Sri Lanka's first ever musical telethon
In aid of selfless Covid 19 health workers
A‘rise Sri Lanka’, the latest project to boost the Covid 19 battle team, will present their maiden fundraising project ‘Musical telethon’ on 29th August at Nelum Pokuna Theatre.
Inspired by the exemplary methods deployed by the Government, which in close collusion with the Health Sector, the Armed services and the Police Department are combating Covid 19, the concept of ‘Arise Sri Lanka’ was born.
This novel event will be presented on 29th August from Nelum Pokuna in the form of a Telethon to raise funds exclusively for the dedicated health workers who are doing their utmost to prevent the spread of the Coronavirus.
Telethon is a television show, usually several hours long, whose purpose is to make money for charity. This will be Sri Lankan’s very first ‘ Telethon’ featuring the cream of Sri Lanka’s Western music industry.
‘Covid 19 Telethon by Arise Sri Lanka’ is a brainchild of Richard de Zoysa, Chairman of Elite Promotions and Entertainment who relentlessly pursued obtaining the necessary approvals, this unique event is one that will be unprecedented in scope. De Zoysa’s perseverance was finally paid off when Dr. Anil Jasinghe finally granted permission for an outdoor event with just 100 attendees, thus adhering strictly to stipulated health guidelines.
‘Covid 19 Telethon’, produced and directed by de Zoysa, will be headlined by the X’ Periments and Mirage who will back the cream of western musicians taking to the stage on August 29th.
Sahan Gunawardene will raise the curtain with his inimitable rendition of ‘Ratata Waasana Wewa’. K. Mahindha Kumar will sing a Tamil hit while Sohan will enthrall the audience with a pulsating ‘ Baila’ session.
X’ Periments led by Sohan and Mirage led by Donald will back the legends in the music industry such as Rajitha of Misty , Ranil of Black , Noeline who will also compere the Telethon together with Sohan, Rukshan Perera and Melantha Perera, Mariazelle Gunathilleke, Jacqualine Hettiarachchi, Sherriden, Umara Sinhawansa, Damien, Kevin and Corrine Almeida , Marlon and Bonny.
Richard de Zoysa has also requested the legendary artistes to compose a hit, especially for the occasion titled ‘A new world’. Noeline Honter has written the song with the assistance of Sohan and entrusted Melantha Perera to produce the musical arrangement. They are on course to catch the attention of the world as ‘Arise Sri Lanka’ will be live streamed to the entire planet.
‘The show will be punctuated with scenic visuals of Sri Lanka, but will also showcase to the world how Sri Lanka with its limited resources has rallied together to contain the pandemic far ahead of more affluent nations. Thus ‘Arise Sri Lanka’ will showcase to the world our manifold tourist attractions, highlight our musicians and show the world how we countered and contained Covid 19’ said producer Richard de Zoysa.
Although not officially aligned to the event, the local offices of the WHO have offered their help with guidelines and other relevant information.
The organisers of ‘Arise Sri Lanka’ have also requested the Ministry of Health to open a designated bank account to facilitate donor deposits and income received through SMS pledges. De Zoysa envisions a huge inflow of funds as aid, in the event the print and electronic media intensifies the awareness of this novel fundraiser. ‘With the vast volume of SIM cards dispensed by the mobile network providers, a mere donation of Rs. 10 will amass a phenomenal collection’ he said.
Richard will also take this opportunity to present the next generation of stars, namely Trehelle, Shiyam and Sharmistar, Ishini Fonseka and April Shockman.
De Zoysa is also attempting an international link with Global Citizens to propel ‘Arise SRI Lanka’ worldwide as it works in partnership with the NGO sector and corporate sponsors to deliver audience and value in impactful ways. The movements unique ability to mobilise mass audiences will, without doubt give ‘Arise Sri Lanka’ a much needed shot in the arm.