SriLankan Airlines, the National carrier of Sri Lanka and a member of the reputed Oneworld alliance, commemorated Vesak at its home base, the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA), Colombo, recently.
The Srilankan Airlines’ Vesak message to the world from the Karaniya Metta Sutta is “Radiate boundless love towards the entire world - above, below, and across - unhindered, without ill will, without enmity.” This wish is based on the Buddha’s doctrine of boundless compassion to the world.
Symbolizing the generosity of the Sri Lankan community through ‘dansal,’ passengers departing, arriving and transiting through the Bandaranaike International Airport were treated to refreshments in commemoration of Vesak.
SriLankan Airlines’ Senior Manager Marketing, Saminda Perera said, “Cultural spectacles of Sri Lanka signify the inherent values such as unity, generosity and compassion. By commemorating events of national importance, we wish to remind the world that Sri Lanka is a friendly country where unity and harmony among all communities make every festival vibrant and unique.”
A choir comprising staff volunteers ranging from aircraft engineers, pilots, cabin crew, ground handling, security, aircraft interior services and corporate offices, sang ‘Bhakthi Gee,’ the traditional devotional songs, sung during the Vesak.
Sri Lanka’s popular musicians, Keerthi Pasquel and Dayan Witharana, volunteered to perform Bhakthi Gee along with the SriLankan Airlines staff to entertain passengers on arrival, departure and transit at the BIA. Pasquel used his expertise as a performing artiste to train the Bhakthi Gee choir, which is an effort put forward by the Performing Arts Club of SriLankan Airlines ‘Pulse,’ in an endeavor to promote in-house talent.
On arrival, departing and transiting passengers who became part of the serene festivities, expressed joy to be in Sri Lanka and how they felt safe and welcome at the Airport and throughout their stay in the country. SriLankan Airlines made use of the opportunity to thank them for selecting the National Carrier as well as other airlines to travel to Sri Lanka and onward destinations via the BIA.
“We would also take this opportunity to express our sincere gratitude to the Chairman, Airport and Aviation Services Limited(AASL) Dhammika Ranatunga and Executive Director, Sanjeewa Wijerathne for their unconditional support and guidance. We are also grateful for the assistance provided by the staff of AASL, Sri Lanka Customs, Department of Immigration and Emigration and Sri Lanka Air Force,” Perera added.
Vesak decorations by AASL throughout the airport aptly complemented the festive atmosphere created by the SriLankan Airlines. Passengers were fascinated by the colourful Vesak lanterns, a decoration displayed in every Sri Lankan household during this period, which provided a striking backdrop for picture opportunities.
Passengers were further delighted to enjoy the ambience created with fairy lights and floating candles. It was a novel experience for them to enjoy the food severed at the ‘dansala’ that operated at the pier and opposite the Serendib lounge.
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