Seeing double

Ruwini JAYAWARDANA

Double is not always trouble. They are at times double the delight. This is how it has been for twin sisters Upuli and Chamali Gamage. The two ladies have formed a close and unique bond since birth and one which they used for a worthy cause.

“We were the centre of attraction wherever we went and people simply adored us because we were so much alike! We were invited to take part in shows and television programmes together. Another positive aspect in being a twin is that you also feel a certain confidence because you know that no matter what you have your twin by your side. It is a feeling which is hard to express in words,” Upili voiced her ideas on her life as a twin.

The Sri Lanka Twins Cultural and Development Centre comprises around 28,000 members from all ethnic groups, religions and ages across Sri Lanka. Established in August 23, 1993, the centre is headed by Upuli and Chamali.

They have organized Liyawaruna , an exhibition showcasing the artistic talents of twins to celebrate International Women’s Day. They have already interviewed twins from many parts of the island and will hold a talent competition in which the girls will be able to display their dancing, singing and compering talents to the world. Around 50 finalists have made it to the finals of Liyawaruna and visitors will be able to witness the event live if they step into the BMICH on March 8. Contestants from areas like Hambanthota, Galle, Anuradhapura, Kiribathgoda, Ragama and many other areas will be taking part in the competition. Bridal and fashion shows, cake structure competitions, cookery demonstrations, women empowerment programmes and opportunities to shine or win many valuable prizes will also be on offer at the venue. Sudev Abeysekara will choreograph the event. Thrunee women’s magazine and ITN have joined hands with them for this venture.

Twins have always been held in fascination in the popular imagination. They have been the subject of myth and mystery and a source of curiosity to many. Even those who know twins or have them in the family may have some questions about them.

“We had an enchanting childhood. Since we looked alike we both also wanted to be treated alike. One day during one of our meals Chamali was served a bigger crab than me. I cried asking for a crab of the same size for myself. My mother had to cut Chamali’s crab into two equal portions to control the situation,” Upuli recalled one of their childhood memories with a smile.

“Our mother used to serve milk in clear glasses so that we were able to measure the levels before consuming the drink. We even counted the number of pleats on our school uniforms to make sure that the other was not given special treatment,” she added with a mischievous twinkle in her eye.

As the girls matured so did their view about the outer world. They soon realized that though they have been bundles of joy for their parents, those who are less privileged found it hard to cope with bringing up two children at once.

“Most families have several other children to bring up besides the twins. Some parents curb their hunger by having a plain tea while saving the milk for their children. We saw many such incidents while engaging in projects in connection with the centre. These children are immensely talented,” she said.

This is one of the reasons why Upuli and Chamali established the centre. They wish to bring the innate skills of twins across Sri Lanka into the limelight. They also want to help poverty-stricken families to help educate their children.

“Most of these twins are from rural areas and do not get the opportunity to bring forth their innate talents. They also need proper training to bloom to their fullest potentials. There are bucks spent on shows which do not leave much of an impact in the society. If they put their money on these talented children and help them enhance their skills we could reach the international audience,” Chamali explained adding that after displaying their talent before the international audience they hope to reveal the background of the children and the hardships they had to endure to excel in the art.

The Sri Lanka Twins Cultural and Development Centre spearheaded many projects in the past. They have an annual get together for twins all over the island on August 23. They gathered twin grandmothers, grandfathers and babies together for the Sinhala and Tamil New Year in 2001. They launched a stamp portraying the Twin Towers of the World Trade Centre on February 22, 2002, at 2.22 pm. The same year they organized a Twin Peace Walk from the Twin Towers to Galle Face Green. They have also launched a song dedicated to twins.

“It is difficult to shoulder all these projects alone because we have limited funds. We run these programmes through our own money because it has become a passion for us. We need the support of the government and other organisations. We have already spoken to President Mahinda Rajapaksa, First Lady Shiranthi Rajapaksa and MP Namal Rajapaksa regarding this. They promised to give a venue for the Sri Lanka Twins Cultural and Development Centre office,” Upuli noted adding that though the President and First Lady have given their blessings, those who are coordinating on behalf of them have not shown the same enthusiasm towards the work.

“When the Tsunami struck we were able to bring a lot of foreign aid to Sri Lanka. One particular lady who has twins sent us a lot of funds to help those who were victimized by the disaster,” Upuli said.

They hope to organize, Twin Star , a ceremony which gathers the most number of twins across the world on August 23, 2014. Twins from many countries have already confirmed that they will take part in the event. It will be a Guinness World record-breaking show. The day will also be officially declared the National Twins Day by the government.

Major Mahinda Hettiarachchi is the Managing Director of the centre. For more information you can contact the Sri Lanka Twins Cultural and Development Centre, 124 D, Walavwatte, First Lane, Abeyratne Mawatha, Boralesgamuwa or call 0759170000 or 0774158282.