Sri Lankan Embassy in Turkey celebrates New Year with special children

ANKARA

Sri Lanka’s Embassy in Turkey on Wednesday celebrated New Year and Christmas with children with autism in the Turkish capital Ankara.

The embassy organized a special event at the Autism Foundation in the capital’s Incek district.

Speaking at the event, Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to Turkey Mohamed Rizvi Hassen underlined the importance of raising awareness of autism.

Underlining that the embassy regularly organizes such events, Rizvi said they recently resumed the events after two years due to the coronavirus pandemic.

“This year, we started (to organize them) again thanks to the relaxation of pandemic restrictions,” he said, expressing his happiness to be with children with special needs.

He wished peace, happiness, and prosperity for the New Year and thanked everyone who joined the event.

Aydin Cayan, chairman of the Autism Foundation, underlined the importance of raising awareness of autism.

“Autism is spreading very fast in the world. One out of every 54 children is born with autism. This rate is four to five times higher in boys. In this respect, it is very important to raise awareness,” Cayan said.

Noting that they founded the group in 2010, he said they provide special education, sports opportunities, and vocational training.

Cayan gave a thank-you certificate to the ambassador for their help and organization.

Following opening speeches, the embassy staff sang New Year songs. Children joined in by playing instruments.

The ambassador also played a mini table tennis match with a young boy who gets education at the foundation. Scooter and roller skate performances also charmed the audience.

At the end of the event, the embassy staff distributed New Year’s gifts to the children.