Kavum, kokis, kiributh with lunu miris and hakuru, raban playing, dances, music and a comedy skit, it was all there at the  Roslea Community Centre on Sunday 22 April 2007. It was Aluth Avrudu-Putthandu-New Year for the young and not so young Sri Lankans who attended in large numbers. We speak of the annual Sinhala and Tamil New Year celebrations organised by the committee of the Sri Lanka Association of New South Wales.

In spite of this event following on the heels of the Bak Maha Rangana and the Cultural show the previous week, the Roslea Hall was packed to capacity. The committee appreciated the participation of the past presidents, Aubrey Joachim ,  Ananda Amaranath, Sunil De Silva, Prinzie Perera, Jayantha Abeydeera, Wije Ariyaratne, Leslie Kotagama, Freda Karunaratne, Cecil Weerakoon , Titus Gunesekara, Palitha Abeywickrama & Don Wijeratne and the very large number of members Sri Lankan coominuty.

Inspite of a slight delay in the commencement of the programme, the event gathered momentum to reach a grand finale

The oil lamp had  for over ten thousand years glowed and shed light on communities across the globe and the traditional brass lamp with multiple wicks and lit by multiple hands, had for generations of Sri Lankans, symbolised  a traditional cultural and family link.

Roshan Wickremanayake, the President of the Association, Gothami Indikadahena, The Consul General,  Upul Pushpakumara  and Malavika Ashana the Community Liaison Officer of the     Department of Immigration were joined by several past presidents of the Association in lighting the lamp.

Gothami  Indikadahena  said that the Sri Lankan Association was unique since it was able to work together with all ethnic groups together and also said that the artist who performed were not second to any one in Sri Lanka . Roshan Wickremanake  thanked every one for their support in participating and  said that he hopes that this new year will bring peace and prosperity to Sri Lanka and all its people.

The two compeers, Rukshan Anthony  & Samantha Taylor called on the raban players,  Hema Seneviratne, Hema Sirimanne &  Ira Aneradi to open proceedings with rhythmic raban performance.

Traditional dance items,“Sinha Raja Wannama" and "Ath Raja" were presented by The "Sri Lanka Performing Arts Institute choreographed and trained by  Rajini Fonseka followed by "Mahi Ve" - a  "Bollywood Fantasy" choreographed and performed by Sophia Bilal, Sashini Walpola & Anushula Kumar, “Ranga Peetaya” presented by  Mala Abeywickrema  kept the audience riveted to their seats.

Musical presentations by singers, Don Sirimanne,  Jeevarani Wijesena , Surathi Sapideen,  Ayomi Bosco, Cecil Fonseka, Sriyani Abeynayake &  Boni Fernando and a duet by Ananda Jayaratne &  Shantha Wanigatunga & the ski "Watte Mahattaya" - by  Devika Fernando & Palitha Guansekara treated the audience to a nostalgic aural feast..

An Avurudhu Kumari contest organized by Mrs Indrani Mahanama in the form of a skit brought the event to a close.

Food and drink stalls across the foyer catered to the needs of the large crowd.

Roshan Wickremanayake - President SLA

Click here to view an album of photos from the event