Akasha to raise funds for sustainable education

Thursday, 14 August 2014 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The summer interns of 2014 will be staging a glamorous fashion show ‘Akasha’ at the Arcade Independence Square on Saturday 16 August from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. An initiative of the participants in the MAS Holdings, Deutsche Bank, Dialog Axiata and 3M summer internship program – The Next Chapter is a CSR project aimed at tackling education inequity. The annual program has provided its participants intensive training and exposure in diverse industries and has been built upon the foundation of retaining local talent.

The interns have identified that education inequity is one of the greatest obstacles hindering individuals in reaching their fullest potential. Sharing the vision of the participating companies to invest in the future of Sri Lankan talent, the summer interns of 2014 are channelling their efforts to alleviate this issue through The Next Chapter. “We have since established contact with six underprivileged schools in the outskirts of the Kalutara District namely: Maputugala M.V, Kalupahana K.V, Meewanapalana M.V, Gurugoda K.V. and Handupelpola K.V. We have ascertained that the schools are lacking proper equipment and amenities for a conducive learning environment. We have thus decided to organise a charitable fashion show, where all of the proceeds will go towards the purchase of a slew of items which the targeted schools desperately need,” an intern from the organising committee stated. The fashion show will be choreographed by Rozanne Dias and is conceptualised by Prasanna Pathmanadan and is the first ever official event to be held at the Arcade Independence Square. The event will showcase designs by: Sabrina Herft, Charini Suriyage, Catherine Rawson, Nithya, Shanika, Yasisurie, Gihan Ediriweera, Heshan and Lonali. This will be followed by musical acts featuring artists: Sheam Dean, Shamistha, Shaun, Ravi Bandu, Ryan Somapala and Asanka Sahabandu. Tickets for the event are priced at Rs. 4,000, Rs. 3,000 and Rs. 2,000 and are available at The Commons, The Barnesbury, Sadeepa Bookshop Borella, Sarasavi Bookshop Nugegoda and Maharagama, Vanapetha Bookshop Dehiwala, Yamaha Music Centre, Abans Main Showroom Colombo 3 and can also be purchased online through www.ticketslk.com.