Sri Lanka, the Host Country of the 45th Lotus Festival, was prominently featured at the Lotus Festival Press Luncheon held at Echo Park Lake in Los Angeles on June 10, 2026. The Press Luncheon was organized by the Los Angeles Lotus Festival Inc., in partnership with the City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks, the Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Los Angeles and the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB).

The event brought together officials from the City of Los Angeles, members of the diplomatic corps, media representatives, community leaders, and festival organizers in anticipation of the annual Lotus Festival scheduled for July 2026.

The programme commenced with a VIP reception, followed by the formal opening ceremony. Welcoming remarks were delivered by President of Los Angeles Lotus Festival Inc., Steve Lee, General Manager of the Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks, Jimmy Kim, and Commissioner of the Board of Recreation and Parks Commissioners for the City of Los Angeles, Mary Galvan Rosas.

Highlighting Sri Lanka’s role as the Host Country, cultural performances were presented by the Lal Thilakaratna Academy of Performing Arts and Sandawaruna Art of Dance, showcasing the rich artistic heritage and vibrant traditions of Sri Lanka.

Consul General of Sri Lanka in Los Angeles, Achini Perera addressed the gathering and highlighted the significance of Sri Lanka’s participation as the Host Country at the 2026 Lotus Festival. She emphasized the unique opportunity the festival provides to promote Sri Lanka’s tourism, culture, cuisine, and people-to-people connections among the diverse communities of Los Angeles and visitors from across the United States.

Following the cultural performances and official remarks, guests enjoyed a Sri Lankan-themed lunch reception. The event concluded with closing remarks delivered by Superintendent of the Metro Region, Department of Recreation and Parks, City of Los Angeles, Anita Meacham.

The Lotus Festival, one of Los Angeles’ most anticipated multicultural events, celebrates the cultures and traditions of Asian and Pacific Island nations. As the Host Country for 2026, Sri Lanka will have a unique platform to showcase its rich cultural heritage, tourism attractions, traditional cuisine, and performing arts to thousands of festival attendees during the two-day event in July. 

Consulate General of Sri Lanka
Los Angeles

15 June 2026