India -Sri Lanka friendship promoted through common appreciation of Western Classical Music

by Suman Gupta

The 72^nd Anniversary of Independence of Sri Lanka was celebrated in a special event organized by the Sri Lanka Consulate General office in Mumbai on 26^th February 2020 at the prestigious Tata Theatre of the National Centre for Performing Arts (NCPA), Mumbai.

A large number of Diplomats, State Officials, business community, media, representatives from the   travel trade and music lovers in Mumbai were present at the event. Mumbai has a large number of western classical music lovers and has the only well equipped performance center for entire India.

This special occasion commenced with the singing of the National Anthems of India and Sri Lanka by the musicians from the Symphony Orchestra of Sri Lanka (SOSL) and singers from Soul Sounds.

Welcoming the august gathering, Consul General, Chamari Rodrigo said India is Sri Lanka’s closest neighbour and longstanding friend. The Government of Sri Lanka under its new leadership is looking forward to continuing the close links and cooperation with India. While highlighting the recent high level bilateral exchanges, (Pictures of the important meetings and events were shown on the screen)  she said that these bilateral exchanges stand out and demonstrates  the affinity, the uniqueness, the strength and above all the friendship of the  two countries and its people. Referring to the multifaceted contacts between India and Sri Lanka maintained over centuries, the Consul General said India – Sri Lanka  friendship is shining in a new era through western classical music.

Addressing the gathering the Chief Guest, Mr. Sumit Mullick, State Chief Information Commissioner recalled that Sri Lanka has been described in various terms as a tear drop in the Indian Ocean, as an Island in the sun, as a Paradise on earth, as a jewel shining in the waters. He underscored that Sri Lanka is all this, and with it’s amazing culture and history, is much, much, more.

Following the National day proceedings, musicians from SOSL and singers from soul sounds commenced their performance. This was the first time that SOSL which is the oldest symphony orchestra in the entire Indian sub- continent made a solo performance at a Sri Lankan event in Mumbai. The one hour concert consisted of chamber works for smaller ensembles and solo performers as well as popular songs and arias by vocalists. The Ensemble gave a fitting end to the celebration by performing “Danno Budunge” as the last item which was written by a Sri Lankan playwright and composed by an Indian named Vishwanath Lauji. At the end of the Concert, the Sri Lankan musicians received a standing ovation for their performance.

Two Sri Lankan chefs specially flown in from Sri Lanka produced an array of traditional Sri Lankan cuisine including hoppers, kottu roti, for the buffet dinner, which also include ginger beer and ‘Thala karali’ and  other Sri Lankan desserts. The lotus and coconut flower arrangements and other decorations created a Sri Lankan ambience. Sri Lankan touristic attractions were also promoted during the event.

Sri Lanka Tourism, Sri Lankan Airlines, Brandix, Elephant House and Furtados sponsored the Classical music concert to celebrate the 72^nd anniversary of Sri Lanka’s Independence and the 72 years of Diplomatic relations between India & Sri Lanka.