Sri Lankan Day in Santa Monica A Glorious Cultural Event to Remember
By Philip Fernando
Sri Lankan Day in Los Angeles organized by the Sri Lanka Foundation turned out to be an extravaganza building awareness, recognition and strengthening of Sri Lankan cultural presence in the area. Over 10,000 participants over a period of ten hours thoroughly enjoyed the day at the 3rd Street promenade in Santa Monica, California. It culminated with the staging of the Kandy Perahara with Nilames drummers, dances and the “Tusker” carrying the Relic Casket traversing the length of the promenade. The festivities covered over four blocks of space with two stages at either end where performances by artists, musicians, dancers resonated through out the day.
It was an unqualified success judging by the depth of participation and the strong sense of oneness exhibited by the Sri Lankans. It helped Sri Lankan businesses to introduce themselves to the large crowd present. There were over 30 booths providing unlimited access to everyone to enjoy Sri Lankan products, food, books, records, and items of cultural value.
President of the Sri Lankan Foundation, Dr. Walter Jayasinghe who launched this project three years ago, had achieved a near miracle in getting such an overwhelming response from the local Sri Lankans, according thousands who were there at the Sri Lankan Day. They said that Dr Jayasinghe believed in Sri Lankan creativity, and their uncanny ability to learn on multiple levels. He knew how to best stimulate them to achieve their full potential. Over the last three years, this festival had grown measurably to become a national day of Sri Lanka in southern California. It was a glorious presentation of Sri Lanka’s cultural diversity and strength.
Among some of the performances of the day were: dances by Naomi Gapper, Thushari Jayasekara, Seriozha Lyvers, Heshani Sankani, Lalani Warnakulasuriya, Ruwani Horanage, Janinda Gunawardana, and Hiruni and Ravindi Ranawaka.
Sri Lankan music was provided by Indu Wickremasinghe, Shehan Kanhanda, vocals were given by Anishka and Chatuni (Danno Budinge). Short plays were presented by Kanthi Jayasinghe depicting Sinhala and Tamil New Year, and Wesak and a traditional Sri Lankan Wedding. Another play presented the ancient story of Andare at the Royal Court.
Live Music was on through out the day courtesy of Heat, Beyond Asia, Strangers and by George Rutnam and Band. There was a Hip Hop performance by J-Nil.
