Vietnam-Sri Lanka Tea Cultural Exchange: Spreading the values ​​of sophistication and friendship

On the occasion of the Vietnamese Women's Day and in response to the month of action to raise awareness of breast cancer in Sri Lanka, on October 26, the Vietnamese Embassy in Sri Lanka in collaboration with the Light of Asia Center organized a Vietnam-Sri Lanka tea cultural exchange program.

Vietnam-Sri Lanka tea cultural exchange program. (Source: Vietnamese Embassy in Sri Lanka)

The event attracted the participation of many female representatives of the Diplomatic Corps, international organizations, agencies, Sri Lankan businesses and the Vietnamese community in Sri Lanka, including Ms. Sarah Salih, wife of the Vice President of the Sri Lankan Parliament as a guest of honor, Director of the SAARC Cultural Center, tea artisans of the two countries...

In her opening speech, Ambassador Trinh Thi Tam emphasized that tea is not only a drink but also a part of spiritual and cultural life, demonstrating the hospitality and community spirit of Vietnamese people.

Like Sri Lanka, the image of Vietnamese women is very close to the tea plant, from planting, harvesting, to processing and brewing.

The Ambassador expressed his hope that through cultural exchange activities, the people of the two countries, especially women, will continue to strengthen friendship, understanding and mutual support.

The wife of the Vice President of the Sri Lankan Parliament welcomed the initiative of the Embassy and the Vietnamese community in Sri Lanka, saying that the event not only introduces and honors the cultural values ​​of the two countries, but is also an opportunity to recognize and promote the contributions of women to family and society.

Ms. Sarah Salih highly appreciated the contributions of the Vietnamese community in Sri Lanka to socio -economic development and spreading Vietnamese cultural values ​​in the locality.

The event attracted the participation of many female representatives.

The highlight of the program was the performance of Vietnamese lotus tea art by artisan Lam Thuy Linh, founder of Viet Link Tea brand. In a quiet space with gentle lotus scent, artisan Linh presented the process of hand-brewing lotus tea - a cultural feature that shows the sophistication and harmonious philosophy of Vietnamese people.

Guests enjoyed the experience of making lotus tea, learning how to brew tea with attention to detail, from preparing tea, water to tea making tools, then enjoying tea with the pure taste of natural lotus scent.

Next, Mr. Niranjan Weerasinghe, tea expert of Jafferjee Brothers Group, introduced Ceylon tea - the pride of Sri Lanka, famous worldwide for its strong aroma, rich flavor and sophisticated roasting technique.

Attendees not only learned about the history and characteristics of Sri Lankan tea, but also directly experienced the process of tasting many unique teas with experts.

Ambassador Trinh Thi Tam emphasized that tea is a part of spiritual and cultural life, demonstrating the hospitality and community spirit of Vietnamese people.

The program concluded with a demonstration and instruction of the art of Sogetsu flower arrangement by artist Sreeni Devika De Silva. Each movement was performed slowly, with an emphasis on balance, space and natural philosophy.

The ambassadors’ wives and representatives of the Vietnamese community enthusiastically practiced flower arrangement, creating creative and beautiful works to decorate the tea-drinking space. In the culinary section at the end of the program, guests enjoyed Vietnamese bread, fried spring rolls, and salads, combined with Sri Lankan tea and cakes.

This tea culture exchange event not only introduces the traditional art of making and drinking tea of ​​Vietnam and Sri Lanka but also contributes to enhancing understanding and connection between the people of the two countries.

This is an activity within the series of cultural diplomacy initiatives of the Vietnamese Embassy to celebrate the 55th anniversary of the establishment of Vietnam-Sri Lanka diplomatic relations (1970-2025).

Like Sri Lanka, the image of Vietnamese women is very close to the tea tree.

Viet Link Tea is a place to connect and gather Vietnamese tea brands, especially ancient tea, a bridge for tea lovers - a place where everyone can share, understand and spread the love for Vietnamese tea culture. Viet Link Tea is bringing the taste of Vietnamese tea closer to everyone, not only domestically but also regionally and internationally.

Light of Asia Center was established with the aim of introducing, preserving and spreading cultural, philosophical and artistic values ​​to the domestic and international communities.

The Center regularly organizes cultural exchange programs, art performances, academic seminars, film screenings, exhibitions and is a place to connect artists, scholars and people interested in Eastern culture.

Some photos at the Vietnam-Sri Lanka tea cultural exchange program:

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/giao-luu-van-hoa-tra-viet-nam-sri-lanka-lan-toa-nhung-gia-tri-tinh-te-va-huu-nghi-332498.html