Angry Kuwaitis disrupt Sri Lankan celebrations
April 24, 2010 10:18 pm
More than 5,000 Sri Lankans, including K.S.C. Dissanayake,
Sri Lankan ambassador to
Negotiations between the event organisers, the police and the angry Kuwaitis failed to reach a compromise. The protesters said that the presence of men and women at the stadium and the playing of music on a Friday afternoon made the celebration “unacceptable” for not respecting Islamic values.
The ambassador, seeking to end the deadlock peacefully, urged his compatriots to cancel the celebrations two hours before schedule and to vacate the premises. The police said that the Sri Lankans had all the necessary permits and did not break the law.
A 28-member cultural troupe will perform ‘Sri Lak Rangana’,
a fusion of historical and contemporary dance forms. The week will also feature
a handicraft exhibition of products, bronze items, masks, gems, jewellery and
other ornaments while a food festival will introduce Sri Lankan cuisine to