CELEBRATING CULTURAL DIVERSITY AT INDEPENDENCE ARCADE

Colombo’s Independence Arcade turned into a vibrant hub of culture, commerce, and community over the weekend as ‘WINGS: Flight Begins Here’, a two-day diversity market, unfolded on August 1st and 2nd, drawing large crowds in celebration of Sri Lanka’s rich pluralistic spirit.

- BY SANATH WEERASURIYA

Hosted by Chrysalis, a nongovernmental organization committed to promoting economic independence, dignified work, leadership, and inclusion among underserved communities in Sri Lanka, the event was open to the general public and drew an enthusiastic and diverse crowd.

The market showcased small and medium entrepreneurs from across the country, offering attendees the chance to support local businesses across various sectors — from crafts and food to eco-products and fashion. Beyond shopping, visitors engaged in interactive dialogues exploring the private sector's role in social cohesion, and experienced Sri Lanka’s pluralistic heritage through dynamic cultural performances and community-driven initiatives.

WINGS celebrates the achievements made under the Fostering Inclusive Communities and Economies (FICE) project, where 125 local small and medium businesses have been supported to improve their inclusion and green measures to expand the social impacts of their businesses. This project was supported by the Strengthening Social Cohesion and Peace in Sri Lanka (SCOPE) program co-funded by the European Union (EU) and the German Federal Foreign Office and is implemented by GIZ in partnership with the Ministry of Justice and National Integration.

Highlights of the two-day programme included a vibrant Diversity Market, where SCOPE-supported entrepreneurs showcased

The event featured cultural performances with traditional music and dance, celebrating Sri Lanka's rich heritage and multi-ethnic identity. Attendees also enjoyed the Diversity Kitchen, offering a range of cuisines that represented the country’s diverse culinary traditions.