HelpAge Sri Lanka presents ‘Symphony of Hope’ charity concert to restore sight

HelpAge Charity Eye Hospital post-surgery patients

HelpAge Sri Lanka, a beacon of light in the lives of disadvantaged elderly individuals, on 23 May will host ‘Symphony of Hope’ — a special charity concert dedicated to raising funds for the HelpAge Sri Lanka Charity Eye Hospital. 

This family-friendly musical evening will take place at the Musaeus College Auditorium, starting at 7:30 p.m. and will feature nine of Sri Lanka’s leading artistes who have generously committed their time and talent to this worthy cause. The concert will not only entertain, but also raise awareness about cataract-related preventable blindness — an alarming condition that continues to affect the elderly population across Sri Lanka.

The event will showcase a vibrant mix of Sinhala and English music, performed by some of Sri Lanka’s most celebrated artistes, including Sohan Weerasinghe, Annesley Malewana, Mariazelle Gunathilake, Ashanthi De Alwis, Judy De Silva, Keerthi Pasquel, Falan Andrea, Damien Wickramasinghe, and Rukshan Perera. They will be joined by the versatile band Aroh, promising an unforgettable evening of exceptional entertainment in support of a life-changing initiative. The evening will be compered by Kumar de Silva. This special gathering also presents a meaningful opportunity for families to come together and share in the spirit of giving through music

The HelpAge Sri Lanka Eye Hospital located at Sinsapa Road Wellawatte, plays a crucial role in providing free cataract surgeries to underserved elderly citizens, with over 52,000 surgeries completed since its inception in 2009. Each surgery, costing Rs. 25,000, is vital in preventing blindness and restoring independence to the elderly who would otherwise be left in darkness. Sri Lanka’s elderly population is growing rapidly, with projections showing that those aged over 60 will comprise more than 25% of the population by 2041. With over 500,000 disadvantaged elderly Sri Lankans at risk of cataract-related blindness, the impact of this initiative is profound.

HelpAge Sri Lanka Chairman Tilak de Zoysa said: “Our elderly population, particularly those affected by cataract-related blindness, are among the most vulnerable in our society. Symphony of Hope provides not just an evening of entertainment, but a powerful opportunity to support those in need. This is a celebration of vision and life, and we invite all Sri Lankans to stand with us in this important cause.”

The chairman expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the artistes for their unwavering support. “Despite their demanding schedules, these remarkable performers have come together to share their music for a cause that truly matters. Their generosity and talent will not only create a memorable evening but also bring hope and sight to hundreds of elderly individuals suffering from vision impairment. Music has the power to heal, and through this concert, our artistes are helping us restore vision and transform lives,” he said.  The chairman added that all proceeds from the concert will go directly towards sustaining the charity eye hospital’s operations.

HelpAge Sri Lanka Executive Director Dr. Harsha Bandara said: “Through events like Symphony of Hope, we are able to raise both awareness and the vital financial resources needed to sustain the life-changing work of the HelpAge Charity Eye Hospital. The hospital performs 20 free cataract surgeries each day, and with annual operational costs exceeding Rs. 73 million, continued support is essential to reaching those who depend on us.”

He further explained that the increasing demand for these services, combined with the current fundraising challenges, has compelled the organisation to seek broader support in order to continue offering these essential services to disadvantaged elders in need.

The concert will be fully funded through sponsorships and ticket sales, providing sponsors with significant visibility and engagement opportunities. Sponsors will be acknowledged across multiple platforms, including event banners, press coverage, and social media promotions. The event is made possible through the generous support of the exclusive print media sponsor, Wijeya Newspapers — Sri Lanka’s leading print media group. With widely read publications such as Daily FT, Sunday Times, Daily Mirror, Sunday Lankadeepa, and Daily Lankadeepa, Wijeya Newspapers brings its extensive reach and influence to help take this event into the hearts and homes of people across the country. This reach is further enhanced by the exclusive electronic media sponsor, GOLD FM — Sri Lanka’s premier English-language radio station specialising in timeless classics — lending its rich musical legacy to support this noble cause.

HelpAge Sri Lanka Head of Community Relations Tharika Goonathilake said: “We encourage organisations and individuals to partner with us and contribute to this important cause. Your support will help provide life-changing cataract surgeries to Sri Lanka’s elderly, and in return, your company will receive valuable exposure while aligning with a cause that makes a real difference.”

Tickets for the main auditorium are priced at Rs. 10,000, Rs. 7,500 and Rs. 5,000 while balcony tickets are priced at Rs. 2,500 and Rs. 2,000. Tickets are available for online purchase through Ticket Ministry. For those unable to sponsor, purchasing tickets or attending the concert is another wonderful way to support the cause.

Featured performers of the event

Band Aroh