Fusion ’09 on June 27:

A dance festival of Wesleyan talent

There will be a fusion on the 27th, a fusion of music and dance, western and eastern. In fact this is the whole idea of Fusion ’09, a concert organized by the Wesley College of Colombo - cultural unity. The concert is dedicated to the Forces and representatives of the three Forces and the Police, also old boys of Wesley College, will preside over the event.

Rushan Hewawasam, who came down all the way from Down Under just to organize this event said: “There are quite a few Wesleyites in the Forces.” Rushan who was a former head prefect of Wesley, has always been involved with music.

Fusion ’09, which is the brainchild of Rushan Hewawasam explained its inception. He was the chief organizer of the felicitation ceremony for M.A.P. Fernando, one of Wesley’s principals on the day of his retirement. “It was while organizing this I realized how much hidden talent existed in Wesley. That’s when the idea of having a concert crossed my mind.”

A committee was formed, that consisted of representatives from the PTA (Parents Teachers Association), OBA, Welfare Society, the staff and two current students. “The committee was absolutely fantastic” said Rushan.

He explained that 90% of the parents of students participating in the concert turned up for meetings and offered much needed assistance in terms of money and labour. “Kumar de Silva also went out of his way to help us. His expertise was of immense help.”

Rushan fondly remembers the support of Dr. Shanti McLelland, Manoj Kularatne and Khaleeq Jayah - his fellow organizers who have been by his side throughout this massive project, Greg Pallegama and Dhanish Mustafa - for doing all the legwork, Kumar de Silva, teachers, all the members of the committee and parents.

Rushan said that the performers were individually trained by teachers in respective fields.

Nearly 500 students from grade one to thirteen will take part in the concert. The Finale will include dance items as well as performances by both western and eastern bands. A special item by the students of the Wesley Primary will also be included in the concert.

The whole program including the trilingual compering - by Kumar de Silva, an old boy, a member of the staff and a student - was organized and carried out by Wesleyites or Wesley College staff.The concert is scheduled to be held on June, 27 at Nalanda College. Tickets are priced at Rs. 250, 500, 1,000 and can be obtained from the college office and at the gate.

The benefits would help to create a fund for the schools aesthetic section. “The fund will help to buy new instruments, clothes, etc...”, says Rushan.

“Wesley used to produce professionals in the field of aesthetic, but Wesley has not showcased its talents lately. But we hope to expose these hidden talents” said Rushan. The entire production was done within six weeks.

Rushan explained that the first attempt is always difficult. “But we have put our hearts and souls into this.” He further explained that they hope to make this an annual event. The organizers wished to invite all past and present students of Wesley College to witness this music and dance festival of Wesley talent.