South Asia’s longest-running concert for children, the Country Roads Concert, is set to return for its landmark 37th edition this October. Organised by the Country Music Foundation (CMF), the annual event has, for nearly four decades, brought together music lovers and philanthropists in a united effort to uplift the lives of underprivileged children across Sri Lanka.

Reflecting on the concert’s many milestones, CMF President and Founder Feizal Samath shared memorable highlights, including the 25th anniversary partnership with UNICEF to retrofit courtrooms and make them child-safe, as well as the Rs. 500,000 donation made in 2014 to Save the Children Sri Lanka for mother-and-child programs on plantation estates. He also recalled the distribution of hundreds of mosquito nets to schoolchildren in Monaragala—just one of the many grassroots efforts supported by CMF over the years.

Feizal emphasised that the concert’s longevity is owed in large part to its dedicated fanbase, which has supported the event through the years. "Even as we host this year’s concert at the fabulous Cinnamon Life at City of Dreams, one of Colombo’s most iconic venues, we’ve ensured that ticket prices remain accessible, starting at just Rs. 3,000. We want true country music fans to enjoy this experience without breaking the bank."

This year, CMF also pays tribute to Ramesh de Silva, a creative force who has quietly shaped the concert’s communications for over 15 years. As the founder of boutique ad agency Firefly, Ramesh has selflessly contributed his time, creativity, and weekends to CMF’s mission—developing impactful campaigns that resonate deeply with the organisation’s core values of compassion and service to children.

An award-winning advertising professional, Ramesh's accolades include recognition at Cannes Lions (Finalist, 2008), a Silver at Asia’s ADFEST, a Bronze at Ireland’s Kinsale Shark Awards, and two Bronze Effies. His creative portfolio, which can be viewed at thefireflynext.wordpress.com, stands as a testament to his commitment to both craft and cause.

As the Country Roads Concert prepares for another unforgettable edition, CMF remains steadfast in its mission: bringing people together through music to create a better world for children.

This year's Country Roads concert for children is being held on Sunday, October 19 (from 7pm onwards) at The Forum at Cinnamon Life at City of Dreams.