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Sinhala song performed at the Commonwealth Day service in UK (Video)

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Two artists of Sri Lankan origin performed at the Service of Celebration for Commonwealth Day 2023 held at the Westminster Abbey in the United Kingdom on Monday (13).

Roshani Abbey who plays the role of Peggy in the Westend production of ‘Hamilton’ and Nuwan Perera who most recently played the lead in the Westend production of ‘Life of Pi’ performed at the service.

The two artists of Sri Lankan origin performed the song ‘Anagathey’ by Wayo to mark the long-standing ties between Britain and Sri Lanka, and to honour the 75th Independence anniversary of Sri Lanka marked in February this year.

For the first time, His Majesty, King Charles III delivered his Commonwealth Day Message during the service of celebration at Westminster Abbey, in his new role as Head of the Commonwealth.

This historic occasion, in the presence of senior members of the Royal Family, featured musical performances from all regions of the Commonwealth including artists from New Zealand, Rwanda, Cyprus, and Sri Lanka.

(NewsWire)

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President instructs to reopen National Art Gallery before year’s end

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President Ranil Wickremesinghe, during an inspection tour yesterday (26), visited the John de Silva Memorial Theatre and the long-delayed National Art Gallery. Despite construction commencing in 2011, both projects remain incomplete. 

President Wickremesinghe instructed officials to expedite the opening of the National Art Gallery before the year’s end, emphasizing the need for consensus among artists and architects. He also pledged government support for financial allocations. Additionally, he highlighted the demand for high-standard, affordable theatres in Colombo, questioning if such facilities could be provided following the completion of the John de Silva Theatre.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe stressed the importance of consulting dramatists before making final decisions on construction and maintenance projects. He directed the Ministry Secretary to explore options for reviving the Lumbini Theatre and the Nawa Rangahala to support the theatre and also instructed the Ministry Secretary to take steps to construct a drama theatre in Colombo’s Sudarshi Premises.

Emphasizing the need to establish a national cultural zone encompassing the Nelum Pokuna, Kalabhavana, John de Silva Memorial Theatre, Museum, and related areas, the President instructed the Ministry of Cultural Affairs to prepare a comprehensive report on this initiative. Additionally, he urged officials to enhance Sri Lanka’s museum system to international standard and tasked them with identifying a suitable country for mentorship in this regard.

Secretary of the Ministry of  Buddha Sasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs Somaratne Vidanapathirana, Additional Secretary Thilak Hettiarachchi, Director General of the Department of Cultural Affairs Yasintha Gunawardena, the team of architects from the University of Moratuwa who designed these buildings and the Navy officers who are in charge of the National Art Gallery renovations joined this event.

Prof. Praneeth Abhayasundara, Prof. Chandragupta Thenuwara, Parakrama Niriella, Mohamed Safeer and Saman Athavudahetti also spoke on behalf of the artists.

(President’s Media Division)

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Windy Goonatillake wins award for ’Ayyo Sami’

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Windy Goonatillake has won the award for the Best Sensational Song of the Year – 2023 at the 16th Edison Awards held in Chennai, South India.

She received the award for the Sri Lankan Tamil song “Aiyo Sami.

She was joined by her husband – Sanuka Wickramasinghe who was the music producer of the song and Pothuvil Asmin who wrote the lyrics.

Following the ceremony, they arrived at the Katunayake International Airport last night.

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Veteran singer Chandra Kumara Kandanarachchi no more

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Veteran singer Chandra Kumara Kandanarachchi has passed away today (March 26).

He was aged 76 and had been receiving treatment at a private hospital in Colombo.

His popular songs include ‘Ege Sinahawa Thahanam’, ‘Pem Benda Sith Benda’, ‘Ganga Nadee Theeraye’, and ‘Hithe Sathuta Jiwithe’. 

Funeral details are to be informed by the family later

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