The Sri Lankan community in Qatar turned up in large numbers at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Doha, on Friday to witness a scintillating performance by the dancers from Sri Lanka’s leading troupe The Rivega Dance Studio, led by choreographer Rangika Jeewantha.
The programme, which was held to mark Sri Lanka’s 65th Independence Day, was organised by the Embassy of Sri Lanka, in collaboration with the Sri Lankan Coordinating Committee (SLCC) Qatar.
The day’s proceedings began with the lighting of the traditional oil lamp by the chief guest and Ambassador Jayantha Palipane, sponsors, invitees, president and general secretary of SLCC Qatar, followed by a two-minute silence in memory of national heroes and the unveiling of the Independence Day souvenir to mark the occasion.
Dancers from The Rivega Dance Studio set the stage alight with a range of traditional dances —Nil Manel, Thadom, Riddi Bisav, Raksha, Suraba Walliya, Sigiri Apsara, Sana Keli, Pathuru, Matha to name a few — followed by songs and dramas by Rodney Warnakula, Giriraj Kaushalya and Priyantha Senevirathna.
Children from the local dance academies of Dinu Ranga Kalayathanaya and Senuranga Dance Troupe also showcased their talents.
The audience was kept enthralled throughout the six-hour programme by the dancers from The Rivega Dance Studio with their colourful attire and the artistes who entertained those present with popular songs, said SLCC Qatar President Lenny Cramer.
Music was provided by Black Cats Sri Lankan Music Fans Club. A vote of thanks was proposed by Anura Hettigoda, General Secretary, Sri Lankan Coordinating Committee Qatar. The programme was compered by Hema Nalin Karunaratne and coordinated by Lokitha Karavita, Sudath Lelwela, Tennison De Silva and George Bandula.
The Peninsula
