Consulate General of India
Hambantota
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PRESS RELEASE
9th International Day of Yoga Celebrations in Southern Province & Monaragala District.
Consulate General of India Hambantota celebrated the 9th ‘International Yoga Day’ on 21st June 2023 at iconic UNESCO Heritage, Galle Fort with great Spirit. This year’s IDY celebrations resonate with the theme of India’s ongoing Presidency of the G20, Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam or ‘One Earth, One Family, One Future’.
2. The Consul General Mr. Dipin P.R delivered the welcome speech and the event was graced by Dr. Wille Gamaga, Hon’ble Governor of Southern Province as the chief guest. Many other dignitaries such as Mr. Bimal I De Silva Ministry Secretary of Southern Provincial Ministry of Sports & Culture, Mr. A.U Welarathne, Ministry Secretary of Southern Provincial Ministry of Agriculture Officials of SL Air Force & SL Police. Members of Galle District Chamber of Commerce, Officials of Southern Provincial Ministries, Ayurveda Doctors of Galle District Ayurveda Hospital and Students of Southlands College, All Saint’s College, Vidyaloka College, Sacred Heart Convent, Sangamitta College Galle & local yoga enthusiasts joined the celebration. Yoga Programme was conducted by Mr. Srinivas Rao, Yoga Instructor from India & Mr. Somie P Palliyaguruge, instructor from Om Yoga Institute, Matara
3. On 20th June 2023, CGI Hambantota organized a Yoga event at Matara Beach Park as a part of IDY 2023 celebration with the participation of Government officials, members of Matara District Chamber of Commerce, officials of SL Police, Students of St. Mary Convent, Mahinda Rajapaksha Vidyalaya, Mahamaya Balika Vidyalaya, Matara & local yoga enthusiasts of Matara.
4. As a part of prelude preceding International Day of Yoga 2023 CGI Hambantota organized three-day Yoga workshop for the Sri Lanka Tri-Forces in Hambantota District from 12th June to 14th June at 12th Division, Hambantota Army Camp Premises. CGI Hambantota also in collaboration with government Institutions & Schools of Southern Province & Monaragala District organized 7 Yoga sessions for different age-groups and professions across the Southern Province & Monaragala District. These events were an effort towards reinforcing the significance of the shared heritage of Yoga for holistic wellbeing among the people of Sri Lanka.
5. It may be recalled that the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution, piloted by India in 2014, proclaiming June 21 each year as the ‘International Day of Yoga’. The resolution was supported by more than 170 countries, with Sri Lanka being one of the co-sponsors of the resolution.
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Hambantota
22 June 2023
