‘Arise Sri Lanka’ Musical Extravaganza: An inspirational message to the world

Show takes place at Nelum Pokuna Theatre on Saturday

By Steve A. Morrell

‘Arise Sri Lanka’ a musical extravaganza featuring the best Sri Lankan Western musical fraternity will be presented at the Nelum Pokuna Mahinda Rajapaksa Theatre on Saturday 29th August at 6:30pm, the organisers of the event said at a media briefing held at Galadari Hotel in Colombo.

One of the main purposes of bringing all this talent together is to pay a tribute to the frontline workers who helped combat the coronavirus pandemic while encouraging foreign travelers to visit Sri Lanka when the country’s borders reopen for leisure travel.

Richard de Zoysa, the architect of the event, outlined the manner in which the government together with the armed services, the medical and health officials combined to control the pandemic. He said that their exemplary actions deserved global recognition and he is determined to create an avenue where not only all Sri Lankans, but the rest of the world would be made aware of how governments could face a crisis of this nature by being decisive and resolute.

The Telethon will be presented by Elite Promotions & Entertainment together with Real and Kiss FM along with Siyatha TV. X’Periments , Mirage and Aquarius will back the artistes who include Damien, Bonnie , Ranil Amirthiah , Bonnie of Crossroads , Rukshan and Melantha Perera, Umara, Corrinne Almeida , Shiyam and Shamistar , April Shockman , Jackie and Ishini Fonseka, Marlon , Shafi and Sherriden , Rajitha of Misty, Treshelle and Mariazelle will all perform at what will probably the best ever event to be held in Sri Lanka in appreciation of our real heroines and heroes.

De Zoysa, the producer and director of Arise Sri Lanka is working together with the World Health Organization on this project.

Nalin Welgama, Founder and Executive Chairman of Ideal Group (one of the organisers of Arise Sri Lanka) said the show on Saturday could be equated to the worldwide rock concert ‘Live Aid’ by Bob Geldof which raised funds to help the people of Ethiopia.

Tickets for the show are priced at Rs. 7,500. Proceeds will go to medical services while donations would be welcome for the laudable cause, organisers said.

Lion’s Club of Millennium City Athurugiriya to conduct blood donation

Many countries are facing shortages at blood banks, especially due to low voluntary blood donations amid coronavirus lockdowns. Blood donations by many countries have reportedly dropped by 50% since mid-March, since many drives were canceled. In this backdrop, the Lion’s Club of Millennium City Athurugiriya has organised a blood donation programme to be held at the blood Bank on Saturday, 29th August at the National Blood Transfusion Centre at No 555/5, Elvitigala Mawatha, Colombo 05 from 8AM to 5PM. Anyone interested to donate blood may register through WhatsApp or SMS via 0762030400.

Pix by Dharmasena Welipitiya