October 06, 2010

Rajans' Ball 2010

With Upul Ekanayake - President DRCK OBU UK
A glittering evening of music, dancing and fine dining was enjoyed at Rajans Ball 2010, organised by the Dharamaraja College OBU in the UK, at Kingsbury’s R’n’B Hall on 2nd October.  The evening started with Rajans and their friends coming together to remember those who sacrificed their lives in the conflict in Sri Lanka and to offer gratitude to the dawn of peace in the country, by observing a minute of silence.  This was accompanied by the lighting of a traditional lamp by distinguished guests Brig. Nirmal Dharmaratne, the outgoing Defence Advisor to the Sri Lankan High Commission in the UK and an Old Rajan; Prof. Justin Perera, the most senior old Rajan in the UK today; Mr. Upul Ekanayake, president of the Dharamaraja College OBU in the UK; and Mr. Manjuka Tennakoon, representing the Rajans Ball 2010 organising committee.

The evening’s entertainment was provided by the outstanding musical talents of Exceed, with a star performance from Saman de Silva, who was specially flown in for the event.  In addition to the old Rajans who came from all over the UK to attend the event, and some from even further afield, the evening of music and dancing was enjoyed by a large group of friends and well wishers of the college, representing other schools who have a long tradition of close friendship with Dharamaraja College, including Mahamaya Girls College, St. Anthony’s College, Kingswood College and Maris Stella College.

The excellent buffet dinner was followed by a special felicitation presentation to Brigadier Nirmal Dharmaratne, recognising the stellar service of this old Rajan to Sri Lanka, and to the Rajans community in the UK.  Following this, guests were treated some superlative dance from invited performers, Tara and Amalura, whose fluid movements to mesmerising rythms held the rapt attention of all those present.  The evening closed with a barn storming baila session from Saman de Silva and Exceed, with a packed dance floor for the baila dancing competition and the selection of the Rajan’s Queen and Man of the Night.  

The organisers would like to thank all the sponsors of this event, with particular mention of Mr. Chanaka Olagama of Sri Lankan Airlines, who sponsored a Sri Lankan Airlines ticket for Saman de Silva’s travel; Elegant Travels (formerly Glen Carriers), Global Towers Colombo and Prince of Ceylon Restaurant, who each sponsored some very generous raffle prizes.

As an unforgettable evening that would bring together Rajans in a great celebration of the Dharmaraja spirit, Rajans Ball 2010 was a resounding success.  We look forward to more of the same in the years to come!