Arise Sri Lanka first-ever telethon tomorrow in aid of dedicated frontline healthcare workers

The organisers of Arise Sri Lanka and some of the artistes who will perform tomorrow. (Seated from left): Donald, Headlines Public Relations Chairman/Interbrand Sri Lanka Partner Anusha David, Ideal Group Chairman Nalin Welgama, Elite Promotions/Elite Security Chairman Richard de Zoysa, FAB Managing Director Hemantha Perera, Noeline and Sohan. (Standing from left): Benjy, Dr. Nilanka, Corinne Almeida, Rukshan Perera, Jackie, Marlon, April Schokman, Thushi, Damien 

By Angelica Bamaramannage 

Arise Sri Lanka – Sri Lanka’s first-ever telethon under the theme ‘United we stand’ will go live on Saturday 29 August with a limited list of 100 invitees at the Nelum Pokuna theatre. 

While being held with the primary intention of raising funds towards the worthy cause of providing assistance to Sri Lanka’s frontline healthcare workers who are combating selflessly against the deadly COVID-19 pandemic, the event is poised to carry the wonderful message depicting the charisma of the people working hard to lift each other higher in the little pearl island of Sri Lanka.

Richard De Zoysa, the architect of the event, commended the dedication of the Sri Lankan government, armed services and medical officials who are responsible for the controlling of the COVID-19 pandemic from spreading in Sri Lanka in a relatively short period of time to the extent that the residents of the country were allowed to resume their normal lives with only a few additional safety precautions. 

He commended the excellent way the situation was handled and emphasised that such a selfless commitment deserved global recognition. He explained that in an effort to realise that particular goal, ‘Arise Sri Lanka: A telethon’ was conceptualised and with the assistance of many including Sohan Weerasinghe, Benjy Ranabahu, Ivan Alwis, Noeline Honter and Thushi Weerasinghe, brought to reality. “We are a blessed country. We have gone through 30 years of war we have paid our dues, and now as a country, we deserve to progress,” De Zoysa said. 

As the Producer and Director of Arise Sri Lanka, De Zoysa will be working together with the World Health Organization to make this event a success.

The telethon will be presented by Elite Promotions and Entertainment Chairman De Zoysa. It is to be telecasted and livestreamed so that the audience is able to have this amazing experience from the comfort of their homes, wherever in the planet they may be. Real FM and Kiss FM along with Siyatha TV has joined hands to telecast the show. 

X’Periments, Mirage and Aquarius are the bands performing alongside Damien, Bonnie, Ranil Amirthiah, Bonnie of crossroads, Rukshan and Melantha Perera, Umara, Corrine Almeida, Shiyam and Shamistar, April Shockman, Jackie and Ishini Fonseka, Marlon,Shafi and Sherriden, Rajitha of Misty, Treshelle and Mariazelle who will be performing in this extravagant musical production. A song composed solely for this event by the talented musicians Noeline and Melantha will be a highlight of this event.

De Zoysa said the purpose behind bringing all of these musicians together is to combine their talent with depictions of the tireless efforts and commitment of Sri Lanka’s healthcare workers while they battle COVID-19 and also to encourage tourists to visit the island when the travel restrictions are eased. 

De Zoysa extended his thanks to the primary sponsor for this event who is Dr. Walter Jayasinghe, the celebrated surgeon assisting the cause across oceans and borders from his residence in California. His generous contribution along with that of a few other individuals in the corporate sector has helped bring De Zoysa’s vision to life. He also acknowledged and thanked the Ministry of Defence, COVID-19 Prevention Centre, DG Health Services, the officers at Nelum Pokuna Theatre.

He said these efforts will come together in solidarity to fulfil one of the main objectives of this event which is to raise funds for the frontline health workers. This will be facilitated during the concert and for three days following the same, where anyone who wishes to contribute is able to and encouraged to do so by sending a text message with their donation as per the instructions given in the live stream. I count myself privileged to be a part of a great community that is given the opportunity to give back to the ones who risk the most for the sake of our collective wellbeing.