Appé Lanka to host ‘This is Christmas’

• Evening of festive music and entertainment to thank project patrons on Sunday

 Appé Lanka is set to host an exclusive seasonal event later this month, titled ‘This is Christmas,’ as a way of thanking patrons who have helped the organisation throughout the year, in its ongoing effort to aid communities in need in Poonakary. 

A variety of choirs and school bands, along with several renowned musicians have pledged to perform at the event which is set to take place on 25 November at the Barefoot Garden café from 4 p.m. onwards. The event will allow all of the participants to immerse themselves in the Christmas spirit whilst listening to carols, participating in an array of festive activities and visiting different seasonal stalls. 

Organised as a gesture of gratitude, the evening will serve as a platform to thank those who came forward throughout the year, to either pledge funds to Appé Lanka or support the project and its work in some capacity. Appé Lanka is a rural development project, which runs a variety of initiatives that have helped to foster reconciliation, whilst rebuilding communities in Poonakary, in the Northern Province. The project has helped many communities that were gravely affected by the civil war, and enabled them to regain a sense of normalcy in their lives, along with financial independence and peace of mind.

‘This is Christmas’ hopes to usher in the spirit of the season, by bringing project stakeholders together for an evening that celebrates love, joy, peace and hope. The event will also be supported by AOD, Buddhi Batiks, Ohe Island and Design One Studio.

The concert will feature a diverse line-up of artists and school choirs including LG Singers, Vocal Essence, The De Lanerolle Brothers, Kingdom Life and the choirs of S. Thomas’ College and Bishop’s College, who will together present a soulful evening of entertainment that families and friends of all ages can enjoy. Other highlights of the event will include ‘the Christmas gift wrapping elf’, photo booths and stalls featuring a variety of Christmas food and beverages. An array of gifts will also be available at the stalls, for those who want to buy Christmas presents for their loved ones.

Appé Lanka has played a pivotal role in aiding the reconciliation process in areas of the country that were severely impacted by the war. By raising funds for a total of 150 bikes, Appé Lanka successfully completed a key project in December last year and ensured that the children of Poonakary had a safe and reliable mode of transport to travel to school. The project is also aiming to teach English to school children using specially designed audio and video material and is providing them with psycho and socio support through counselling. 

As a part of its ongoing efforts to foster peace and reconciliation, Appe Lanka has also scheduled a series of events that will be hosted this year including ‘Music for Unity,’ ‘Sports for Unity’ and the ‘Dance and Drama for Unity’ workshops that are to take place in Poonakary, Sri Lanka. Appé Lanka is also set to host an event at the Poonakary Central College on 28 December for 500 people.