JASIN, Delegates to an international meeting in Melaka were impressed with Malaysia's ability to preserve its cultural identity and uniqueness as a modern and developing country. A delegate from Fiji, Kaselia Adivatulili, said her visit to Kampung Merlimau here with members of the Centre on Integrated Rural Development for Asia and the Pacific (CIRDAP) gave her a meaningful experience of seeing a place rich in heritage and history. She said this was apparent in the architecture of Demang Abdul Ghani's traditional house, which is unique and interesting, in addition to food and community activities that highlight the cultural characteristics here. "Here we can witness its ability to maintain a certain culture in a modern country, which is found in only a few places. "We are very proud to be able to meet the local community of women and men, in addition to the variety of traditional performances that were shown to us," she told reporters here. Sri Lanka's representative, Dr Goigoda Gamage Bandula, said he has been enjoying his experience since arriving in Malaysia last Saturday, noting the hospitality of the people. He said that in addition to sharing information and expertise with other delegations during the 39th CIRDAP Technical Committee Meeting, he was excited to witness the unique culture of the country. "This has opened the eyes of all delegations to see another culture from a different and unique multiracial background," he said. Meanwhile, Melaka Rural Development, Agriculture and Food Security Committee chairman Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh said the CIRDAP delegates' visit promoted not only tourism but also traditional products and local handicrafts. He said it provided an opportunity for the products to be marketed internationally through collaboration with the countries involved. The field visit involved 24 delegates from Bangladesh, Fiji, India, Indonesia, Iran, Laos, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, the Philippines, Sri Lanka and Thailand, and several observers. The tour session was also enlivened with demonstrations on Kuih Bakar Melaka and handicraft making, as well as the weaving of dodol casings. Source : BERNAMA News Agency