Sri Lanka New Year 2008 in Wisconsin
A video report by Heidi M. Pascual
A video report by Heidi M. Pascual
Sri Lankan Americans in Wisconsin celebrated their 2008 New Year April 19, at 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 then a program that
highlighted local talents, from the very young to the not-so-young "category'. However, the
spotlight was always 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 undoubtedly very
skilled and graceful, drawing a huge applause. And their song/comedy act was likewise very
entertaining. Everyone loved the little boy who sang ; 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, and 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 mixed Sri Lankan and American cultures are just perfect!
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 then a program that
highlighted local talents, from the very young to the not-so-young "category'. However, the
spotlight was always 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 undoubtedly very
skilled and graceful, drawing a huge applause. And their song/comedy act was likewise very
entertaining. Everyone loved the little boy who sang ; 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, and 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 mixed Sri Lankan and American cultures are just perfect!
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