Sri Lankan Community in Kenya Rings in the New Year with Culture, Unity, and Pride

The Sri Lankan community in Kenya came together in joyous celebration yesterday at the Nairobi Sikh Club, marking the Sinhala and Tamil New Year in a vibrant and culturally rich gathering organised by the Sri Lankan Association of Kenya. Led by Association President Lasitha Perera, the event drew a crowd of over 500 Sri Lankan business leaders, professionals, and expatriates living across Kenya.

Now in its second consecutive year, the celebration has become a flagship event for the Sri Lankan diaspora in Kenya, offering a spirited blend of tradition, entertainment, and togetherness. Attendees enjoyed a lively programme featuring classical music and dance performances, traditional games, and a wide array of Sri Lankan culinary delights — all in the spirit of new beginnings and shared heritage.Lasitha Perera, who is also a Director at EFL Logistics Kenya, opened the event with a warm welcome and expressed his deep gratitude to the Sri Lankan community for their ongoing support.

“This isn’t just a festive occasion — it’s a testament to our resilience, our culture, and our unity as Sri Lankans abroad. I thank everyone who contributes to keeping our heritage alive and visible here in Kenya,” Perera said during his remarks.

The celebration was graced by Kana Kananathan, former Sri Lankan High Commissioner to Kenya, who served as the Chief Guest. He praised the association, the leadership Perera and the unity of the Sri Lankan community in Kenya.“In Kenya, we don’t look at religion or ethnicity — we identify as Sri Lankans. The prominence of our culture and business presence here in Africa has grown steadily, and the Sri Lankan Association has played a crucial part in that journey,” said Kananathan.He emphasised that Sri Lankan entrepreneurs are making significant inroads across the continent and stressed the importance of supporting these ventures for continued growth.

“Africa holds vast potential. I have spent forty years in this continent. Our diaspora must continue to build bridges and establish strong roots. The Association has done an excellent job, and I believe they can do even more in the years ahead,” he added.Lasitha Perera also acknowledged Kananathan’s instrumental role in deepening Sri Lanka- Africa relations during his diplomatic tenure.“Under his leadership, we saw a remarkable increase in Sri Lankan enterprises entering Kenya and other African markets which was not the case in the past. His legacy is a strong foundation we’re honoured to build on.

“Among Kananathan’s most distinguished achievements the community witnessed is the exceptional unity he has fostered within the Sri Lankan community in Kenya — a level of collective support that is seldom seen elsewhere.

The community here stands in full solidarity with his leadership Perera said. The day concluded with an engaging cultural segment showcasing traditional Sri Lankan dance forms and percussion, followed by a festive dinner featuring beloved home-style dishes — bringing nostalgic flavours and a sense of home to all present.Ambassador Kananathan’s Trophy 2025 was introduced this year to honour champions of major events. It was proudly presented to the best Tug of War team at the end of today’s competition. Ambassador Kananathan has also pledged to present a championship trophy to the Sri Lanka Association Kenya each year going forward, continuing this great traditionThis annual celebration not only highlights the rich cultural traditions of Sri Lanka but also reflects the strength of the Sri Lankan-Kenyan community bond and the ongoing contribution of the diaspora to the broader African region.