Moratuwa, the musical city of Sri Lanka, was alive with excitement and festivity as the Moratuwa Arts Forum celebrated the 25th Anniversary of the Down Memory Lane Musical Fiesta at the Grand Bolgoda Resort. The event was a remarkable showcase of the area’s rich musical heritage, and it attracted a significant turnout from both locals and visitors alike.
The celebratory atmosphere was evident in every corner of the city as it glittered in silvery style, with sweet silver bells ringing out in all four corners. The Moratuwa winds whispered as they kissed the leaves of trees, and birds paused their singing for a moment to take in the music that swarmed the air from the resort.
The Down Memory Lane musical sing-along featured an accomplished band, the DML Orchestra, and was the brainchild of Priya Peiris. The President, Melantha, a unique music model inherited from his mother, the late Trila Perera, who was a famous vocalist and pianist in her time, also played a significant role in the event’s success.
As the sun began to set, Moratuwa’s residents flocked to the resort to witness the grand show, causing a traffic jam on the main roads. The hall was fully packed, and it could be called a box office show. All the musical lovers crept into the hall to catch a glimpse of the proceedings.
The event began when the Chief Guest Jayanthi Rodrigo, Attorney at Law and an old girl of Princess of Wales College, walked in with a graceful smile and a poesy of flowers received at the entrance. Arun Dias Bandaranayike, a special invitee, and other guests of honour, including Parliamentarian Eran Wickremaratne, also graced the occasion.
The music started with the singing of “Old Folks at Home” and continued with many other evergreen songs of yesteryear. All prominent vocalists in Moratuwa guided the audience in singing in turn to catch up with the lengthy singing period. The Moratuwa Arts Forum (MAF) was formed to nurture not only singers but also artists in other fields.
During the event, a group of little dancers in blue costumes decorated the session by performing as tea pluckers to the song “Udarata Kandukara.” The audience sang away for many hours, with a songbook given to them free of charge, which ended up with non-ending baila dances.
The Down Memory Lane Musical Fiesta was a resounding success, thanks to the Moratuwa Arts Forum’s members’ great effort. They have nurtured the area’s artistic talent and kept its rich musical heritage alive. The event was a perfect reflection of the city’s vibrant culture and the passion of its people for music.
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