Bouquets galore for…

ARISE SRI LANKA

ARISE SRI LANKA, the fundraiser with a difference, which became a reality, on Saturday, August 29th, at Nelum Pokuna, has certainly generated loads of excitement…for the many who caught the action, while it was live streamed on Facebook and YouTube.

Social Media was inundated with bouquets, and these are some of them that came my way…

* Nirmalie Fernando – England:

Thanks to everyone, who made this event possible, and to you, Ivan, for the excellent publicity

Indeed, it was a Star-Studded Night for a Very Worthy Cause.

It made me so proud and emotional, watching it happening, live, all the way from London.

Little Sri Lanka, whose mother tongue is not English, has always produced some Outstanding Western Musicians who are capable and worthy to grace any World Stage.

Congratulations to all the superb artistes (both musicians and singers). You were all outstanding.

What great musical talent and super voices. Each holding their own. What a brilliant selection of songs. It was feast for the ears.

A very Loud Hand of Applause to Richard de Zoysa for his courage to stage this show in this time and space.

May all these stars continue to shine on stage for a very long time to come.

* Suzi Flückiger – Switzerland:

Oh, yes, Ivan, I watched the whole show, but not on the day it was live streamed, as I was singing on that particular day.

I just LOVED Shiyam and his wife and also enjoyed April (Janis Joplin style).

Outstanding was also Umara, but I would have preferred a better song from her.

Kevin was great, too, with ‘Master Blaster’ and the backing band was great.

All their singing styles were so different and very unique.

All in all, the show was good. I liked it.

Hats off to the organizing team.

* Ranjith Cabral – Canada:

Rising up to the occasion, Richard de Zoysa, and Ivan and the team. Sri Lanka needs more people like you, at this time of need.

Well done.

* Bernie Jayamaha – Australia:

Sadly, I got myself busy, on the day of the show, and missed the live stream. But, I got the opportunity to watch it when my friends sent me the live clip, via a text message.

It was a superb show

If there is a nomination for the best show, I will gladly nominate ‘Arise Sri Lanka.’

* Dirk Tissera – Canada:

Congratulations Richard, Ivan and the team. Proud of you.

* Minola Wettasinghe – Sweden:

I’m new to your scene but thought of writing to you after seeing the live streaming of ‘Arise Sri Lanka’ on YouTube.

The whole event was well presented and I’m glad it was done for a very worthy cause.

I wonder if both Noeline and Sohan are regular comperes! They did an excellent job in hosting this prestigious event.

I was also impressed with the Aquarius band that did ‘A Hole In The World’ as I love The Eagles very much.

* Robin Mendis – Canada:

Great work Richard, Ivan and team. Good to see you all in action.

* Michael Jayaweera:

A great achievement, Ivan. The country needs a dedicated, energetic and focused team in times of crises. Keep the good deeds running! We are proud of you all.

And those who came in for special praise, for their outstanding performance, on August 29th, included…

* Cindy Debra Tucker (Noeline Honter):

Awesome. She always sang this song, ‘Bridge Over Troubled Waters,’ so well.

* Chrys Wickramanayake (Dr. Nilanka):

She stood out with her performance.

* Reza Dean (Dr. Nilanka):

So natural and lots of feel. Well done Nilanka.

* Mahinda Attanayake:

Lovely rhythm from the Beat Drummers. I enjoyed it.

* Manoj Rathnayake:

The girl, who sang with the group Mirage, Ishini Fonseka, was simply fantastic. I liked the way she went about doing her song. Hope to hear and see more of her.

ARISE SRI LANKA 02 – a telethon, and live telecast – will be held at the Main Ballroom of the Galadari Hotel, on October 25th.

“The telethon, at the Galadari, would be open to the public who could then make their donations and pledges, for the welfare of our frontliners battling Covid-19,” said Richard.