FAQs

There have been many recorded TV interviews and news articles in this regard. These can be found at :
https://slcaottawa.com/site/news-events/2018-2019/sinhalese-heritage-day-and-sinhala-tamil-new-year/media-contribution/

In addition, we hereby provide a few FAQs for your information:

  • What is Sinhalese Heritage Day?

This is the first event of a series of events to celebrate Sri Lankan Heritage. First, we start with the Sinhalese Heritage Day in Canada’s Parliament. The event is focused on the following:

  1. Contributions from the Sinhalese to Canada
  2. History of Sinhalese in Sri Lanka
  3. Language
  4. Culture
  • Why Sinhalese Heritage Day instead of Sri Lankan Heritage Day?

Sri Lanka comprises of many ethnicities. The Sinhalese make up 74.9% of the population (according to 2012 census) and are concentrated in the densely populated south-west and central parts of the island.[18] The Sri Lanka Tamils, who live predominantly in the north and east of the island, form the largest minority group at 11.1% (according to the 2012 census) of the population.[18] Smaller minorities include the Malays who descend from Austronesian settlers, the Burghers, who are descendants of European colonists, principally from Portugal, the Netherlands and the UKand ethnic Chinese migrants who came to the island in the 18th and 19th centuries.

The main objective of the Sri Lanka Canada Association in Ottawa is to seek “April as a Sri Lankan Heritage Month” declaration by the Federal Government. Some of the ethnicities already have their heritage recognition done. Please refer to this link. https://www.ontario.ca/page/ontarios-celebrations-and-commemorations . Therefore, we recognized that before we organize the Sri Lankan heritage month, we should celebrate the Sinhalese Heritage at least one day. This is the stepping stone event towards “April As a Sri Lankan Heritage Month” declaration. Next year’s event (2020) will be named “Sri Lankan Heritage Day”, of which we will seek the declaration from the government bodies.

  • Do we need to buy tickets?

Entrance is free. Since the event is at Canada’s Parliament, you need to send in your attendance confirmation before the 20th of April. Please click on the following link to confirm your attendance and bring photoID on the day as there will be an airport entrance style security check. www.slcaottawa.com/heritage2019. This is event is fully funded by sponsors. We need to raise approx $10,000 for the hall, food, and other costs. Your donation is greatly appreciated. You can donate online at the following link. http://slcaottawa.com/members/index.php/cPath/28

  • Will there be any food to buy?

As per Parliament guidelines, we cannot sell any food. Therefore we will provide light refreshments during the event. You can bring your own food as well. We hope to provide traditional Sri Lankan New year food. We appreciate all donations to make this event a possibility. http://slcaottawa.com/members/index.php/cPath/28