On 19th April 2026, the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Addis Ababa, in collaboration with the Sri Lankan community in Ethiopia, celebrated the Sinhala and Tamil New Year (Avurudu) 2026 at the Chancery premises. The celebration featured a traditional Avurudu feast and customary observances, reflecting Sri Lanka's rich cultural heritage and the enduring spirit of unity and renewal.
The event was graced by Dr. Aynalem Abayneh, Vice President of the Ethiopian Chamber of Commerce and Sectoral Associations; Ambassador Mulugeta Kelil, CEO of the Central Ethiopian Regional State Liaison Office; Mr. K.P. Raju, CEO of Jay Jay Textiles; Mr. Rajeev Sharma, Indian investor; together with members of the Sri Lankan community and other distinguished guests.
Delivering the welcome remarks, Poornima Abeygunasekara, Chargé d’Affaires (a.i.) of the Embassy of Sri Lanka, highlighted Avurudu as a celebration of renewal, harmony, and togetherness. She noted that the festival marks not only the beginning of a new year but also an opportunity to strengthen relationships, reflect on shared values, and celebrate Sri Lanka's rich cultural traditions. She further emphasized the importance of such occasions in fostering a sense of community among Sri Lankans living abroad while promoting cultural exchange and mutual understanding with the people of Ethiopia.
The celebration featured traditional customs, including the lighting of the ceremonial oil lamp, the cutting of milk rice, and the ceremonial cake cutting, symbolizing prosperity, goodwill, and new beginnings. The event concluded in a warm and festive atmosphere, reaffirming the role of cultural diplomacy in strengthening the longstanding friendship and people-to-people ties between Sri Lanka and Ethiopia.
