PPA St Paul’s Milagiriya UK Presents Eagles Night

Photography by Neil De La Harpe

Past pupils of the St Paul’s Milagiriya (UK branch) and their families gathered at ῝Dil Si῞ Banqueting hall at Euro traveller Hotel in South Harrow London to take part in their annual  get together. This was the fourth event organised by the Past Pupils Association of St Paul ᾽s Milagiriya.

The hall was beautifully decorated by ῝Dil Si῞ banqueting staff. The event began with the lighting of the traditional oil lamp to the sounds of Maghul Bera by chief guests of honour, His Excellency the High commissioner for the Socialist and Democratic Republic of Sri Lanka, Dr Chris Nonis, followed by members of the executive committee. Mariah Almeida & Tharushi Wanigarathna performed a traditional Puja dance to welcome the audience. This was followed by another beautiful dance performance to the song ῝Punchi Kalle῞.

His Excellency the High commissioner for the Socialist and Democratic Republic of Sri Lanka, Dr Chris Nonis, addressed the audience followed by a speech by the president of PPA St Paul’s Milagiriya UK.  Dr Nonis stated that Associations of this nature will help to unite all communities within the diaspora, as we all work together for the development of Sri Lanka in the post-conflict era.

In her address to the audience , President Prashanthi Wijesinghe explained that though the PPA was only formed 4 years ago, it has slowly but steadily managed to establish  it as a major body among the Sri Lankan community in the UK. The mission of the Association is to meet fellow Paulians and organise social activities to help the alma mater.

It was also a day to  remember the 125^th anniversary of our great school that falls on the 14^th January 2012.In her speech Prashanthi also explained about the scholarships that are paid to the children in need in the school. All the proceeds generated from the event were contributed towards the scholarships paid out to children. This was the third year the Association has offered these scholarships.

This was followed by a 3 course meal by ῝Dil Si῞ restaurant and guests enjoyed mouth- watering authentic  Indian cuisine. The music was provided by the famous Sri Lankan band “Exceed “who kept the audience entertained till midnight.

After the dinner there was a spectacular dance performance by Manuja Siriwardena and Nafaiz Mohammed. Manuja, a famous model and professional dancer who took a lead role in “With my feet 2008” for Niyomi Rjararathnam performed in her brilliantly designed costumes, shimmering with gorgeous colours.  Her performances included Rumba to the song “Namal Mittak”, cha cha to the song “Chilly Cha Cha “ and Samba performance to sounds of Spanish music.

In concluding, Prashanthi thanked the executive committee and their spouses for their untiring help and support to make the event a success. The event was organised by the organising committee:

Photography by Neil De La Harpe & Compering by Mrs Chandi Karunaratne

SESATHA - The Sri Lankan Event Portal in UK