High Commission of India

Colombo

Press Release 

International Day of Yoga 2017 celebrations kick off in Sri Lanka

Indian Cultural Centre, High Commission of India, Colombo in collaboration with World Health Organisation, Sri Lanka organized a curtain raiser event to celebrate International Day of Yoga- 2017  at Independence square Arcade on 7 April 2017. Hon’ble Dr Rajitha Senaratne, Minister of Health, Nutrition and Indigenous Medicine and Mr Taranjit Singh Sandhu, High Commissioner of India, participated in the Yoga demonstrations. Sri Vyasa Kalyanasunderam demonstrated Hatha Yoga and Pranayama with special reference to mental health and depression addressing the theme of World Health Day. Dr. Jacob Kumaresan, WHO representative to Sri Lanka, Ms. Una McCauly, UN Resident Coordinator and Ms Anooja Weeresinghe, film actress were among the many distinguished guests who participated in the event. 

A curtain raiser event was also organised on March 31 as a part of National Festival Thira Sara Lanka-2017 (Sustain Lanka-2017), which was inaugurated by H.E. President Maithripala Sirisena. These curtain raiser events mark the beginning of a series of Yoga events such as Yoga for mental health on World Health Day, Yoga Road Show, Seminars, Lectures, Workshops and film shows to be held throughout Sri Lanka over the next two months.

International Day of Yoga has been celebrated with great fanfare in Sri Lanka for the last two years and 2017 would be significant as various activities would be conducted not only in Colombo but also in various other cities of Sri Lanka. Third International Day of Yoga will be held on Sunday, 18 June 2017 at 6.30 am at Independence square and would be open for all to participate. 

Yogais an invaluable gift of ancient Indian tradition that embodies unity of mind and body. Yoga, like Ayurveda is a part of the shared cultural heritage of India and Sri Lanka. Yoga strengthens the perspective of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals by generating a positive energy, expand the human paradigm of mind and knowledge and create a conducive spirit of mutual trust and participation through maintaining a healthy routine of life. United Nations General Assembly has declared June 21 as the International Day ofYoga.

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Colombo
7 April 2017