Message from Harshi Boralessa and Ajantha De Abrew

First of all we like to comment on Mahendra Gonsalkorale’s input as co-host/ technologist. His input was invaluable for the smooth, slick running of the final production. Graphics were fantastic, presented in Visakha colours - Blue and Gold.

Harshi Boralessa, the host, opened the eagerly awaited extravaganza. She highlighted  that although HOPE was originally conceived to raise hopes of financially deprived undergraduates to reach their full potential, she also hoped that it would help to lift our spirits & raise our hopes for the dawn of a new Era free from the pandemic currently raging globally.

The President, Padmani De Silva, gave a wonderful speech elaborating on the increased need for   financial support due to the income losses caused by the current pandemic. Padmani was well poised, clad in a perfectly draped saree in Visakha colours. The background that she had chosen had a regal outlook

Thushara Rodrigo then set the scene with a very eloquent Kaviya. It was quite moving and   summed up the main objective of the concert appreciating donations for the scholarship fund. The Kaviya also emphasised that we should appreciate what we are blessed with.

The Extravaganza opened with a Pooja Dance performed by Chapa Makavita. Her performance was outstanding. The three children in the finale enhanced the beauty of the performance.

The iconic Sri Lankan artist Yohani de Silva, catapaulted to global fame, sang 2 songs with a delightful mixture of English & Sinhalese lyrics & Rap. One was her signature cover, “Manike mage Hithe.”

The renowned Sri Lankan operatic soprano Kishani Jayasinghe followed with a spellbinding performance of a medley of Arias from 2 well known operas. She was a wonderful Opera singer trained at the Royal London Opera House.

From opera in Europe we were relocated to Latin America and the Rumba. Dayamali and Supul Hennanayake , dancing to the song – ‘Ruwata Ruwe” enthralled us & made me feel nostalgic for our annual Visakha Baila Nite and Autumn Ball.

Keerthi Pasquel, a household name & a very popular singer from Sri Lanka, followed with   4 songs. Those were perfect. The main highlight of his songs was “Kandula” which gets played regularly at Visakha Balls.

Suresh David known to everyone attending dances organised by Sri Lankan Associations in the UK,  followed with a medley of  3 songs in   English, and Tamil. His toe tapping renditions of Sway, Save the Last Dance & Adi ennadi Raakamma was a fitting finale to the first session.

Following a short interlude, the second session opened with a troupe of Sri Lankan dancers from the New Zealand Dance Academy. Dressed in striking gold and black costumes they first performed a flawless traditional Kandyan dance and a memorable Fusion dance, blending traditional & modern dance styles.

Rodney Warnakulasinghe’s song “Supun Sandak” that followed  added spice to the show. Rodney is the well known host of the popular TV programme  “Baila Saadaya” in Sri Lanka and he captured our hearts.

Multi-skilled Mahendra Gonsalkorale gave an amazing performance singing two love songs. He was followed by the multi-talented, Neville Perera, with a medley of three songs. His performance was exceptional & those who do not know him would not have guessed that he was not a professional singer.

Then came the famous Duo – Kusum and Nyanis Subesinghe - great singers in the Sri Lankan diaspora in England. They sang three songs—one about a little son, Ave Maria and a devotional song for Sri Lanka. Their music was warmly received and loudly applauded

.

Surani and Hiran Wijeratne followed singing two lovely songs. One was  “Country Roads” which would have been nostalgic to many. The other was a Hindi song “Kurukku Chiruthuwale” which received much applause.

The evening’s performances was rounded off by Chapa. Her semi classical Bharatha Natyam to Yohani’s Manike Mage Hithe was incredible. I was amazed as to how she adapted her dance routine for this tune Perhaps a brand new experience. This was followed by a beautiful classical Kathak dance , a perfect finale.

The audience was then invited to join in the “Grand Finale”. This session started with a medley of songs starting with “Roll out the barrel”. This medley was followed by the school anthem and the Sri Lankan & British anthems.

In  conclusion, it was a wonderful evening  with so many singers & dancers, professionals & non professional, all of whom were exceptional. Congratulations to the Events Co-ordinators Harshi Boralessa , Kanthi Raveendran and the sub committee for spending so much time to liaise with everybody to make this event a success. A special thank you to Mahendra for his expertise .  

We have collected over £3000 so far for our Bursaries fund. We, the PPA Visakha UK committee, & all the PPAV members in the UK are immensely grateful to all the performers as well as the participants & the donors for enabling us to achieve our goal.