s Diary, also known as Last Night I Dreamed of Peace) into Sinhalese by Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs Hiniduma Sunil Senevi was introduced, followed by a song titled “Viet Nam – Sri Lanka Song,” composed by a Sri Lankan musician, Mr. Mohamed Iqbal.
The event was further enlivened by Vietnamese song and dance performances by Sri Lankan children from Abakote, under the guidance of Truc Lam Monastery, the first temple of Viet Nam in Sri Lanka, as well as Vietnamese delicacies such as Nem, Banh mi, displaying the vibrant culture and heritage of Viet Nam.
From July 22 through 24, the film show offers a free viewing experience each evening starting at 5:00 pm, featuring three outstanding Vietnamese movies daily: “Peach Blossom, Pho and Piano” (Đào, phở và piano), a poignant wartime tale set in Hanoi; “Wandering Grandma” (Bà già đi bụi), a heartwarming family adventure; and “Childhood Moon” (Vầng trăng thơ ấu), a nostalgic reflection on youth and memory.
The Embassy warmly invites all Sri Lankans and members of the international community in Sri Lanka to attend this captivating film festival with free entrance, celebrating decades of friendship and cultural exchange between Viet Nam and Sri Lanka.
