Wesleyites go east and west with 'Fusion '09'

Ruwini JAYAWARDANA

A fusion of talent will take over Ananda College auditorium on June 27 at 6.30 p.m. when the students of Wesley College, Colombo, will unravel 'Fusion '09', a string of music and dance items. The event comprising of a blend of eastern and western acts is spearheaded by former head prefect of the school, Rushan Hewawasam. It is the first time that the school will be hosting such a large scale musical and dance extravaganza.

"The slogan of the event is 'Cultures United' and that is our main focus. Our college had produced many versatile individuals but for some years the students did not get the opportunity to really show their colours in aesthetics. This was mostly because of the security situation in the country but now that terrorism is vanquished from the country, we thought of organizing the event so that it not only displays the skills of the Wesleyites but reflects the togetherness of the cultures and traditions of the ethnic groups," Rushan said.

Apart from traditional dance a variety of modern dance techniques like hip-hop and an item presented by school's the primary students will also be included in the list. A song dedicated to the war heroes will also be one of the main attractions along with the grand final and many surprises in between.

Representatives from the three Forces, the police and old students of the school are excepted to grace the occasion along with Sri Lanka's doyen of dance Vajira Chitrasena, Western Provincial Council Opposition Leader Rosy Senanayake and popular writer Haig Karunaratne as chief guests.

Rushan had come across the concept of 'Fusion '09' when he had been the chief organizer for a felicitation ceremony of the school's former principal M.A.P. Fernando on the day of his retirement. He said that while putting together the event he was struck by the abundance of talent within the Wesleyites.

The rest of his companions had taken to the idea with enthusiasm and soon they had the backing of the whole school. Teachers, students, parents and well wishers have worked frantically for nearly two months to make 'Fusion '09' a reality.

"Our principal Dr. Shanti McLelland was very keen that we do a good job and had been encouraging us from the beginning. The committee comprising Erandini Weinman, Niroza Gazzaly, F. Nawaz and Mithree Vithanage along with main student representatives Manoj Kularatne and Khaleeq Jayah have worked day and night on making sure that every aspect is perfectly in place. They been the backbone of the project," Rushan noted also stating that Greg Pallegama, Dhanish Musafer, Dilshan Seneviratne and Assan Meedin had been backing them all the way. Former Wesleyite and media personality Kumar de Silva will compere the event.

Rushan who had flown to the country from Australia especially for the event, said that he had organized a number of events for schools in the island. He had put together about five projects for Wesley college but nothing on such a large scale and as exciting as 'Fusion '09'.

Speaking on the challenging task of putting together 'Fusion '09' student representatives Manoj and Khaleeq. They said that it is time consuming but fun to breath life to the project.

"We have never been involved with such a big task before. At times it is pressurizing as we have to see that everything is spic and span in time for the big day but Rushan had been devoted to the project. He made sure that everything ran smoothly," they chorused.

"The students rehearsed with teachers after school. Everyone played their part from designing posters and stage props to distributing invitations and writing letters. The funds will be donated to the school's aesthetic sector so that they will be able to use the money in purchasing instruments and new costumes for the students. We plan to host this event annually as the response is amazing," Rushan concluded with a smile.