Art exhibition promotes ‘public diplomacy’ between Jordanians, Sri Lankans

AMMAN — The Sri Lankan embassy in Jordan on Wednesday held the Ribbon Embroidery Art Exhibition as per efforts to enhance “public diplomacy” between Sri Lankan and Jordanian citizens. 

“The Jordanian people who are here, they come to know the talent of Sri Lanka, and also it is an inspiration.... It builds the bridge between the people of the two countries,”  Sri Lankan Ambassador Abdul Latiff Lafeer told The Jordan Times.

Yet while the embassy has hosted similar events showcasing Sri Lankan talent, this exhibition, composed of over 50 intricate embroideries, was the first to display artwork by the ambassador’s wife Rifaya Lafeer.

Lafeer noted that embroidery is one of her many craft-related hobbies. 

“But finally my husband said... you make the many pieces, we’ll do the exhibition. So finally, we did.”

Bolstered by her husband’s encouragement, Lafeer worked with embassy staff to organise the event, which in addition to supporting her husband’s diplomatic goals, also raised funds for education in her hometown of Kinniya.

“It is a rural area in Sri Lanka,” Embassy Account Officer Muditha Dilrukshe told The Jordan Times, adding that proceeds from the art sales will be used to aid schoolchildren. 

Overall, the ambassador said he considered the event “a feather in the cap of Sri Lanka”.

“This exhibition brought the Sri Lankans and the Jordanian citizens together here, so their friendship develops, understanding develops, so through that... the whole country develops,” he told The Jordan Times.