Traditional Sri Lankan rhythms captivate US audience

Capturing hearts with musical diplomacy

Sri Lankan master percussionist Jananath Warakagoda along with renowned musician Kapila Poogalaarachchi unleashed the energy of exhilarating rhythms of ancient Sri Lankan music and drums recently, before an appreciative audience of music enthusiasts in the United States.

The colourful and elegant evening at the Sri Lanka Residence Washington, featured captivating fusion of Sri Lankan drums rhythms, folk songs by the duo and traditional dance items performed by choreographer Chathuri Wickramarachchi.

The Embassy of Sri Lanka in partnership with the Embassy Series, a US based non-profit organisation, organised the event with the view of promoting Sri Lankan traditional performing arts and culture in the US.

Ambassador Jaliya Wickramasuriya introduced Sri Lanka as a nation full of diversity with a rich and unique cultural heritage in his speech. He opined that cultural diplomacy is integral to building extensive and abiding relations between countries.  

“I believe sharing and appreciating other cultures is a very important component of diplomacy, and I agree that music is a universal language that brings people together,” he said.

The ambassador also noted that Sri Lanka’s relationship with the United States is deep, enduring and multifaceted.

“This cultural event is an opportune moment to reflect on the longstanding friendship that Sri Lanka enjoys with the United States based on shared values and attitudes, and democratic traditions,” he added.

Wickramasuriya thanked the Embassy Series for its valuable work in fostering understanding and appreciation of other cultures in Washington.

Founder and Artistic Director of the Embassy Series Jerome Barry in his remarks thanked Wickramasuriya for hosting the performance.

“Your country is so ably represented by you, known to many as the pearl of the Indian Ocean is a great friend of the United States of America and we deeply appreciate your beautiful country and what it stands for,” he added.

Barry further noted that Americans need to know more about Sri Lanka which is referred to by many renowned publications as one of the best places to travel in the world.

“Your sharing of your culture creates a greater impetus to satisfy our curiosity about Sri Lanka, we look forward in visiting Sri Lanka soon,” he added.

The evening was glamoured by the performance by Chathuri Wickramarachchi and Jananath Warakagoda. The hour long cultural production also featured a drum solo on Tammatatma (temple drums) incorporating modern electronic beats by Jananath and a tribute to Goddess Paththini with a rhythmic reciting of ancient Sri Lankan poems by both Jananath and Kapila and a captivating fusion dance by Chathuri.  

Jananath’s special song regarding the Kandy Esala Perahera, performed with traditional drum pieces was an electrifying performance. The compere Jenna Ziesenhene presented a brief but detailed description of each performance revealing Sri Lankan culture and history in a lively concert.

During the recital, the audience also had the opportunity to watch two tourist promotional videos on Sri Lanka. The show ended with an incredible drum fusion featuring Gata Bera (Up-country drum) and Yak Bera (low country drum), folk songs and modern beats by Jananath and Kapila.