When the stars shone in Sri Lanka

By Shirajiv SIRIMANE

Action from the cricket matches

They came, they saw and they conquered..... This is what can be said about the IIFA Awards ceremony which brought a new dimension to the image of the country.

They were all there.... Stars, decision-makers in the industry, celebrities, investors and of course fans numbering over 2,000 came to Sri Lanka for a union of the Indian film industry.

The Sri Lankan fans who were glued to the large screens in theatres and TVs watching the proceedings also had the opportunity to see their stars up close and some were even fortunate to speak to them and get autographs which would be cherished for years to come.

In addition to the grand finale of the IIFA Awards held at the Sugathadasa Indoor Stadium, the 10-over cricket matches too stole the limelight during the three-day event.

World-class cricketers in the calibre of Jadeja, Jayasuriya, Sangakkara, Aravinda, Mahela, Kalu and Muralitharan were there to lift the sprits of the spectators at the SSC. Young Parliamentarian Namal Rajapaksa too took the willow and entertained the large crowds. The fans got their money's worth while the rain gods too did not disrupt the proceedings by dampening the pitch.

The new Chief Cricket Selector, Aravinda de Silva brought back memories of the glorious days of Sri Lanka cricket with his boundaries, proving he is still in touch.

The IIFA fashion show was another much looked-forward-to event and both local and Indian spectators were seen dressed to the nines, trying to compete with the models.

The investment forum was a serious affair with President Mahinda Rajapaksa as the chief guest.

He explained to the Indian entrepreneurs the investment potential of the country. The President explained about the infrastructure the Government was putting in place including in the North and the East.

Highlights from the fashion show