Guests kept streaming in from 19.00hrs. & the Chief Guest, Newham Councillor Ms. Lakmini Shah, arrived at 20.00hrs. She was greeted by the President, Dr. Chandani Pathiranage, & escorted to her table. While the starters were being served, we were treated to a group of four dancers, Sagini Kurupu, Nimasha Kuruppu, Courtney Dias & Teruni Jayawardena extolling their skills to the sounds of some haunting oriental melodies. Hansani Jayawardena followed this performance with a dance routine of her own. All the Artistes were given a hearty round of applause.
It was now the President's turn to take to the stage. Chandani made a splendid speech, which was brief & to the point. Lakmini Shah, the Chief Guest, followed protocol & addressed the audience with a most charming reply.
Dinner was then served & later, while the guests were having dessert, the President daintily cajoled her poor husband, Wasantha, on to the dance floor & spun him around, till the poor man was near dizzy!!! (Seriously though, Wasantha did a lot, behind the scenes, to make the Ball a success. He should be commended for his efforts).
The Committee Members of the SPMPPA-UK worked their socks off in organizing this event, & they are, Dr. Chandani Pathiranage-President, Manjula Yapa, Shaira Mayadeen, Cherine Deane, Dr. Shanthini Fonseka, Champika Athukorala-Treasurer, Dr. Rehana Shakir, Chandi Karunaratne-Vice President, Nanditha Jayaweera-Secretary, Chandima Dharmawickrama, Dr. Habiba Rawoof, & last but not least Daisy Hassan (no pun intended)!!
A most delightful evening ended at 01.30 am, shortly after both national anthems were sung.
Photographs by Neil de la Harpe & Praneeth Hettiarachchi.
Follow - Praneeth Hettiarachchi Photography | www.praneeth.co.uk
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