The High Commission of India and the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre joined to host a yoga event at Independence Square in Colombo, commemorating the 9th International Day of Yoga.
On the morning of June 17, nearly a thousand individuals gathered for the occasion, including special invitees and dignitaries from various fields.
Distinguished guests such as Susil Premajayantha, Minister of Education; Bandula Gunawardena, Minister of Transport & Highways and Mass Media; Ali Sabry, Minister of Foreign Affairs; Sisira Jayakody, State Minister of Indigenous Medicine; A. Aravindh Kumar, State Minister of Education; and Suren Raghavan, State Minister of Higher Education attended the event.
The event commenced with prayers led by Chief Priest Maitipe Wimalasera Thero of the Parama Dhamma Chethiya Pirivena in Ratmalana.
The program's highlight was a 20-minute Yoga and Meditation Session conducted by experts from 25 renowned Yoga institutes in Sri Lanka. These institutes included Astanka Yoga Mandir, Ashtanga Yoga Lanka, Aum Kriya Babaji Yoga Aranyam, Brahma Kumari Raja Yoga Centre, Hatha Yoga Centre, Institute of Human Excellence, Rhythmic Yoga Academy, The Art of Living, Yoga for Divine Life, Rama Krishna Mission, Sethsada Yoga Nikethanaya, University of Colombo, University of Kelaniya, and the University of Sri Jayewardenepura.
Following the session, a group of Mayurapathy Sri Bhadrakali Temple children performed yoga.
As part of the lead-up to the International Day of Yoga 2023, the Vivekananda Cultural Centre, in collaboration with government institutions, yoga organizations, and local partners, organized over 90 yoga events, workshops, lectures, and demonstrations catering to different age groups and professions across the island.
The grand yoga event at Independence Square in Colombo was a significant celebration of the International Day of Yoga, promoting the practice and benefits of yoga for individuals and communities.