1 week Ago By Sahan Weerasooriya
In a joyful and colourful display of culture and unity, the Sri Lankan community in Mombasa celebrated the Sinhala and Tamil New Year with great enthusiasm, bringing together people from diverse backgrounds in a spirit of togetherness and tradition. The event was hosted by Prageet Seniviratne, Honorary Consul of Sri Lanka in Mombasa and Director of EFL Logistics Mombasa (formerly known as Expo Lanka). Under his leadership, members of the Sinhala, Tamil, and Muslim Sri Lankan communities gathered to celebrate their rich cultural heritage through music, dance, cuisine, and traditional rituals.
Mombasa, a coastal hub with deep trading roots, has long been home to a thriving community of Sri Lankan tea traders. The New Year celebration served as both a cultural showcase and a reaffirmation of the strong bonds between Sri Lanka and Kenya’s coastal region. The event was graced by the presence of former Sri Lankan High Commissioner to Kenya, Kana Kananathan, who attended as the Chief Guest.
In his address, Kananathan praised Honorary Consul Seniviratne for his dedication in strengthening the relationship between Sri Lanka and Mombasa. “This is more than a cultural event—it’s a reflection of the resilience and unity of Sri Lankans living abroad. I commend the Honorary Consul for his exemplary role in advancing diplomatic and commercial ties, and for his commitment to supporting the Sri Lankan business community here in Kenya,” said Mr.
Kananathan. Consul Seniviratne echoed the sentiment, expressing pride in the community’s unity and cultural pride. “Though our numbers in Mombasa may be modest, our impact is meaningful.
Events like this show how powerful we are when we stand together,” he noted. He also reaffirmed his dedication to uplifting Sri Lankan businesses in the region. In a heartfelt tribute, Seniviratne recognised Kananathan’s tenure as High Commissioner, applauding his visionary efforts in unifying Sri Lankan communities across Kenya—a feat that had previously remained out of reach.
The Sinhala and Tamil New Year celebration in Mombasa was a beautiful blend of harmony and heritage, capturing the spirit of community and the enduring bonds that connect Sri Lankans across the world.
