The interactive gathering hosted by the Vietnamese Embassy in Sri Lanka was not only a celebration of Vietnam Women’s Day but also a forum to address shared aspirations and challenges. Ambassador Trinh Thi Tam underscored the essential role Vietnamese women play in preserving cultural identity while adapting to life abroad. She highlighted that, as cultural ambassadors, these women can build bridges through family, neighborhood, and professional interactions, promoting Vietnam’s traditions and values in Sri Lanka.
The Vietnamese community in Sri Lanka discussed practical strategies to enhance cultural connections. Among the suggestions was creating a Vietnamese Women’s Association, which would help strengthen ties within the Vietnamese diaspora and support women married to Sri Lankans by providing a network of shared experiences. Another idea was to offer online English classes, particularly for Buddhist monks and nuns, to overcome language barriers and deepen integration within Sri Lankan society.
Vietnamese participants also voiced the need for more Vietnamese products in Sri Lankan markets, which would help sustain cultural links through food and familiar products. Currently, the community has made headway with four Vietnamese-owned restaurants in Colombo, which bring authentic Vietnamese flavors to the Sri Lankan public. Additionally, the Vietnamese temple in Kandy, established by a Vietnamese monk five years ago, has become a place of learning and inspiration for local children and a cultural hub for the community.
Both Sri Lanka and Vietnam are making significant strides toward gender equality, with Vietnamese women increasingly stepping into leadership roles across political, social, and economic spheres. As noted during the event, Vietnam’s current vice president and three female ministers, as well as recent female ambassadors to Sri Lanka, reflect the country’s commitment to advancing women in leadership. In parallel, Sri Lanka’s recent nomination of a female prime minister signifies progress toward balanced representation.
Participants at the event also discussed ways to support breast cancer awareness in Sri Lanka, aligning with local October initiatives on women’s health. The event concluded with a renewed commitment among Vietnamese women in Sri Lanka to actively engage in initiatives that promote mutual understanding and to enhance diplomatic ties through everyday cultural exchanges.
