22.2.2008
The
world famous cultural troupe of the Sri Lanka defense
forces will perform in New York on February 24th. They
have already performed in UK, France, Australia and California
to full houses and rave reviews, and the New York "Ranaviru
Sandyawa" promise to be an evening of vibrant music
and dance as well. The entire proceeds will go towards
the welfare and rehabilitation of disabled Sri Lankan
war veterans and their families.
The
brave act and vigilance of Petty Officer NWSI Bandara
of the Sri Lanka Navy, had averted a large-scale carnage
and mayhem at the Sunday fair in Anuradhapura on 10th
February 2008. PO Bandara who was commended by the Commander
of the Navy for his brave act, will be attending this
event as a special guest.
The
suggestion to bring him down to New York came from two
patriotic Sri Lankans living in New York, Mr. Senaka Senaviratne
and Mr. Wasala Bandara, and it became a reality when the
SriLankan Airlines US Office sponsored his entire trip
to New York because of Mr. Bandara's great act.
The
US tour of the Cultural Troupe of the Sri Lanka Army,
Navy and Air Force is sponsored by the Ranaviru Foundation
USA, a non-profit organization based in California dedicated
to the welfare and rehabilitation of disabled Sri Lankan
war veterans and their families.
Spokesperson
for the New York organizing committee, Mr. Dillan Ariyawansa,
said there is tremendous interest and enthusiasm among
the tri-state Sri Lankan community and that this is a
chance for all of us to see a few of our brave warriors
right here in New York. "These are some of the little
things that we can do for our brave forces to make them
feel that we do really care for them. The entire Community
should be proud that we are all part of it", said
Mr. Ariyawansa.
He
also pointed out the deeply rooted US tradition of honoring
veterans that goes back to President Lincoln's admonition:
"To care for him who shall have borne the battle
and for his widow and his orphan".
Courtesy - Asian
Tribune