London Elle Festival 2016

London Elle Festival – 2016

The first ever Elle tournament outside Sri Lanka was organised by Athula Dassana Multi Cultural Buddhist community center in year 2012. The Elle Festival was organised on 21/08/2016 at Little Harlington Playing Fields ground, Heathrow. The Chief organiser of the event was Venerable Wanduraba Kassapa thero who is the chief incumbent of the Athula Dassana Multicultural Buddhist Community Center.. The event concluded success with support of all Sri Lankan residents in and around the London.

The chief guest of the event was Mayor of Hillingdon Council and Mr. Neranjan Pathirathna, visa and counsellor, Sri Lankan High Commission were guests at the festival. The chief guest specifically commented on the importance of events of this nature which promoted a national game. The special feature of the event was that it was open to all religious communities without prejudice.

Athula Dasssana Multi Cultural Buddhist community centre who sponsored for the caps and T- Shirts which were highlighted the Logo of Athula Dasssana Multi Cultural Buddhist community center. Those who were assist the organisers to make this event a success.

Mr BandaraWekadapola who is a former Sri Lankan police rugby player and rugby referee of London society organised and managed the tournament on the day. 7 teams were participated and “Hounslow All Stars.” who became champions and in second place won by ' London Eagle'. ' Wanabambaru' who won the event of Tug of War. There had many event to enjoy for the children in London Elle festival.

The main sponsor of the event was Mr. Gerard Fernando, G G Shipping and the Co - sponsors of the event were Dr. Nishanie Bajramovic, ‘Estatica Dental Clinic' and Mr. Tarrin Constantine , ‘Metro Accounts and Legal . All who were participated the event had an extreme opportunity to experienced various Sri Lankan food items, such as Kotthu, Biriyani, Fried Rice, short eats , drinks and other Sri Lankan Sweets. As well as had a opportunity to buy all of the foods on offer price, as they wish.

The support provided by all organisations, members of the committee and devotees of the temple which consisted of more than 200 Sri Lankans were very much appreciated by Ven Wanduramba Kasspa thero. We hope that the support given for this event will continue in promoting Sri Lankan traditional events in London in future.

Photography by Asanka Wanniarachige

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