GOMEL, BELARUS – Thousands of miles away from home, Sri Lankan medical students brought the spirit of Avurudu to life at Gomel State Medical University, one of Belarus’s leading institutions located in the city of Gomel.
In a vibrant and heartwarming celebration, the Sinhala and Tamil New Year was commemorated in grand style with the participation of Sri Lankan students, university staff, and Belarusian colleagues. The event was jointly organized by the Sri Lankan Students’ Association and the Belarus branch of REC Campus, which also proudly sponsored the celebration.
The main hall of the university was transformed with traditional Sri Lankan decorations and a beautifully arranged Avurudu table filled with authentic Sri Lankan sweets and delicacies — all lovingly prepared by the medical students themselves. Dressed in traditional attire, the students warmly shared their culture, offering these homemade treats to their Belarusian friends and faculty.
This was the first time many Belarusians had the chance to taste Sri Lankan cuisine, and they expressed genuine appreciation and delight at the experience. Their joy and enthusiasm in taking part in the festivities created a beautiful spirit of cultural exchange and unity. The event became a shared celebration, where both Sri Lankan and Belarusian communities came together with smiles, laughter, and festive energy.
The event was graced by esteemed guests, including the Rector of Gomel State Medical University, Professor Igor Stoma, Vice-Rector Professor Svetlana Anashkina, Professor Melnik, Dean Professor Andrey Mihalych, and representatives of REC Campus, Mr. Dimitri and Mr. Sergey.
This meaningful celebration not only showcased the vibrant cultural heritage of Sri Lanka but also strengthened the bonds between communities. It was a memorable New Year — celebrated with hearts full of pride and friendship.
