Entertainment…in reverse gear

Are we taking Covid-19 seriously !

I guess none in the music industry would have expected this to happen…almost overnight!

The scene was certainly brightening up and local artistes were having work coming their way – not on a large scale, but sufficient to keep their pockets from being empty.

And, then…this coronavirus explosion that has taken everyone by surprise! What’s next? Is what we are all wondering!

Unfortunately, many of us have not taken this highly dangerous and highly contagious Covid-19 pandemic seriously.

The face mask was a forgotten issue (and still is, where some folks are concerned), and social distancing – nil in every aspect.

Just last week (after the explosion of the coronavirus pandemic, in the country) guests, at a couple of weddings, held in the vicinity of Colombo, were seen freely moving about – with no masks!

The authorities concerned must take the rap for this sorry state of affairs.

They should have made wearing face masks, when out of home, COMPULSORY. And, those who fail to comply, an on-the-spot fine imposed on the law-breaker.

Yes, and also certain events, connected with entertainment, didn’t abide by these rules.

There were sing-along evenings, and dances, as well. Obviously, no masks can be worn at a sing-along event. And dancing! To hell with social distancing!

Three big events, that were schedule to be held this month (October), have been put on hold, because of the current situation.

The organisers are not in a position to come up with rescheduled dates as no one can predict what is in store for us, over the next few weeks…or months!

The band Aquarius was to do the opening scene at the Galadari Hotel’s Arena (former Colombo 2000).

Band leader Benjy had everything worked out to make the event ‘a night to remember’ but, together with the hotel authorities, they quickly decided to put everything on hold.

The cancellation came even before the government clamped down on public gatherings.

Sohan, too, had a big thing planned, together with the band Black – for Sunday, October 11th.

However, taking into consideration the present situation, in the country, Sohan and Black thought about the safety of the public and are thinking about a date in November – again depending on how fast the situation would improve.

“It was going to be a full house on the 11th, but since we can’t work out a definite new date, we have decided to make refunds,” said Sohan, adding that, “surprisingly, many of the ticket holders prefer to hold on to their tickets and wait patiently for the reschedule date!”

Also cancelled is the ‘Arise Sri Lanka’ telethon (No. 2) that was to take place, on October 25th, with a galaxy of local stars, in the spotlight.

And, Rukshan Perera informed us that due to the current prevailing situation, in the country, the Virtual Concert for Musicians (which was scheduled for October 10th), has had to be postponed, adding “We will keep you informed of the new date.”

Yes, let’s be hopeful that we would be back to normal soon – of course, NOT the normal of before but the normal of the future!