MINNESOTA: Sri Lanka Friendship Foundation hosted an evening with world renowned state dance troupe (Lanka Ranga- Dance and Rhythms of Sri Lanka) from Sri Lanka last week. It performed dances from all the three geographical areas for Sri Lanka- the central highlands, southern lowlands and southern highlands.Ravibandu Vidyapathi the artistic director and choreographer brought the traditional Sri Lankan dance and fused it with contemporary dance to make it eye pleasing.

The program consisted of 14 dances that had many themes including depicting traditions of rivalries and celebrations. The state troupe that was formed in 1984 by Vidyapathi has been performing worldwide in celebration of Sri Lanka's Independence Day which was on February 4. The troupe will tour Canada as well.Minnesota- Sri Lanka Friendship Foundation was started in 2004 with the intent of aiding victims of the Tsunami that tore down the coastline.

Currently the organization has helped built a preschool, library and technology center in Sri Lanka and its goal is to strengthen social, economic and cultural ties between Minnesota and Sri Lanka.