Ruwini on top at Light of Asia contest 2007
 

Ruwini Wageesha Kodippili from the Nalini De Alwis School of Speech and Drama bagged the Best Overall Contestant’s Challenge Cup presented by Sidath Sri Nandalochana in memory of the late D.N.W. de Silva at the Light of Asia Contest 2007.

The finals were held at the YMBA Hall, Borella on October 20 with Justice N.E. Dissanayake of the Supreme Court delivering the Keynote address.

The other winners are Group I Senior Division Girls, Challenge Cup presented by N.J.V. Cooray, Harini Indiketiya of Marjorie De Alwis School, Nugegoda; Group II Senior Division Boys, Challenge Cup presented by Sir Cyril De Zoysa, Malaka Randula Yattigala; Group IV Junior Division Boys, Challenge Cup presented by D.L.F. Pedris, Yasantha Rajithatheja Hettiarachchi; Group V Primary Division Girls, Challenge Cup presented by Mr. and Mrs J.W. Piyatissa, Nethmee Goonasekera of Musaeus College; Colombo Group VI Primary Division Boys Challenge Cup presented by Mr and Mrs. J.W. Piyatissa, Chatura Neranjan Gunasekera of S. Thomas’ College, Mount Lavinia, Group VII Basic Division Girls Challenge Cup

presented by Mr and Mrs. L.M. Kuruppu, Anuradha Adikaram of Musaeus College, Colombo, Group VIII Basic Division Boys Challenge Cup presented by Mr and Mrs. L.M. Kuruppu, Sasika Laksitha Rathnathilake of Lyceum International School, Nugegoda; Group IX Dhamma Schools and Outstation Vidyalayas Senior Division (Mixed) Challenge Cup presented by M. P. Wanigasekera Memorial Trophy Keerthi and Dharma Adasuriya, Janithra Chaturabhani Senanayake; Group X Dhamma Schools and Outstation Vidyalayas, Junior Division (Mixed) Challenge Cup presented by Mr and Mrs. J. W. Priyatissa, Sanjaya Navod

Wijesekara of Bauddhayatana Dhamma School; Group XI Dhamma Schools and Outstation Vidyalayas, Primary Division (Mixed) Challenge Cup presented by Mr and Mrs. L.M. Kuruppu, J.G. Sadini Rumeshika of Lyceum International School, Panadura, and Group XII Dhamma Schools and Outstation Vidyalayas Basic Division (Mixed) Challenged Cup presented by Mr and Mrs. L. M. Kuruppu, H.W.W.M.K.R. Hulugalla of Samadhi Dhamma School. Kandy.

“The Light of Asia” contest based on Sir Edwin Arnold’s classic commenced in 1925 by Late D.N.W. de Silva, a former Hony. General Secretary of the Colombo YMBA to develop skills in public speaking, acquire proficiency in the English Language among younger generation including Buddhist ethics and values.

Justice Dissanayake emphasised the importance of this contest and the benefits of it to children.

The Academy of Professional Studies (APS) promoted the literary activities of the YMBA for the third conservative year for the Light of Asia Contest. APS affiliated by Sujatha Vidyalaya, Nugegoda promotes activities related to the development of English Language skills.

The contest is organised by the YMBA, Colombo as an annual event to develop youths’ speaking skills.

The Light of Asia is written by British poet Sir Edwin Arnold exploring the Buddha’s philosophy.

Youth from all communities, including Muslim, Christians and Catholics participated in the contest annually.

Host of events await Thailand bound Sri Lankan scouts

Twenty Sri Lankan scouts representing the Sri Lanka Scout Association will leave for Thailand on Sunday to participate in the “Chiangmai International Scout Camporee 2007”, which will be held from December 18 to 24 at Mon Come On Camp, Chiangmai, Thailand.

This international camporee is organised by the National Scout Organisation of Thailand to commemorate the Centenary Celebrations of the World Scout Movement.

