They will perform on Friday at Wonderland in Dubai from 6.00 pm. The show, expected to draw a crowd of 8,000 Sri Lankan expatriates, will feature popular Sri Lankan guest artistes Karunaratne Divulgana, Deepika Priyadarshani, Athula Adikari and Lakshman Hewavitharane, adding spice to the evening’s entertainment.

The 11-member group from the Sri Lankan Army aptly named ‘War Heroes’ are themselves victims of the war against terrorism in Sri Lanka. The musical show is organised jointly by several Sri Lankan community groups with the blessings of the Sri Lanka Embassy in Abu Dhabi and Consulate in Dubai.

“Since Sri Lanka is enjoying the fruits of peace after terrorism was crushed, it is important to honour the heroes who sacrificed their limb and life during the war effort,” said Mr Asoka Girihagama, Charge d’Affaires of the Sri Lanka Embassy in the UAE. “The proceeds will also go towards developmental projects in the country,” said Mr Girihagama who is the Acting Sri Lankan Ambassador.  He urged the Sri Lankan expatriate community, which is estimated at 250,000, to participate in this 
worthy cause.

The last time ‘Ranaviru’ performed in UAE a year ago it was a resounding success, according to a spokesperson of  Helabima which organised the event. “The funds were used for poverty alleviation in rural areas of Sri Lanka such building schools, hospitals and providing volunteer teachers,” he said.

Although the war has ended, the requirements of its victims have not. “There is more work and we will continue to help in the rehabilitation of disabled soldiers,” he said, speaking on condition of anonymity.

Col Rajitha Ampemohotti, a pioneering member of the ‘Ranaviru’ musical band which was officially recognised by the Sri Lanka Army in the mid 90s, has used his vocal talents to propagate the cause of disabled fellow soldiers and helped them in the rehabilitation process. “We started in 1992 with the 
idea of giving talented people a vocation,” said Col Ampemohotti, Staff Officer, Directorate of Rehabilitation in the Sri Lankan Army. The band plays for army functions and outside events and has performed in Australia, New Zealand, the UK, Austria, Kuwait and Korea. “Our aim is the welfare of disabled soldiers,” said Col Ampemohotti who considers himself a sports promoter having been a top schoolboy boxer and is presently Vice-President of the National Paralympic 
Committee of  Sri Lanka.

allaam@khaleejtimes.com