The High Commission of Sri Lanka hosted a Deepavali celebration at Sri Senpaga Vinayagar Temple, strengthening cultural and community ties in Singapore.
The High Commission of Sri Lanka in Singapore organised a vibrant Deepavali celebration on 25 October 2025 at the Sri Senpaga Vinayagar Temple, a Sri Lankan heritage site in Singapore dating back to 1850. The event brought together more than 150 members of the Sri Lankan expatriate community and friends of Sri Lanka to celebrate the festival of lights.
The evening began with blessings and religious observances led by Siva Saranya Kurukkal, setting a reflective tone that embodied the essence of Deepavali. The traditional oil lamp was jointly lit by the Guest of Honour, Mr Neil Parekh, Chairman of the Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Singapore), and H.E. Senarath Dissanayake, High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to Singapore, alongside representatives of Sri Lankan associations in Singapore.
Image by: High Commission of Sri Lanka in Singapore
In his welcome address, High Commissioner Dissanayake emphasised the universal relevance of Deepavali’s message of light triumphing over darkness and knowledge over ignorance, particularly in times of global uncertainty. He also noted that celebrating the festival at the historic temple highlighted the shared cultural heritage and enduring people-to-people ties between Sri Lanka and Singapore.
Mr Parekh, in his remarks, expressed his appreciation for being part of the celebration and extended Deepavali greetings to the Sri Lankan community. He highlighted the longstanding cultural and social linkages between the two nations and shared that a Singapore business delegation would visit Sri Lanka in the coming months to further enhance economic collaboration.
The event concluded with a cultural performance featuring traditional dances and devotional songs, followed by a vegetarian buffet that fostered a warm sense of fellowship and festive spirit among attendees.
Source: High Commission of Sri Lanka in Singapore
