On April 9th, 2026, the Tulana Research Centre in Gonawala, Kelaniya, transformed into a vibrant space of unity and joy as it hosted the Sinhala and Tamil New Year celebrations for the children of the Centre for Education of Hearing Impaired Children (CEHIC), their families, and other participants.

The event was organized through the collaborative efforts of The Trustees of the Society of Jesus in Sri Lanka, Fondazione MAGIS ETS, and the Tulana Research Centre, with the significant contribution of CEHIC. It took place under the project “Paths and Practices of Education, Dialogue and Reconciliation in Sri Lanka” (EDIRI), funded by the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS).

The festival was intentionally structured not just as a cultural milestone, but as a profound celebration of inter-faith and multi-ethnic harmony, bridging diverse communities under a single message of national solidarity.

Joyous Traditions and Inclusive Festivities

The students of CEHIC embraced the festive spirit with immense enthusiasm, actively participating in traditional New Year customs and a variety of lively Avurudu games. The celebrations extended beyond the students, warmly involving their parents, teachers, and guests who joined in the adult sports and recreational segments, filling the atmosphere with shared laughter and a deep sense of family belonging.

A Distinguished Gathering of Diplomatic and Multi-Religious Dignitaries

The significance of the event was elevated by the presence of high-profile international and religious leaders committed to social integration and peacebuilding.

The Ambassador of Italy to Sri Lanka, His Excellency Damiano Francovigh, graced the occasion as a special guest, reflecting Italy’s ongoing support for local community empowerment.

Demonstrating the true spirit of pluralism and inter-religious dialogue, the gathering welcomed an esteemed panel of religious and institutional leaders, including:

• Rev. Fr. Dilan Perera, Director of the Tulana Research Centre
• Ven. Galkande Dhammananda Thero, Buddhist monk and Director of the Walpola Rahula Institute
• Distinguished Hindu and Islamic clergy alongside fellow Catholic priests
• The dedicated teaching staff of CEHIC and community members of the Tulana Research Centre

A Vision of Liberation and Harmony

The entire program was seamlessly curated and coordinated through the team at Fondazione MAGIS ETS, whose dedicated efforts brought the non-profit’s liberational, inclusive activism model to life.

By bringing together children of varying abilities, their families, and leaders from different faith backgrounds, the event stood as a living example of Tulana’s foundational core value: fostering an environment where dialogue meets action to cultivate a more just and united world.