Russian Friendship Night – photos by Roy Grafix
For more photos please visit eLanka Facebook page – click here
On 2nd November the Sri Lankan community in Sydney witnessed one of the finest gatherings in recent times. The venue was Oran Park Sandown Rooms in Camden. Graduates from Russia, former USSR, and Eastern European block countries, their families and friends gathered under the banner of Friendship Nite 2024. A number of people have travelled from other countries such as the US, New Zealand, Sri Lanka and various states of Australia just to take part in this event.
As scheduled, Friendship Night 2024 started right on time at 4.00 pm. People who came there even just a few minutes late were surprised to see a fully packed hall with plenty of decorations to suit the occasion. Plenty of Russian finger food, bottles of wine and vodka were on the tables providing additional glamour.
The video show covering the lives in the Universities of those countries from olden days was reminiscent for everyone who spent time in those countries.
It was a big suprise to all to see a group of pretty Russisn Dancing group entering the venue with traditional Russian bread and salt to be presented to the Sri Lankans. That had been the icing on the Cake for those who knew and admired the Russian culture.
The Russian Folk dances performed by the group gave great aesthetic pleasure. The venue became noisy at times as some friends met each other for the first time in decades. It was exceptional to see everything went according to the schedule and on time.
The mouth-watering mixture of authentic Sri Lankan and Russian cuisine was enjoyed by everyone with no exception. While a professional group provided appropriate music, the audience was also given opportunity to entertain the crowd with their hidden talents. Some of the Russian songs and music allowed the guests to time travel to their golden past.
The entertainment was so high that no one left the venue at scheduled 9.30 pm close. Some guests were still hanging around at the time the lights were finally switched off around 10.30.
The tremendous work done by a small team was commendable. Undoubtedly, behind the seen they have done enormous hard work to make this occasion a great success.
Our very friendly photographer Roy Gunaratne of RoyGrafix captured the moments beautifully.
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For more photos please visit eLanka Facebook page – click here
