Janahanda Foundation presents the 8th grand Singhala and Tamil New Year Celebration

Hounslow Sri Lanka Janahanda Foundation presented this year’s Singhala and Tamil New Year celebration for the successive eighth time with grandeur on 6th April 2013 at the auditorium of Lampton School, Lampton Road, Hounslow.

Despite the unusually cold weather, the event was well attended by a large number of Sri Lankans from and around London and as well as far flung towns and cities in the United Kingdom.

Venerable Bogoda Seelawimala Thero, His Excellency Dr. Chris Nonis the High Commissioner for Sri Lanka,  Mrs. Seema Malhotra Honourable Member of Parliament for Feltham and Heston, Mr. Jagdish Sharma Leader of the House London Borough of Hounslow, His Worship Mayor Mr. Pritam Singh Grewal and Lady Grewal, Miss. Surya Samaraweera, Patron of the Janahanda Foundation.Mr. Herath Minister of Cultural Affairs and Mr. Chaminda Kularatna Minister of Consular Services of the High Commission of Sri Lanka, Mr. Dhammika Muthukudarachchi Deputy Manager Bank of Ceylon London, Mr. Nalin Perera Sri Lanka Tourist Board London and a number of councilors of London Borough of Hounslow were amongst the distinguished guests in attendance.

Proceedings were commenced with the lighting of the traditional oil lamp followed by welcome speech of Miss. Surya Samaraweera, Patron of the Janahanda Foundation.

Sri Lankans of all ages took part in the traditional sports and games held in the afternoon and won many prizes. Tug of War drew so much interest and enthusiasm.

A colorful cultural show was presented in the evening compered by Messrs. Asiri Bandara and Shiran Almeida.  A delighted audience enjoyed a variety of performances showcased by young and old trained by Mesdames Madu Marasingha, Kashmi Dissanayaka and Rohini wijewikrama. 

‘Avrudu Kumari Beauty Contest’ organised by Mrs. Manoja Almeida and Ms. Niru Hettiarachi was the highlight of the evening. Beautiful lasses clad in cloth and jacket paraded around the stage making it hard for the judges Dr. Chris Nonis, Miss. Surya Samaraweera and Mr. Chaminda Kularatna to pick the best.  Miss. Tharushi Wanigaratna was crowned as the winner while runners up were Misses, SurangiPuspika Patirana, Miss Samadi Galpayage Mr. Sri Lal Dias, the President of Janahanda provided a brief account of work carried out by the Foundation over the years.   

Amongst those who worked tirelessly to make this year’s celebration a success were Messrs. Sri Lal Dias, Wijeyratna Bandara, Kamal Abeyathilaka, Gamini Muthukumarana, Sudesh Fonseka, Saman Marasingha, Saman Priyantha, Kumara Patirana Nilantha Jagath, Anuruddha, Neil Nanayakkara and Nilantha Jagath, Anuruddha Asoka Naren many others.    

Grand Finale of the celebration was a thrilled crowd dancing to the renditions of a number of popular Sri Lankan singers in London. Singers, Sunil B. Perera, Sunil Wimalarathna,  Hemanth Kumara Gunadeera,Chandana Fonseka Chadra Kumar Buddika Siriwardana,Tushara Melroy, Gayan Music By Dhanika,Charith,  Chilan and Dewa.

This year’s event was sponsored by the Bank of Ceylon, Sri Lankan Airlines, Samars Solicitors, Atlas Shipping and Messrs. Mr Nanda Dissanayaka,  Mrs Manoja Almaida,Mr Sunil B. Perera, and Mr Chanaka Dissanayaka.  Mr Dewasundarsam Mr Kanaex Kanagathurai Mr Kannan Sangaralingam, and Mr Chanaka Dissanayaka  Mr Nimesh Wickremasinghe ,Ananda Hikkaduwa Mr Fasal Mohideen  by Saman Priyanta