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| Sunday, 30 January 2005 |
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Notes of Concern by Mahes Perera and Umangi de Mel Races and religions have torn people into many groups giving them
different identities. Not many things bring them together. The 'Reach Out' a charity musical extravaganza organised by Diliup Gabadamudalige was held at the Colombo Plaza Hotel on January 28th. The show was a fund raiser for tsunami victims. It was an event that brought both pioneers and young musicians on one stage to sing their heart out in order to turn a new leaf in the lives of those who survived. Iraj and Krishan of 'Ill Noize' 'Reach out' was a good approach towards rebuilding Sri Lanka. Looking at what happened it's great to know that people care and it's nice to be part of it. The young musicians and the pioneers in the field have come on one stage to help the tsunami victims." Especially the Sri Lankan youth have come forward to join hands. They are very spontaneous about the whole thing. We're happy that we're able to contribute in our own way. Birendra and Viraga of 'Crash' It definitely felt good to be a participant in the show since it was organised for a worthy cause. When we were asked to join, we were thrilled. Actually helping these people means a lot. Especially in our own small way...It's a pleasure to use my vocal chords in order to get these people back on their feet. Actually a lot of youngsters have stepped out to work as a team to help the relief aid programs and they are the people who can do something solid. All the interact clubs in schools, got cracking the very first day after the tsunami, and they're still working on projects to support these people. Most of the volunteers were around thirteen years of age. Wathsala Goonetilake (winner of Showboat Karaoke Championships 2004) We still haven't ceased talking about the tsunami since it happened. I don't think we could ever stop either. It has been a total catastrophe that took dear lives, leaving only massive destruction. It's great to be able to help and of course it's high time we got together to do something worthwhile. I'm happy to be part of it. Santhush Weeraman of 'Bathiya and Santhush' What we can really do is to motivate the Sri Lankans to rebuild the nation. It's our responsibility as musicians. Also we need to pass on the message that we've lost our loved ones, but at the same time, remind people of the need to reunite and start living again. With regards to youth, the best possible outcome is the vital realisation about the fleeting qulaityof life. We've lost thousands of people during the past thirty years due to the ethnic war. But the tsunami made us realise that life is very uncertain. People kill over land but what's the point if everything can be destroyed in a few minutes time by a natural disaster such as this? You never know when it will hit you. Sri Lankans have so much to offer to the world, which is why we should come together. True we must respect the races but if only we could stop identifying ourselves as Sinhalese,Tamil, or Muslim and start thinking 'Sri Lankan' and cultivating the 'proud to be Sri Lankan' factor. We yearn for a day we are able to stand together and say 'We've Sri Lankan'. It can only happen through youth. Amila, Isuru, Udaya, Ishan and Thusith of 'Centigradz' Actually there's no better time to strike. We feel really honoured to be able to do something for the people who have lost everything. We've seen a lot of youth and elders going places, doing voluntary services. You feel good to see people helping another group of people irrespective of their cast or religion. Kasun, Amanda, Roshan, Charith and Navin of 'Burn Out' We've got to kick off in some way and 'Reach out' I think is a good start. It's always nice to do something for a cause. The youth involvement is enormous in the relief aid projects. The very first day after the tsunami, people were able to dispatch stuff to tsunami stricken areas. It's the youth organisation that are very active in finding and distributing stuff. We hope that this money will reach the needy. It's great to be working for a task like this. Anushka of Swasthika Definitely a great way to raise funds to help the tsunami victims. Those people need a hand to rebuild their lives. Music is part and parcel of our lives and getting a chance to help somebody this way is really something. Charles and Rukshan Lokuge of 'Charles Mark' I think this is the best time to be giving. Everybody's contributing in their own way. We've got a nice break to get together with all the musicians of all ages to work on a joint effort to help. Plus it's nice to see the young people taking time off to help. It's not something that money can buy but an experience. Sohan Weerasinghe, vocalist and leader of the band X'periments was quite concerned and readily agreed to perform at Reach Out. "This is the first time people had to face a tragedy of this magnitude and the only way we can contribute is by giving our services. We are concerned about the many affected, we may not be able to contribute by giving money, so this way is the best way." Sunil Perera leader of the Gypsies is of the opinion that the cause is the curse that hit Sri Lanka in the form of the tsunami. " As musicians we have a duty to society. Not only musicians but everyone. Musicians are not the exception, they are part of the society and I think they should be there to oblige when they need arise." Maxi Rosairo "I've been doing my bit through the Burgher Association. We've been giving relief in Batticaloa and still continue. 'Reach Out' is an extension in that by using one's talent one is supportive of the cause. I'm glad that Diliup asked me to perform. We've been colleagues in music for a long time and I readily agreed to perform." Derek Wickramanayake of Wild Fire fame and a highly individualistic guy is sympathetic towards the plight of the affected many. "I'm a musician that's my job. I need to perform. but I think we musicians should not wait for a tsunami to get on stage and perform for a cause, to help children to go to school and get educated. It should be an ongoing thing. Every child has to go to school and musicians must begin to help children to go to school - because they are the one's who will rule the country tomorrow. Noeline a leading and acclaimed female singer who has given audiences many happy and memorable moments not only in Sri Lanka with her band, but also on the global stages is glad she was one of them performing for 'Reach Out.' "I think this is the greatest catastrophe that has hit our shores and so I think that we must get together and help our fellow Sri Lankans. This kind of situation needs our input - we have to get together and help get funds. We need to reach out and we need to have compassion." Corinne herself an acclaimed singer in both the Sinhala and Western arena and an award winner too is quite perturbed about the havoc caused by the tsunami. "One thing is certain we have to let people be aware that the music scene is still alive and that the musicians are there for them, even in moments like this. Like in the words of the song 'in good times and in bad times' we are supportive. This is only a bit of what we are doing. So far individually we have contributed, Professionally this is our contribution and I look forward to it." Yasmin de Silva - singer with the band X'periments is down to earth. "Money is not everything in one's life. Lives are more important than anything else and you can forgo some. As musicians we are now having a hard time yet we are there to support. Damien Wikkramatilleke - famed singer of one time Purple Rain and more recently Wildfire feels that "as senior musicians we should without hesitation come forward and do whatever we can in every way to help the cause especially in a major diaster like this, and I;m glad to be a part of the support shown by the musicians." Pix Kavinda Perera |
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tsunami was
vicious to destroy yet powerful enough to reunite people irrespective of
the races and religions.
