Simply the BEST…

ARISE SRI LANKA, the fundraiser with a difference, became a reality last Saturday, August 29th, and what an awesome event it turned out to be!

The stars did shine and they certainly made it a mega scene, the moment the group Mirage went into action, with their show opener, the Neil Diamond song ‘Crunchy Granola Suite.’

Every artiste, on stage, ensured that it was a memorable happening…memories that would last a lifetime, I’m sure.

They all did it magnificently for a very worthy cause – Ishini, Noeline, April, Trishelle, Corrine, Damian, Kevin, Bonnie, Marlon and, in particular Dr. Nilanka.

Her contribution, ‘Killing Me Softly,’ was outstanding.

This unique event was divided into two sections – the first set where Mirage provided the backing for most of the performers, while Sohan & The X-Periments did the needful in the second set.

In addition to the vocals of Sohan, and female vocalist, Trishelle, they also accompanied the artistes who were featured in the second segment of the show.

Before Sohan & The X-Periments made their appearance, Aquarius, with Benjy at the helm, did a very appropriate song, taking into consideration the problems the whole world is experiencing, due to the Coronavirus pandemic.

Their contribution was The Eagles’ ‘A Hole In The World.’

It wasn’t a flamboyant contribution from a band that is planning to light up the stage with their act.

The guys did it beautiful, seated on stools – the way the original was done by The Eagles.

The show ended on a high note with several artistes joining in the vocals for Noeline and Melantha’s combined effort – ‘Arise Sri Lanka.”

Melantha also did a catchy version of Shaggy’s ‘Angel,’ backed by some of his students.

Richard de Zoysa, who was responsible for this unique fundraiser becoming a reality, has a bigger plan – to give the public the opportunity of being a part of this scene.

ARISE SRI LANKA, at the Nelum Pokuna, last Saturday, was a prelude to a telethon, and a live telecast, which will follow, at the Main Ballroom of the Galadari Hotel, on October 25th.

Originally, there were restrictions placed on the number of people who could attend ARISE SRI LANKA, at the Nelum Pokuna.

“The Galadari telethon would be open to the public and I will have all the details ready so that the public can join in and be a part of all the excitement,” said Richard.

Last Saturday’s event was live streamed to the world, via Facebook and YouTube.

You can take in the scene again by checking out Arise Sri Lanka on YouTube and Facebook.