Memorable 'Kanya' dance show celebrates Pak-Sri Lanka friendship

A special Sri Lankan cultural dance performance, "Kanya," was held in Karachi through a collaboration between the Arts Council of Pakistan and the Consulate General of Sri Lanka. The event aimed to further strengthen cultural ties between Pakistan and Sri Lanka.

The ceremony was attended by Sri Lankan Consul General Sanjeewa Pethiyagoda, President of the Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi Ahmed Shah, consuls general from various countries, diplomats, business leaders, and members of the arts community.

The event began with the national anthems of Pakistan and Sri Lanka, followed by the traditional Sri Lankan oil lamp-lighting ceremony, a symbolic gesture representing friendship, unity, and cultural harmony.

Speaking to The Express Tribune, renowned Sri Lankan choreographer and dance director Chandana Wickramasinghe praised the Pakistani audience for their appreciation of Sri Lankan dance and culture.

He said the performance featured a blend of traditional Sri Lankan dance, fusion, and percussion, adding that the audience in Karachi had responded warmly to the show.

"This is my fifth visit to Pakistan and my third performance on the Arts Council stage. The Pakistani audience has always appreciated my choreography and dance," he said.

Explaining the title of the performance, Wickramasinghe said "Kanya" means "virgins" and is also the name of his dance company's brand. He described the production as a combination of Sri Lankan traditional dance, fusion, and percussion.

He revealed that after completing the Pakistan tour, his troupe would travel to Paris for a month-long engagement.

The choreographer also expressed his admiration for Pakistan's culture, music, dance, and performing arts. Recalling his previous visit to the Theatre Arts Festival two years ago, he said he had witnessed a wide range of cultural performances on the same stage.

"I love your culture. I love Pakistani songs, dance, and especially the arts," he said.

Calling for harmony, Wickramasinghe said every country needs peace and expressed his happiness at returning to Pakistan.

"We need peace. Every country needs peace. I'm happy to be here again, and I hope to see you all very soon," he said.

Addressing the audience, Consul General Sanjeewa Pattiwila said he was delighted to be in Karachi and expressed his pleasure in celebrating the strong relationship between Pakistan and Sri Lanka. He noted that cultural exchange plays a vital role in bringing the people of both countries closer together.

He also thanked the Arts Council of Pakistan and all the organizations involved in making the event possible.

The cultural programme featured a series of traditional and contemporary Sri Lankan dance performances led by renowned choreographer and dance director Chandana Wickramasinghe.

The troupe showcased Sri Lanka's rich artistic heritage through performances including Ukusa (Rhythm), Naga Raksha, Ragum Gee, Ridhmanjali, Peacock (Fusion in Blue), Thelme, Hoiya Hoiya, Ridhma Rata, Abhisheka, Salina Lelina, and Rathna Deepa Janmabhoomi.

The performances received a warm response and enthusiastic applause from the audience.