DANCE FOR A GOOD CAUSE

The Sri Lanka Society International, brainchild of Dr. Lilamani Wijayaratne, presented ‘Dance For A Good Cause’ to fund their charitable projects. This group consists of many Sri Lankans living in various parts of the world whose objective is to promote, sponsor and participate in projects to improve the lives of all Sri Lankans irrespective of barriers. The main projects for 2012 are establishing a computer school with brand new computers on Kirkleese Estate, Welimada.to encourage micro entrepreneurs, one person each from the Northern, Eastern, Southern, Western and Central provinces will receive funding to start or improve a business venture. A farming family from the North Central Province will receive support to rebuild their damaged home and a wheelchair will be gifted to a deserving person. Lilamani’s family was present; her brother Shehan was of great help and support to organize everything till she arrived. Among others were Nimmi Leanage, Ashok Ferrey and Mandy, Sukumar and Sharmini Rockwood. The Pages were there in full force excluding indomitable Lucy, but including my favourite Page, Baba, gallant and courteous as always who saw me into my car as I left early. I told him that this was a rare gesture here but that the late President Jayawardene did it even while being President.

I must congratulate the new Mayor and his team for the clean up and much improved service at the Colombo Municipality. There are no loiterers standing idly around, staff seems more efficient and obliging. I didn’t notice any chatting on phones or eating while keeping people waiting to pay their rates which annoyed me intensely. The change was noticeable and I hope it will continue. Those prophets of gloom who were critical of the choice of the Mayoral candidate will have to eat their words now. What those critics know of politics is so little that it can be put on a postage stamp!