A variety of activities will be offered to the international scouts, both on-site and off-site activities such as adventuring, hiking, cycling, craft and engineering skills, archery, climbing, elephant riding, bamboo rafting, challenge valley, scout projects, cultural night, friendship games, tour and making friends with scouts from many countries.

The Sri Lanka contingent will be led by Shantha Madurawe, National Training Commissioner of the Sri Lanka Scout Association.

The Sri Lanka contingent are: Nadun Medamarandawala, 15, St.Thomas College, Bandarawela, Ishan Kulatunga, 14, St. Thomas College, Bandarawela, Chamika Jayaratne, 14, St. Thomas College, Bandarawela, Pujitha Wijekoon, 13, St. Thomas College, Bandarawela, Sahan Ranpatabendi, 11, St. Thomas College, Bandarawela, Harsha Liyanage, 13, St. Thomas College, Bandarawela, Thilina Ratnayake, 13, St. Thomas College, Bandarawela, Pramodya Hatharasinghe, 14, St. Thomas College, Bandarawela, Viraj Maduwantha Premasiri, 17, Prince of Wales College, Moratuwa, Navod Melpitiya, 15, Prince of Wales College, Moratuwa, Sandika Premaratne, 15, Prince of Wales College, Moratuwa, Dumindu Seneviratne, 15, Prince of Wales College, Moratuwa, Dulitha Thilakumara, 14, Lyceum, Panadura, Vagees Gomes, 13, Lyeceum, Panadura, Lahiru Sewinda, 15, Thakshila MMV, Horana.

Christmas classics for the season

Chaminda PERERA

The Peterite Western Choir will showcase many Christmas classics and a new and vibrant pieces at their Concert on December 15 at 7.00 p.m. at the college hall.

The concert Nino Lindo Erest Tu me Dious- which means Lovely Baby You Are My God is a meticulous blending of soprano voices with the rich resonance of bass, tenor and baritone that usher in the Christmas spirit for the 30th year in succession.

This choral ensemble consisting of 44 students is led by St Peter’s College Music Directress Hasini Halpe the daughter of Prof. Ashley Halpe and Mrs. Halpe who have contributed tremendously for the uplift of English education and music in Sri Lanka.

The stage will be illuminated and the backdrop with glowing Christmas trees and mangers to create the festive atmosphere. The choir comprises students of different faiths and religions and has in a way made an impact on selection of students.

Leading Catholic schools in Colombo will also perform with the Peterites. Choir leader Shanuka Silva who has been in the choir for more than 10 years says he has conducted the choir for four years and 2 years as a choir leader.

“Ours is a versatile choir which is open for all students who can sing,” Shanuka says. “We sing hymns and pop songs alike.”

Deputy choir leader Nipuna Dias says he is proud of being a member of the country’s first ever school choir.

“I have been singing in this choir started by Rev. Fr. Clever Perera. for more than five years,” he says. All students are striving to make this event a success. They make a significant sacrifices in coming to practices in time after the school is over. Their dedication and commitment toward this end is commendable, he says.

Alto leader Eshan Denipitiya says he has been in the choir for many years. “Our conductors and the Music Directress are total disciplinarians who have a very keen eye on each child.

“What they want is to keep our musical spirit and fervour alive and take the choir into higher standards,” Eshan says.

Soprano leader Nuran Gomez says his role in the choir is very crucial. “Each and every part should have comprehensive practices before the concert is staged. Our colleagues have sacrificed their intervals, leisure for this worthy cause.”

Musical Directress Hashini Halpe says many students have shown exceptional abilities in music. They require more training but their dedication and enthusiasm is unbelievable.

Hillwood students add colour to Folklore Festival in Lampang

A 28-member Dance Troupe from Hillwood College, Kandy participated at the 19th International Folklore Festival in Lampang, Thailand from November 20 to 27. The festival was organised by the Ministry of Culture of Thailand to celebrate the occasion of the 80th birthday of the Thai King.

The Dance Troupe performed every evening at the special stage while they also performed at selected high schools during the day.

The Sri Lankan students were also taken to places of interest in Lampang including the famous elephant village.