Guitar dream

By Tania Fernando

"My father was an engineer and I was almost born in a workshop", he says. He chose to fashion a Hawaiian guitar, because he believes, it is so very melodious. "I thought if I added more strings, the tones would be richer than the normal Hawaiian guitar." 

His biggest drawback was the lack of funds needed for an experiment of this nature. Hamilton says he had to stop when he reached 40 strings due to financial problems. "I had spent about Rs. 100,000." Four years ago he set out to complete the guitar and two months ago added the remaining eight strings. "Although I have mastered the art of playing it, I am not very happy with the circuit. If I am to perfect it I will need financial assistance." The body of the guitar is aluminium. He earlier experimented with wood but found it too heavy. The guitar is in three separate parts, fitted together on a stand when playing.

He was elated when he recently had the chance to demonstrate the completed 48-string guitar on an international TV programme. One of the many letters of recommendation given to him on his excellent workmanship describes him as a man "who could turn out something with nothing". Hamilton plays his 48-string guitar for the 'Blue Rhythm Hawaiian and Country Band'. He also teaches guitar and says that he has his own simple method, by which any person could learn to play.

Help them to go to school

Moved by the children's dream of going to school, Gayathri has embarked on a personal project to help them and is seeking public assistance.

She has designed a package with the basic schooling requirements for each child, including a uniform and stationery. She says that the cost of one package is about Rs. 1300. "There are 250 children of school-going age, and various organizations and individuals have agreed to sponsor about 40 children. So if you help out with at least one package, you'll be doing a lot," says Gayathri.

You can contact her on (075-512423 (ask for Gayathri or Milinda de Mel) or )856106 and on email ishiandme@hotmail.com. Her address is Dr. Gayathri Fernando, C/o Radha De Mel, 84/2 A, Pepiliyana Road, Nugegoda. 

He needs help

19.12. The operation can be done at the Apollo Hospital in India at a cost of Rs. 650,000. He appeals to generous donors to send their contributions to Account No. 100550238661 at the Kiribathgoda Sampath Bank in the name of his brother Athula Gamini or mail them to 'S.K. Was antha, 522/6, Saram Maw atha, Ihala Karagahamuna, Kada- watha. He also seeks kidney donors of the blood group O Positive.

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