Ikebana International founded in 1956 in Japan, today counts over 260 member clubs under the umbrella of the parent body with its motto "Friendship Through Flowers."  

A spokesperson for the Sri Lanka Chapter said that Ikebana, a beautiful, restful art form which is globally recognized, originated in the Japanese temples about 700 years ago when monks offered flowers arranged in vases to the Buddha.

The art form went from the temples, to palaces, to the homes of  the nobility, to the homes of Japanese people and was finally embraced  internationally, Ikebana has come a long way changing with the times yet maintaining its uniqueness in elegance, style and serenity which is hard to match, she said.

"Ikebana arrangers are trained to work in silence, with patience, in harmony with nature which makes it a stress relieving, calming exercise. It is  meditative, spiritualistic and soothes the body and mind. Flowers, leaves, twisted branches, twigs, roots, vines and anything else a creative mind would want to experiment with can be used to turn out lovely works of art which would truly beautify a home," she added.

 "The visitors to Blossoms of Hope would be treated to a delightful visual experience. The creative, talented, members have over the years turned out splendid works of art and it will be so this year as well. The proceeds from this event will be utilized to purchase much needed drugs for poor children with cancer at the Cancer Hospital Maharagama."    

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