Veritas Sinhala Day 2022 celebrated with an appreciation for youth talents

Veritas Sinhala Day was celebrated on Saturday, November 26 at Namel-Malani Punchi theatre, Borella, Sri Lanka.

The Chairman of  the National Catholic Mass Communication Commission. Bishop Maxwell Silva, Auxiliary Bishop of Colombo, graced the occasion.  Several priests, religious, RVA listeners and well-wishers were in attendance.   

The day's proceedings began with the lighting of the traditional oil lamp, praying for the Lord's mercy, followed by national anthem. A one-minute silence was observed in honour of late Mr. Alfred Perera, the first programme coordinator and producer of Veritas Sinhala service as well as other programme producers and listeners who were called to eternal rest.

The invitees were welcomed with a beautiful dance to the tune of the Sinhala hymn " As a fire" (Ginnak wilasin), by the students of St. Anthony's School, Dematagoda.

A video depicting the 53-year-old history of Veritas Radio Service and its achievements was also screened.

The chief guest and the National Catholic communication Commission Chairman, Bishop Maxwel Silva,  said that Radio Veritas Sinhala service  walked a long journey of 53 years of bearing witness to the truth in accordance with the words of the Lord,  to go forth and make disciples of all nations.

He thanked Father Hemantha Perera for the rapid progress achieved by Sinhala Service under his leadership and guidance and with the dedicated service of the staff.

Father Cyril Gamini Fernando, Editor of Gnanartha Pradeepaya, the oldest newspaper in Sri Lanka which claims a history of over 150 years, spoke on the effects of social media.  He said that while there is always someone to take responsibility for all public media stations like print, electronic media or radio, social media has no such system.  He added that social media should be used for the progress of society and not for its destruction.

The winners of the “Sing while Play” music competition was honoured on the occasion.

The contest “Sing while Play” was a low-cost music contest, held without much fanfare, to find out the talents of Sri Lankan youth.

 Visharada Uthpala Sumudumali, a member of the special jury for the music competition said that all the young artistes who participated in the competition are endowed with special talents. Their talents will be an immense help to Sri Lankan music in future. She paid tribute to Veritas Sinhala Service for preparing a platform for  discovering hidden talents. 

Kasun Lakshan received special appreciation from the jury for his performance at the "sing while play" music competition.

Selan Madusanka Fernando was chosen as the contestant who received the most comments on Facebook.

Father Hemantha Perera, the Coordinator of Radio Veritas Sinhala thanked all for their presence and support. Shantha Pathirana, Programme producer of the Veritas Sinhala service conducted the programmes of the day.