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Tuesday, 19 June 2012 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
In all probability it may be the only automobile brand that has been given the worldly “honours”.
By having a day allocated for the dominative Volkswagen that changed the ideologies of motoring to the masses from all over the world; 22 June has been established for the ‘World Volkswagen Day’.
Most Volkswagen loyalists from around the globe celebrate this event on a Sunday closer to the date and even in Sri Lanka, ‘World Volkswagen Day’ will be celebrated on 24 June organised by the Volkswagen Beetle Owners’ Club in partnership with the Mount Lavinia Hotel.
The previous year’s celebration was a resounding success that prompted the partners to join hands once again this year to make this universal event an annual one never to be missed by the Volkswagen loyalists of Sri Lanka. To commemorate the World Volkswagen Day celebration on Sunday 24 June a parade that would wind its way to the historic Mount Lavinia Hotel.
The Club, in its agenda of the event, will honour personalities who have actively contributed towards the fame of the Volkswagen and will invite them to deliver a speech giving his or her experiences of travelling many miles and years in a beloved “VW”.
This year, the Club will “spotlight” on two great personalities who brought fame to the VW Beetle, one in the race circuit being Upali Kapilasena who for many years thrilled the speed fans in his delightful Bug.
The other is a personality from the ”fairer” gender who was somewhat an ardent supporter of “women liberation” right from her days at University who carries on her social activities to date. Kamini Vitharana was a pioneer Lady VW Driver from the early fifties who would also be given the “podium” to speak a few words of the delights of the Bug.
This is a very nostalgic event to the VW Family as it brings out fond memories that many owners have shared in their little Bug and to most from their childhood. VW owners of all ages come together to make this event “warm and friendly” in true form of the “People’s Car”.
The Volkswagen Beetle was not just another automobile that found its entry into the world. It was an “Icon” that became somewhat a member of the family to all who had the opportunity to own one. It is evident by the many generations that have gone through the same “Bug” over the years and continues to be a part of the family. To most it is not a Car- it’s a VW!
Laments Peter Jasinghe – President of the Volkswagen Beetle Owners’ Club, who is proud to note of the great enthusiasm showed by the members and the public in holding this universally celebrated event in Sri Lanka. He also is grateful to the management of the “heritage minded” Mount Lavinia Hotel who has come forward to partner the celebrations and assures that the World Volkswagen Day 2012 would be a resounding success.
The Parade is schedule to start off from the Independence Square and head towards the Mount Lavinia Hotel, where the “Grand-Finale” would take place. The Club has also extended an invitation to all models of Volkswagens, regardless of their ages and where their engines are situated, to join in this event under the famous “VW” emblem. Those who are interested to join the celebrations may contact the Club Secretary Nalin Perera on 077-0333444.
