Lankan musicians mesmerise UK crowd

The Sri Lanka Janahanda Foundation - UK provided an excellent opportunity for British Parliamentarians, Sri Lanka High Commission representatives in London, Hounslow Borough Councillors and the local Sri Lankan and British audience to enjoy a multi-ethnic cultural and musical extravaganza on October 10.

Sri Lanka High Commissioner in London, Justice Nihal Jayasinghe, Des Browne MP (Kilmarnock and Loudoun) and the leader of the British cross party delegation, Cllr Jagdish Sharma, Leader of the Opposition, P. M. Amza, Deputy High Commissioner, members of the Hounslow Borough Council and many other dignitaries participated at the event.

The Feltham Assembly Hall, Feltham, Hounslow, Middlesex, which holds about 500-600 people was overflowing with a diverse crowd. Music was provided by Sky High, a popular Sri Lankan musical band based in London. Popular young Sri Lankan singer Asanga Priyamantha Peiris, younger son of J. A. Milton Perera and local singers entertained the crowd.

The young British Sri Lankans who performed at the multi cultural show thoroughly entertained the audience. Over seven different dance groups representing all communities in Sri Lanka, dressed in distinctly different traditional attire came together to perform their respective dances and songs in front of a roaring audience.

Our talented young artistes, decorated with flowers as well as metal embellished with stones, delivered a fantastic performance, which the audience described as “fabulous,” “exquisite” and at times “astonishing”. “It was a spectacular show” said Des Browne MP.

Sri Lanka High Commissioner Justice Nihal Jayasinghe, Des Browne MP, Cllr Jagdish Sharma and Mike Cook, Managing Director of Fast Cash, representing all the co-sponsors and on behalf of the Janahanda Foundation President Sri Lal Dias, joint secretaries M. Marzook and Janaka Alahapperuma addressed the gathering.

The High Commissioner said he was very appreciative of the multi cultural and music festival to celebrate the unity and diversity of Sri Lankans in the UK.

“I am aware that Janahanda Foundation has been extending a tremendous service to foster the unity among Sri Lankans living in the UK. It is timely that we look forward as people from the same motherland in order to work together for the betterment of our people.

At a time the Sri Lankan Government is concentrating on resettlement, rehabilitation, reconstruction and rebuilding the country, the effort of Janahanda foundation in my view is commendable,” Jayasinghe said.

Des Browne MP said that he is delighted to join the event celebrating Sri Lanka’s rich heritage and diverse culture.

Asiri Bandara and Shiran Almeida (Vice President of Janahanda Foundation) compered the show with assistance from Chanaka Dissanayake.