ICCSL-Daily FT, ‘24/7 We Care’ Virtual Tribute Concert

Derrick Junkeer  

A virtual tribute concert dedicated to the first responders, medical staff, security forces and delivery staff was aired live on Sunday. The participating musicians thanked the doctors, nurses, carers and paramedics around the world who are facing an unprecedented workload in overstretched health facilities, and with no end in sight.  

They are working in stressful and frightening work environments, not just because the virus is little understood, but because in most settings they are under-protected, overworked and themselves vulnerable to infection. In addition the military the delivery boys who have worked round the clock to keep us safe and fed. This is to say thank you to them and to give back a little bit of the kindness that frontline staff had given in the last 90 days.

International Chamber of Commerce Secretary General John Denton who joined the program said healthcare workers were ‘the real heroes’ of the crisis and highlighted the role played by the multinational Chamber ICC in the pandemic. He noted that all businesses can play a leadership role in minimising the likelihood of transmission and the impact on society. Bold and effective action will reduce short-term risks to your employees and long-term costs to your businesses and to the economy, he said. 

The Head of the (NOCPCO), Chief of Defe-nce Staff and Commander of the Army Commander Lt. Gen. Shavendra Silva who joined the concert said at this crucial moment, the biggest challenge of our lifetimes we all need to work together to combat the crisis and he thanked the healthcare workers and the security forces who continue to fight this pandemic every day.

WHO Director General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus in his video message noted the contribution ICC and its enormous network is making globally every day.

The virtual concert began with a song from the Asian King of Pop Alston Koch. 24 local international and local artists participated in the tribute concert: Alston Koch, Amarsha and Tehani Tissera, Andrea Marr, Billy Fernando, BNS, Cuarteto from Cuba, Darshan KT, De Lanerolle Brothers, Derrick Junkeer, Dinusha Jayawickrama, Dumi Fernando, Dushyyanth Weeraman, Gehan Cooray, Kishani Jayasinghe, Lahiru Perera, Nayomi Makalanda, Rukantha Gunatilleke, Shaveen Ilaperuma, Shehara Liyanage, Sohan Weerasinghe, Soundarie David Rodrigo, Stephanie Siriwardane, Tilarni Senn.