Fusion of colours and talents

By Shireem Senadhira

In recent years, there has been much change in the perception of society towards differently abled children. It has been shown time and again that the majority of such people can lead a normal life if they have access to services which help them effectively and productively. Such services include early identification, intervention, education, vocational training, employment opportunities and availability of aids and appliances.

Sunera Foundation does all these services and most of all it has given new life to these differently abled children in art. Together, these children put up wonderful displays of music, drama and dance in front of vast audiences of friends, supporters and eminent people.

This was ably seen in the Sunera Foundation performers in Samanalayaya 2010, where, the best regional performances were brought to Colombo and performed for two days at the S D Jayasinghe Hall, Dehiwala.

On the first day, this group entertained us with dramas and dances. When four couples of these children performed a well synchronized modern dance to the catchy tune of ‘Sha la lal la,’ we were all tapping our feet. At the end of the performance, we were informed that the eight dancers were deaf. We took in this news with amazement and while pondering over this and discussing it with our neighbours , the next drama came on stage. One of the many dramas, displayed the destruction of the ecosystem by man and how the animals were successful in the end.

Participants displaying their talents at the performance

During this drama, the actors had a good time imitating the animals, somersaulting and romping around which endeared them to the audience. The costumes of the entire performance were skillfully done with much care and they were delightfully colourful.

Sunera Foundation, its teachers and staff and their clever, tireless and unstinting work can be seen in these performances. Such work should be greatly lauded. Sunera Foundation and other foundations like them, have given us in Sri Lanka that spark of humanity in kindness and patience.

They have given us the enjoyment of seeing the differently abled children so happy. I must say, that after the performance of Samanalayaya 2010, the audience left with a glow in their heart.

It was well worth coming out in the pouring rain and even getting lost in the maze of Dehiwala streets by taking a wrong left turn in the night.