CulturalFest Preview: Explore Sri Lanka
An interview with Thilini, the leader of the Sri Lanka booth at the upcoming CulturalFest International Expo.
Here's Thilini! Photo credit: Irfan Syahdan
Visiting the CulturalFest International Expo on February 7 is a way to travel the world in just one day - and to do it for free! The Expo features booths led by University of Washington international students from all over the world who are eager to teach others about their home communities and cultures.
In the weeks leading up to the event, we'll be featuring interviews with some of the students to give a sneak peek into what visitors to the Expo can see and learn. The interview below is with Thilini Kahandawaarachchi, a graduate student from Sri Lanka who is studying international studies at the University of Washington.
What will CulturalFest visitors be able to see and do at your booth to learn about Sri Lanka?
The visitors at the Sri Lanka booth will have the chance to experiment world famous “Ceylon Tea” and also a wide variety of Sri Lankan spices. Among other things, the booth will also feature some Sri Lankan handicrafts, currency and posters of popular attractions. The national flag, which is known as the “Lion Flag” and the traditional Sri Lankan attire will also be on display. The visitors will also get the opportunity to learn a few basic phrases in local languages, listen to local music, watch videos and write their name in Sri Lankan languages and take part in a few typical Sri Lankan games.
What do you most want people to know about Sri Lanka?
Sprawling tea gardens in Talawakele. Photo Credit: Hiranya Malwatta
Being Sri Lankan, one of the most frequently asked questions is whether Sri Lanka is part of India. It is an island located at the southern tip of the Indian sub continent and India is our neighbour, with whom we’ve had strong ties since time immemorial. However, Sri Lanka is an independent country and is not part of India. Though there are many similarities between Sri Lanka and its neighbouring countries, Sri Lanka has its own unique culture and heritage.
Uppuveli beach in Trincomalee. Photo Credit: Hiranya Malwatta
Though a small island, it has many things offer its visitors: golden sandy beaches, a 2500-year old culture and heritage, wildlife ranging from elephants, leopards, peacocks to whales and much more. I also want people to know that after a three decade long war, Sri Lanka is now one of the safest places in South Asia to visit. National Geographic named Sri Lanka as one of the best islands in the world in 2010, one of the best trips in 2012 and Lonely Planet named it for Best in Travel in 2013.
If someone was going to travel to Sri Lanka, where would you recommend they visit?
Frescoes at Sigiriya rock fortress. Photo Credit: Hiranya Malwatta
Sri Lanka has diverse attractions; therefore it depends on the duration of the visit and what one wants to see and do. That said, almost all travelers visit Colombo which is the capital and there are a number of beautiful beaches that one can go to in the city, the old Parliament building, the Galle Face promenade, the current Parliament which is built on an islet and designed by Architect Geoffrey Bawa are some highlights in Colombo. There are also many places to shop at and taste Sri Lankan cuisine.
Elephants at Yala National Park. Photo Credit: Hiranya Malwatta
The ancient capital of Kandy (pronounced Candy!) in the Central highlands, is just a couple of hours drive from Colombo. There you get the Temple of the Tooth, which houses the Tooth Relic of Lord Buddha and there are also a number of other historic and scenic attractions. Further up, you find Nuwara Eliya, which is called ‘Little England’ with cool climate, colonial style bungalows, sprawling tea gardens and even annual horse races.
Galle, a town in the Southern coast is another must visit place. It is only a hour away on the country’s first ever expressway and there you get golden sandy beaches, an ancient Dutch Fort and of course typical beach life.
One of my favourites is the elephant orphanage in Pinnawala, which is home to about 80 elephants and a great place to go for a day trip. There are also other significant sites such as Sigiriya, a 5th century rock fortress, Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa, which are ancient cities with many historic sites, tanks built thousands of years ago and many Buddhist religious sites. There are also numerous wildlife parks scattered across the country, where you can spot elephants, leopards and a variety of other animals. Jaffna in the North and Trincomalee in the East are also some interesting areas to visit to experience true diversity of Sri Lanka.
A traditional dancer. Photo Credit: Hiranya Malwatta
Who are the other members of your booth and where are they from?
The other member is Yasodara Karunaratne, a Sri Lankan Sophomore at UW. We are looking for any other Sri Lankans who would like to be part of our booth.
In your experience as a student at UW, what’s the biggest difference between Seattle and your home community?
One word! WEATHER. In Sri Lanka in most parts of the country it is warm and sunny throughout the year. There is a rainy season, which is known as the monsoon season, but even in the coldest areas it does not get colder than approximately 48 F.
I think the communities in Sri Lanka and Seattle are quite similar. I have found Seattleites to be friendly and helpful and Sri Lankans are known for their hospitality and smiling faces. I also think that both communities are very laid back.
Is there anything else you want to share?
Yes, come to CulturalFest and explore not only Sri Lanka, but many other countries that will be featured at the event.
Thanks to Thilini and to all the students who are working hard to make this CulturalFest amazing! Learn more about the International Expo here.
CulturalFest is a two-day event which also features a Performance Showcase at Meany Hall and a Benefit Reception and Silent Auction where guests can bid on local and global items to support FIUTS. Get your tickets to the performances and auction here, or in the FIUTS office.
Hope to see you at CulturalFest!
More CulturalFest Previews: Explore Kuwait
Thilini Kahandawaarachchi is at the University of Washington on a Fulbright Scholarship. This is not an official Department of State website or blog, and the views and information presented are her own and do not represent the Fulbright Program of the U.S. Department of State.