Birmingham Soorya Mangalaya 2011

Birmingham Soorya Mangalaya - 24th April 2011

Report by Dusmantha Wijekoon - Photographs by Dusmantha Wijekoon & Vidura Ganewatta

This year’s Sri Lankan New Year festival in Birmingham, organised by the Venerable Keppetiyagoda Gunawansa maha thera, chief monk, resident monks and devotees of Jethavana Buddhist vihara Birmingham with the assistance of Mrs Shanthi Rajakaruna, was taken to new heights. Now the second largest New Year festival in the UK and the second largest cultural event in Birmingham since Api Wenuwen Api was hosted in 2008, Sri Lankan festivities in the area have entered a new era.

The 2010 Birmingham New Year festival, sponsored by Duke’s Court Travel, Bank of Ceylon and Dr Hewa Vitharana, was held on a sunny Sunday afternoon at Ladywood Leisure Centre in Birmingham on 24 April, commencing at 1.30pm with traditional Sri Lankan New Year games in which young and old alike participated.

Among the special guests were Ven. Dr. Uttaragnana thero from the Burmese temple in Birmingham, Acting High Commissioner for Sri Lanka in the UK H.E. PM Amza, Defense Advisor Major General Prasanna de Silva, (WWV RWP RSP PSC), Political Advisor to SLHC Mr Lenagala, Birmingham City Council Councilor Mr Chauhdry Rashid, President of Devotees Dr. Hewa Vitharana, Manager Barclays Bank Birmingham Mr Abdulah Khan, Deputy Manager Duke’s Court Travel Mr. Anurada Liyanage and Sri Lanka Tourist Board Public Relations Manager Mr. Nalin Perera.

Upon arrival, Chief Guest, H.E. PM Amza and other guests were presented with traditional betel leaves by young children of the community. Ven. Teldeniyaye Amitha thero from Leicester vihara opened the ceremony by observing the five precepts. The first ever traditional human oil lamp in UK was lit by the special guests, followed by 2 minute silence to honor the service persons those who sacrifice their lives for the motherland and opening speech from Ven. Keppetiyagoda Gunawansa maha thera.

The diverse programme, hosted by Mr Chanaka Dissanayake and Mrs Achala Mahavitharana, saw vibrant dances led by ex-Navy dancing instructor Mrs Kashmi Dissanayake of Midland Sarasi Dancing Academy and many singing and dancing performances from children in the local community.

Speeches were also heard from H.E. PM Amza, Maj. Gen. Prasanna Silva and Mr Chauhdry Rashid. A 5-prize raffle was drawn in aid of the Jethavana Vihara, the 1st prize being a return ticket to Sri Lanka donated by Sri Lanka Airlines.

The ever popular Sky High Band from London thrilled the audience with Sri Lankan music and baila filling the dance floor. Many singers from the local community entertained with popular Sri Lankan songs.

Mr. Shantha Perera gave the thanking speech while Ven. Keppetiyagoda Gunawansa maha thera of Jethavana Buddhist vihara Birmingham thanked everyone who sponsored and supported the New Year festival.