Under the theme “Sri Lanka Hospitality 2013”, Sri Lanka Tourism celebrated Sinhala and Hindu New year (Avurudu) at the Negombo beach (Opposite Hotel Camelot). The celebration was rich with Sinhala and Hindu ‘Avurudu’ rituals, which are exclusively found in Sri Lanka.

“Under the guidance of BasilRajapaksa, the Minister of Economic Development, Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) has already taken steps to provide exposure of the unique Sri Lankan culture and rituals to the world and thereby to convey the message that Sri Lanka is a very positive destination. The ‘Avurudu’ celebrations were also done with this purpose,” Sri Lanka Tourism said.

The selection of the ‘Avurudu Kumara’ and ‘Avurudu Kumari’ or the New year Prince and Princess, among the other events, was the most eye-catching event. Miss Yevegenia Kotenko from Russia and Mr Shota Kiladze from Russia have been able to secure ‘ Aurudu Kumari’ and ‘ Aurudu Kumara’ titles for the year 2013 respectively. The event also offered the experience of ‘Aurudu’ sports to the participants who enjoyed pillow fighting, tug of war, bursting of balloons and climbing the grease pole and marking the eye on elephant etc.

All the foreign visitors to the event were warmly welcomed according to the Sinhalese rituals and they were entertained with cultural performances and the beat of the ‘Rabana’. They have also been provided a chance to see how the ‘ Kevum’ or oil cakes are cooked and to taste such freshly cooked oil cakes.