Sri Lankan New Year at
Eagle Heights
Eagle Heights
Sri Lankan Americans in Wisconsin celebrated their 2008 New
Year April 19, at the Eagle Heights Community Center in Madison
with their families and friends. Most attendees were dressed in
their traditional colorful clothing, carrying home-cooked dishes and
sweets to be shared with everyone. The happy event started with a
snack offering, followed by a program that highlighted local talents,
from the very young to the not-so-young "category.' However, the
spotlight was on the children and the youth who introduced
performers and performed numbers themselves.
There was a narrative on Sri Lanka New Year traditions by all
children. The two solo dancers, Sachie Tennakoon and Sumudu
Jayawickrema, were very skilled and graceful, drawing a huge
applause. And their song/comedy act was likewise very
entertaining. Everyone loved the little boy performer (below);
applauded the young pianists and other instrumentalists; had fun
watching the fancy-dress parade; and enjoyed the other dance and
song numbers. After the program, everyone shared a big dinner. I
can only watch and feel the happiness of the people around me
and the pride of the parents whose children actively showed that
their combined Sri Lankan and American cultures are just perfect!
— Heidi M. Pascual
Year April 19, at the Eagle Heights Community Center in Madison
with their families and friends. Most attendees were dressed in
their traditional colorful clothing, carrying home-cooked dishes and
sweets to be shared with everyone. The happy event started with a
snack offering, followed by a program that highlighted local talents,
from the very young to the not-so-young "category.' However, the
spotlight was on the children and the youth who introduced
performers and performed numbers themselves.
There was a narrative on Sri Lanka New Year traditions by all
children. The two solo dancers, Sachie Tennakoon and Sumudu
Jayawickrema, were very skilled and graceful, drawing a huge
applause. And their song/comedy act was likewise very
entertaining. Everyone loved the little boy performer (below);
applauded the young pianists and other instrumentalists; had fun
watching the fancy-dress parade; and enjoyed the other dance and
song numbers. After the program, everyone shared a big dinner. I
can only watch and feel the happiness of the people around me
and the pride of the parents whose children actively showed that
their combined Sri Lankan and American cultures are just perfect!
— Heidi M. Pascual