The expatriate forum celebrates three decades of community work
in Qatar with a cultural extravaganza. By Umer Nangiana
Celebrating three decades of its existence in Qatar, Lanka Lions held its annual nite for the 26th consecutive year at the Giwana Ballroom of Radisson Blu Hotel on Thursday. Lanka Lions is a Sri Lankan expat forum with members from diverse professions, extending community development and welfare programmes.
Smartly dressed, a large number of members with their family and friends in tow, attended the event that was officially flagged off by Sri Lankan Ambassador Jayantha Palipane with traditional lighting of lamp.
At the dinner dance night and the following musical extravaganza on Friday, popular Sri Lankan band Burn, together with famous artiste Corrine Almeida and Derana Dream Star Keshan Shashindra, performed to a large audience. “Having completed 30 years in Doha, the Lanka Lions, I believe, are now entering a new phase as a premier social group representing a wide cross-section of our community,” said the ambassador in his message at the occasion.
“I am happy to know that you have had an eventful year. I congratulate the president and his team for successfully staging a variety of activities throughout the year for the benefit of the members and our community,” added Palipane.
The night also featured awards of Lions of the Year and Special Awards, besides music and dance competitions between couples. Lion of the Year went to Sumedha De Silva while Thilina Karavita received the President’s Award. The special award went to Lafarge, Readymix Quarry Precast, the platinum sponsors.
Burn, the band, was formed in October 2010 by Corrine Almeida along with her brother Kevin. The band, known for their variety of music, performs at leading hotels in Colombo for dance parties and other such events.
It was their first ever visit to Doha. Corrine individually has performed at this event in the past and is no stranger to the Sri Lankan community in Qatar. This time again the audience were left enthralled. The band comprised Kevin Almeida on guitar and vocals, Pramoth Fernando on drums, Eranjan Perera on bass and vocals, Thushara Fernando on keyboards, Manoj Sheriff on guitar and vocals. Reality TV star Keshan Shashindra also performed at the event.
“Since our founding 31 years ago, Lanka Lions has experienced many changes. We have grown over the years. We are proud of our accomplishments,” said Roshan Lokubalasuriya, President of Lanka Lions. He thanked the Sri Lankan ambassador, their platinum and gold sponsors Sri Lankan Airlines and other donors for their continuous support.
Detailing the club’s activities, Lakmal Ehelamalpe, the General Secretary of Lanka Lions, said the club provided a helping hand to a needy section of the community in developing their English language skills through a learning programme. “We are pleased to carry out this worthy cause with an enrollment of 60 participants, courtesy Stafford International School, during summer,” said Ehelamalpe.
Lanka Lions families conducted a cookery demonstration at Al Rawda Club at the end of last year with a musical extravaganza as part of its social activities. It was followed by a Christmas Carol and a New Year dinner at Hotel Grand Mercure for the club’s members, added the general secretary.
Riza Yusoof, the Country Manager for Sri Lankan Airlines, also congratulated the members of Lanka Lions on the auspicious event marking three decades of their existence in Qatar. He announced that by the end of October, the Sri Lankan national carrier will introduce brand newA330-300 aircraft in Qatar for an enhanced travelling experience.
“Also, effective December 1, Sri Lankan Airlines will be operating to Kunming, with the three largest cities in mainland China, Beijing, Guangzhou and Shanghai as well as Hong Kong,” added Yusoof.
Compered by Bernie Lyons with sound and lighting by Stagecraft and sponsored by Readymix Qatar (platinum), Gold Sponsors Doha Bank and Gulf Lights with Sri Lankan Airlines as the Official Airline, the programme ended with the Sri Lankan anthem.