Carols for Charity Concert

This Christmas, the Hilton Colombo continues to bring in the spirit of the season, with its latest event - "Carols for Charity".

This spectacular Christmas concert is part of the hotel's 21st anniversary celebrations, and will be held on December 20 at the Hilton Colombo pool-side from 7.30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Proceeds from this festive event will go towards the Ceylon School for the Deaf and Blind - the Hilton Colombo's official 21st anniversary charity.

"Carols for Charity Concert" is put together by some of Sri Lanka's highly renowned artists such as: Revelations - winner of the Gold award, and titled Champion at the recently concluded Asian Choir Games 2007, in the "Gospel and Spiritual" category, along with the Revelations Academy of Performing Arts & Creativity, Druvi De Silva, Rohan De Lanerole, Natasha, Shennel Fernando, Ricky Bahar, and Monique. The night's festivities will also include a sensational surprise guest performance.

Proceeds from the sale of tickets will directly benefit the Ceylon School for the Deaf and Blind.

Victor Rathnayake:

Scintillating songs now in a CD

Ruwini Jayawardana

Most men his age would settle for a spot of quiet reading or listening to light-hearted music but maestro Victor Ratnayake, at the age of 65 years, sounds as youthful as he did 25 years ago.

The renowned vocalist had played a huge role in the local music industry by dishing out scintillating songs. Now Siyatha FM together with CIFL brings forth a collection of Rathnayake's most loved songs as Gahanu Lamainae. The CD is set to be released at the end of the year.

Rathnayake was born on February 18, 1942, in a small village near Kadugannawa, in the central province. His father, Siyanae Koralayae Rathnayake Aarachchilage Don James was an apothecary who sang "Noorthi Gee".

On his ninth birthday his father presented Victor with a harmonium. This was his stepping-stone into the world of music.

Destiny decided its course. The young lad began taking lessons under Cyril Perera while schooling at the primary school, Kadugannawa. Encountering R. A. Chandrasena, the renowned musician was yet another milestone in this budding young musician's life.

He joined the University of Aesthetic Studies (know as the Government Music College in the past) and as a violinist for Chandrasena's music group. Soon he was providing tunes for the music directed by maestros like Amaradeva, Elvitigala and D.R. Peries.

Rathnayake's breakthrough as a vocalist came after taking part in a song competition held by SLBC. With his path clear he was unstoppable.

He is the first Sri Lankan musician to hold a live one-man concert. This concert is known as 'Sa' and was first performed in 1973. It was an instant success and as the spotlight focused on the young musician, millions of fans flocked round to catch a glimpse of the young man who is on his way to becoming a legend in the industry.

"We looked up to our seniors and learnt from their creations. It set the foundation for our music. I do not see such an approach taken by the young musicians of today. It is sorry situation," the maestro spoke with regret.

"We should be able to lure youths into music but they need to learn before practising it. Otherwise without this knowledge they copy or imitate others. We need to gift the future generation with what is beneficial and meaningful."

Gahanu Lamainae comprises of 18 love songs sung by Rathnayake. Ithin Eeta Passae, Hath Wallala, Irata Handata Tharuwalata Hora, Maliniyae, Mal Pokuru Pokuru, Asha Nirasha Mavu, Eka Kudayak Yata, Sanda Kan Vasila, Apae Hangum Walata, Hurathalate Kavi, Sandath Irath Nathi, Nalawa Nisala Lavan Nalawa, Kohai Sita Oba, Mudu Parama Supivituru, Samugannata Avasarai, Ahimi Wunath Nuba Landaie, Gahanu Lamainae and Priyae Numbama Upanupan Jathi Hamu Wewa make up the song collection.

'Thank you for Voting' :

Wins the Poll!

Nilma Dole

In every respect, Dominic Kellar backed by his jolly cast of 'Thank You for Voting' was absolutely electrifying with their mud-slinging performances that sent many a ripple of laughter amongst the unsuspecting theatregoers.

After considerable media publicity everywhere that you wouldn't have failed to notice, Puss for Boss was sure a thing everyone went hay-wired about. I mean talk about voting for a guy by the name of Chaminda Pusswedilla who posts his videos up on YouTube whacking all the politicians and causing rallies and organising strikes.

So to put things in a nutshell, Puss is the MP of his gama Kotaudagama where he is the Minister of Road Development who tries to make gravel roads that are easy for the feet of bulls who steer the bullock carts. And what best way to get these things by going to India to see what good gravel roads does to bullocks that are simply bollocks.

There is this news anchor chap, Robert Westernthinking (Chamat Arambewela) who works for CNN (Carrying Nothing Newsworthy) who does the duty of interviewing Puss. Whenever he asks a question, Puss is more than willing to give an answer.

However, if the question isn't answerable then he asks for the next question. In another aspect, if he can't think of a good answer, Westernthinking gives him at least a part of the answer to which he makes actions on the CNN table.

Puss is really hilarious, with his Singlish foul language that really is like charter with its decorations of double-meanings.

During the latter stages of the drama, Puss then goes on to become the President. He has plans to build ports everywhere in every location imaginable. Every place from Colpetty to Bambalapititya, even Sigiriya and Rajagiriya will have ports, kiyala kiwah.

Another notable friend of Puss, Bernard Pagaagiving is the guy who gets all the highway tenders to construct the roads and thereafter when Puss is President Pagaagiving is the Ports Contractor.

Banki Pussawedilla, the one and only son of Puss, is the guy who harnesses intelligible qualities but falls into his father's trap of deception and lies when he frolics in the fun-loving life carved by his father that includes his sports car.

Yet another chap, Bimal Kammeliwanse, is the leader of the Pothole Department Trade Union who after obtaining a position with Pagaagiving, lets his fancy life takes over his humble beginnings.

However, I really feel sorry for Puss' Right Hand, Cyril Nitharamasuffering, (Geethike De Silva) who bears the brunt of all the Puss crap with him getting beaten from not having papers in the file during the CNN interview to getting Puss to sign a 'Peach selling motion' to impeach the President.

He even got buggered for letting the musician Sunil Bailachakravarthys get panasdaahak (5,000) for singing at the political party, or gathering rather which ended superbly with a song called 'Ahh mey Balanda'.

The music lyrics are by Feroze and Ranil Gonewardena also assisted. Feroze did the super-duper song along with video scripts with a helping hand by Hashir Milhan.

Sponsors from EWIS, Nescafe, HP, Leo Burnett, Grip, D's, MBC, Wijeya and other loyal supporters all assisted Puss in his campaign for supremacy.

This drama production was produced by Feroze Karamdeen's 'Stagelight and magic' and is really a great stress-reliever for everybody who needs a laugh.