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Fifth New Year festival
in Leicester organised by the Venerable Teldeniyaye
Amitha thera, patron of the Sri Lankan Community Centre and
Mr Jagath Pandigamage, The President Sri Lanka Community
Centre Leicester and members of community centre was
held on a sunny Sunday afternoon in Scraptoft Mens Club
in Leicester on 26 April. The programme began at 1pm
with traditional Sri Lankan New Year games in which
young and old alike participated.
On their arrival, Chief Guest Lord Mayor of Leicester
Councillor Manjula P Sood and Deputy High Commissioner
Sumith Nakalanda were welcomed with a flower bouquet
presented by two children from the local community.
Venerable Teldeniyaye Amitha thera gave an opening
speech, then the traditional oil lamp was lit by Lord
Mayor of Leicester Manjula P Sood, Venerable Teldeniyaye
Amitha thera, Mr Jagath Pandigamage and other invited
guests.
The diverse programme was hosted by Mr Manoj Perera and
Renuka Gunasekara and saw colourful performances,
including singing and dancing from the children of the
Leicester Buddhist Vihara Dhamma school and colourful traditional Sri Lankan up
country dancers. Speeches were heard from Lord Mayor of
Leicester, Deputy High Commissioner and Dr Nanayakkara.
Thanking speech was delivered by Mr Renuka Gunasekara.
The New Year festival was sponsored by Leicester and
Braunstone councils. Sri Lankan Airlines, Duke Court
Travels, Paradise Travels, Serendib Shipping Company,
Samadee Homes, Trico Shipping and Mr Raj Patel. A
3-prize raffle was drawn in aid of the Leicester Sri
Lankan Community Centre. The 1st prize being a return
ticket to Sri Lanka donated by Sri Lanka Airlines.
The Sky High Band from London thrilled the audience with
Sri Lankan music and baila bringing the audience to
their feet. Guests artist Sunil Bernard Perera entertain
the audience with Baila and dance. Band Manager Mr
Rajamuni Wimaladasa did not forget to entertain the Lord
Mayor of Leicester with some Hindi Songs.
Mr Jagath Pandigamage, The President Sri Lanka Community
Centre Leicester of thanked everyone who sponsored and
supported the New Year festival. |
