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Friday, 1 November 2013 00:01 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
Dimuthu Warusawithana of Risk was the star performer of the night winning both the People’s Choice Award as well as the award in the Other category for her astonishing role in voice over (dubbing), for which she received a standing ovation by the audience and judges.
The solo singing category was won by Roger Baduge of Finance whose rendition of ‘Suwanda Deni’ by Rookantha Gunathilake left those present in awe. Team United, showcasing a stunning dance act were named winners in the Dance category, while team Kryptonite made up of a collection of versatile musicians and soloist from Retail Banking and Wealth Management, Risk, Global HUB, Treasury, Corporate Banking and Marketing functions were named winners in the Band category.
Danushki Wijeyesekara from Retail Banking and Wealth Management was awarded first runner up in the solo singing category, while team D-Mins made up of staff from Risk and Corporate Banking were named first runner up in the Dance category. Team Nim-Nada of Retail Banking and Wealth Management were the first runner ups in the Band/Instrumental category.
The night ended on a high note, with the judges – Maxi Rozairo, Channa Wijewardane, Anoja Weerasinghe and Billy Fernando revealing the winners amidst much fanfare. Winners received cash rewards as well as trophies.
HSBC Sri Lanka and Maldives CEO Patrick Gallagher expressing his thoughts on the talent show said: “It was impressive to watch our talented colleagues perform as true professionals on stage. This being my first experience, I can say without any hesitation, that the event was amongst the very best of reality type events I have witnessed.”
He noted that in order to help people grow, talent needs to be nurtured in the workplace as well. “HSBC’s Got Talent is the ideal platform to foster staff talent and personal interest as it helps to uplift and truly engage our talented employees. It was indeed a tedious process and a challenge as staff had to face renowned judges during the preliminary, semis and final rounds. We are also happy at the opportunity it brings staff to perform alongside professionals in the industry and further enhance their talent in future,” Gallagher said.
A number of eminent judges from the industry were invited to judge the preliminary and semi-final rounds, where more than 120 participants took part. Judges included Rukshan Mark, Derek Wickramanayake, Jehan Aloysius and Kevin Nugara.
HSBC Head of Human Resources Shyamali Ranasinghe commented: “The HSBC work force consists of a majority of Gen Y staff; hence Season 2 of HSBC’s Got Talent was an ideal platform for them to showcase their talent. The event did not look any different to that of a professional event. We were delighted at the participation and overall success of the event and as an organisation will continue to foster our talented employees.”
“This will no doubt help dispel the perception that banking is boring. As much as our colleagues work very hard on enhancing their professional life, this no doubt offers them an opportunity to showcase their hidden talent, and more importantly have fun.”
The show not only brought out the stars from HSBC, but included well known guest artists such as Ashanthi, Randir, Umaria and BnS, whose individual performances coupled with special dance acts, complimented the show. The talent show organised to recognise talented HSBC staff was executed by the bank’s (G20) team ably supported by Showtown Entertainment led by popular duo Bathiya and Santhush and backed by Mahesh Denapitiya and his team.
Prizes were also awarded to the most innovative cheering team who were present to support their colleagues. The winners of HSBC’s Got Talent Season 2 will be supported further by the bank in pursuing their individual talent in future.
