DILI, 18 May 2026 –
The Vice Prime Minister, Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs and Minister of Tourism and Environment, Francisco Kalbuadi Lay, accompanied by Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão, participated in a traditional cultural ritual ceremony before the groundbreaking of the International Convention Center (ICC) project in Dili Port. The official launch of the project will be held on May 20, 2026.

This traditional ritual ceremony is an integral part of Timor-Leste’s culture and identity. It aims to seek permission and blessings from the custodians of the land and the ancestors, ensuring the development project proceeds smoothly, safely, and benefits the entire nation.
The IX Constitutional Government, led by Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão, invited the sacred word master (Lia-na’in) from Aileu Mota-Ain, Karketu, Rogério Rodrigues Saldanha, to lead the ritual. The ceremony was conducted with the belief that before construction begins, sacred word masters must gather at the site to dispel all negative energies, allowing the construction to proceed successfully to completion.
Considering Timor-Leste’s nature poses challenges like floods, the cultural ritual included the sacrifice of a chicken and a pig. Examining their entrails showed positive signs with no negative indications. The chicken’s right leg and left wing signaled no adverse events. As for the pig, despite a small wound on its snout, it symbolized something minor to be addressed. These signs ensure that despite heavy rains or earthquakes, construction will continue smoothly.
The implementation and execution of the ICC Construction project will be undertaken by Shaanxi Construction Group Corporation.