Gorey Mayor Cllr. Robbie Ireton and Sen. Michael D’Arcy perform the traditional lighting ceremony at Sri Lankan Day held in Gorey. Pic; Christy Farrell.

It was a Monday morning with a difference at Gorey Library as music and colourful was everywhere courtesy of the South East Sri Lankan Irish Association.

The community was invited to celebrate the Sinhala and Tamil New Year celebration, and also to share in the Sri Lankan artefact and cultural exhibition hosted by the library.

Members of Gorey Town Council were present for the occasion that lasted for about an hour.

Deputy Chairman of Gorey Town Council, Cllr. Robbie Ireton and Senator Michael D’Arcy were the chief guests and performed the lighting of the traditional Sri Lankan oil lamp with the Sri Lankan community.

The ceremony also incorporated a traditional offering of betel leaves and the Sri Lankan national anthem and the Irish national anthem was followed by the hoisting of the Sri Lankan and Irish flags.

Traditional Sri Lankan drummers and dancers of the Kallpana Dancing Academy from Paris give an outstanding performance.

Sri Lankan and Irish refreshments followed.

Story and more pictures in THE GOREY ECHO this week.