The doors of Westminster House, the private residence of British High Commissioner, John Rankin, were thrown open to 150 music lovers on April 3, when they gathered for an evening of cheese and wine and more – with music by the inimitable Rukshan Perera. The charity event was organised by Samutthana (www.samutthana.org.lk), the Kings College [...]

The Sundaytimes Sri Lanka

Samutthana holds charity evening with music by Rukshan Perera

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The doors of Westminster House, the private residence of British High Commissioner, John Rankin, were thrown open to 150 music lovers on April 3, when they gathered for an evening of cheese and wine and more – with music by the inimitable Rukshan Perera. The charity event was organised by Samutthana (www.samutthana.org.lk), the Kings College London Resource Centre for Trauma, Displacement and Mental Health, and was attended by many friends of Samutthana, as well as representatives from various NGOs and embassies.

The event began with Samutthana’s Executive Director, Dushy Parakrama, addressing the audience. Whilst outlining the aims and aspirations of Samutthana, she also thanked all those involved in making this evening a reality, and then handed over the proceedings to Rukshan who rocked the show for the next hour.

Rukshan, who has been associated with Samutthana since he first arrived from the USA four years ago, served up an exuberant potpourri of variety and jazz.

The music was rhythm driven, creating pulsating sounds with Jehan Rajapakse on the congas, Chrys Wickremanayake on the piano and Shamal de Silva on keyboard. Rukshan’s sonic qualities with timbre and texture wowed the audience as he spanned a wide spectrum from the earlier days of the Beatles and Bee Gees, through to the unforgettable soul-jazz genre of George Benson, to the contemporary sounds of his original music.

The music ended on a high with the audience asking for more! After an encore by Rukshan, the High Commissioner addressed the audience with some warm words about the efforts and achievements of Samutthana. Thereafter, everyone gathered out on the beautiful lawns of Westminster House for cheese and wine, and an array of hors d’oeuvres, camaraderie and bonhomie.

It was indeed an enchanting night…and all for a splendid cause.




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