Ceylon in Bloom: Stories Spun in Spice and Song

On a golden May morning, the stately doors of the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Washington D.C. opened to a vibrant mosaic of cultures, scents, and stories, as part of Passport DC’s celebrated ‘Around the World Embassy Tour’ on Saturday, May 3rd, 2025. From 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., more than 4,200 American visitors, as recorded by the event organizers, stepped into a sensory journey that brought the heart of the Indian Ocean island to the capital of the United States.

With the inspired guidance of Ambassador Mahinda Samarasinghe, the Embassy transformed into a living gallery of Sri Lanka’s timeless beauty and artistic soul. Every corner whispered tales from the island—tales of spice-laden winds, ancient temples carved in stone, dancers in mid-air rhythm, and the deep amber of Ceylon tea.

A visual feast awaited guests in the form of a photographic exhibition titled “Beauty of Sri Lanka.” Curated by the America-Sri Lanka Photographic Art Society of Los Angeles, over 80 vivid photographs captured the essence of a land steeped in heritage and raw, natural splendor. The collection—brought to life by the lenses of Suriya Perera, Andy Samarasena, Lakshitha Karunarathna, Sameera Kotelawala, and Riznad Hussain—offered glimpses into untamed jungles, serene temples, and the everyday poetry of Sri Lankan life.

Aromas curled into the air, drawing visitors to the culinary corners where live cooking stations sizzled with Sri Lanka’s most beloved dishes—Kottu Roti, Hoppers, and fragrant Rice and Curry. Every visitor was welcomed with a warming or cooling cup of world-famous Ceylon tea, generously sponsored by Basilur (Sri Lanka) and QTrade Teas & Herbs (California, USA), blending hospitality with heritage in each sip.

Music and movement cast a spell throughout the day. From the fluid grace of up-country and low-country dance to the ceremonial beats of northern drums, traditional Sri Lankan dance troupes—coordinated by Chathuri Wickramarachchi, Lanka Mudannayake, Indika Attanayake, and Achila Perera—brought ancient rhythms to life. The air pulsed with energy, inviting applause and awe in equal measure.

Adding to the festive symphony was the “Serendib” band, led by the talented Kutila Dias. Their soulful renditions of Sri Lankan melodies, supported by local vocalists, transported listeners to faraway coconut groves and mist-covered highlands, weaving music into memory.

Visitors were enchanted by the chance to step into the attire of Ceylon’s past—draping themselves in Kandyan sarees, vivid batik sarongs, and intricately designed shirts, capturing moments in photographs that became keepsakes of a cultural encounter.

Three artisan stalls nestled in the garden offered a tactile experience of Sri Lanka’s craft heritage. Traditional masks, drums, batiks, brassware, paintings, spices, and tea beckoned to the curious and the collectors alike, their origins traced to Sri Lankan-American vendors proudly displaying the artistry of their roots. A travel stall, meanwhile, provided dreams in pamphlet form—offering tailored tour packages to a land waiting to be rediscovered.

In a graceful gesture, each visitor left with a complimentary pack of Basilur’s premium Ceylon tea, a token as fragrant and enduring as the island’s story.

The event’s smooth orchestration was made possible through the spirited participation of six Sri Lankan community-based associations from the Washington D.C. region: The Sri Lanka Association of Washington DC, Sri Lanka Ranga Kala Kavaya, Kala Lanka Foundation, Ape Kattiya/American Sri Lankan Friendship Foundation, Bethesda Api, Organization of Sri Lankan Americans for Sri Lanka, and Friends of Sri Lanka of Greater Washington Area.

This immersive showcase was part of Passport DC, a month-long cultural celebration curated by Events DC in collaboration with over 60 embassies. Each year, it turns Washington D.C. into a vibrant tapestry of global culture, with the first Saturday in May devoted to open houses, inviting the public to cross continents without leaving the city.

As the sun set on a day filled with spice and song, it was clear: the story of Sri Lanka had not just been told—it had been felt, tasted, and celebrated.