Though our children possess many talents, there are very limited opportunities available for Sri Lankan children living in the UK to perform and develop their cultural entertainment talent in a multi-cultural society like London.

Even if their parents want to encourage them to develop, resources are scarce in the UK. “HELA DARU WARUNA” (The talent of Sri Lankan youngsters) is the first ever Sri Lankan Cultural show that brought all Sri Lankan youngsters together on one stage to showcase their talent.

Hela Daru waruna was first staged in October 2007 and then the 2nd performance in October 2009. This being the 3rd time, it was held at Lampton School, Hounslow on 21st April 2012. All participants were under the age of 18. It was a 3 hour entertainment event which included Sri Lankan cultural dancing, Folk songs, Orchestra, Drumming and Drama.

The organizers empowered the youngsters to completely handle the event day without interference or parental guidance at the stage side. Parents helped the performers behind the stage but the whole program was announced and run to precision by the youngsters.

It showed that these children had the ability to perform talents and their parents to appreciate their own culture. It was significant that the whole program was conducted in Sinhalese by the children and showed their skill and ability to speak the language of Sinhala with confidence in public.

The audience had been requested to wear the Sri Lankan national dress to attend the event, which made a difference to all other performances held in London.

This we believe is the first ever Sri Lankan childrens event held outside of Sri Lanka done completely by children. More than 130 children performed for Hela Daru waruna 3 and they came from various parts of the suburbs such as Kent, Croydon, Hounslow, Watford and other surrounding parts of London.

Participants in this event made a very strong friendship with each other and it helped develop a strong young community of expatriates.

Mr. A P Aththanayaka, Mrs. Rasika Kumarage, Mrs. Maduka Marasingha and Mrs. Olu Suraweera trained these children. During the interval the audience was treated to delicious Sri Lankan foods, free of charge. The entrance was free but restricted to invitees only. The audience count was more than 500.



Pics by Bandula Manage