A group of Sri Lankan children living in Oman have captured hearts with their performance in a global musical project marking World Children’s Day. Their rendition of the Sinhala song ‘Mata Vitarak’, ‘Hela Suwadai’ and a traditional dance sequence showcased not only their talent but also the enduring bond between their homeland and their adopted country.
The colourful programme, ‘Hela Suwandai Ape Lamai 2025’, was organised by the Ranwala Foundation in Sri Lanka in collaboration with TV Derana.
The event brought together Sri Lankan children from around the world — including the US, Australia, New Zealand, the UAE, France, Canada and Finland — with Oman’s young performers standing out for their creativity and spirit.
At the centre of the Oman project was Roshani Shashika Nilukshi Rajapaksha, a multi-talented artist, singer and instructor. Alongside her husband Saranga Anjana, the project’s videographer, she helped transform a simple song into a captivating visual and musical experience filmed across Muscat’s landmarks — from Muttrah Corniche and Al Riyam Park to Qurum Beach and the Bausher sand dunes.
“It was quite a challenge to train them in a new song entirely in Sinhala”, Roshani said. “But with practice, the kids sang beautifully. I’m so happy we could show off the beauty of Oman to the world”.
The song was professionally recorded and mastered by SMT Acoustics Muscat and Rangan Sagara of Extreme Sounds, Oman, adding rich audio depth to the children’s voices. The initiative was supported by Sahan Ranwala, Founder of the Ranwala Balakaya Sri Lanka, who encouraged young Sri Lankans abroad to share their experiences and cultures through art.
For the children, the project became a lesson in teamwork, cultural pride and performance.
“My mother taught us this song”, said Layaara Karen Dewasingha. “I enjoyed it because so many of my friends joined in. We sang happily together.”
WDM Nirvan Aakash Dewasinghe added, “It was a new experience because it’s our mother tongue, Sinhala. At school and home we mostly speak English, so practicing this song helped me reconnect with my roots”.
WA Siluni Yethumsa Samarasekara reflected, “It was wonderful to go out, sing and learn how to focus on the camera with expressions”.
For K M Damisuru Veemansa, it was an unforgettable debut: “It was my first time singing for a visual. I loved every moment”.
Complementing the music was an equally captivating dance performance choreographed by Visharad Sumuduni Sasikala Abeysuriya. Her piece, ‘Uva Peno’, blended Sri Lanka’s diverse traditional forms — Kandyan Dance, low-country Naga Raksha, Gini Sisila (Fire Dance), Bharatanatyam, Angampora and the Peacock Dance.
“This programme gave Sri Lankan children worldwide a platform to showcase their talents while portraying the landscapes of their residing countries”, Sasikala said. “I humbly accepted this invaluable opportunity to highlight Oman’s beauty and our traditions together”.
The dance visuals, filmed by Yasas Abeysuriya, Nilantha Thennakoon and Roshani Rajapaksha, were edited by Thennakoon, with costumes designed by Thushara Sandakelum and Dipali Costumes.
Young performers expressed pride in embodying their heritage through movement. G A Dinuli Hansala, who performed the Fire Dance, said, “The blazing fire and rhythm of the drums made me feel alive. It’s something I would love to do again”.
Selini Fernando, who portrayed the Naga Raksha (Cobra Mask Dance), said, “Wearing the traditional mask filled me with energy and pride. It reminded me how important it is to keep our traditions alive, even far from home”.
For Chenara Methuli Thebuwanage, also part of the Fire Dance, the performance was deeply personal. “As a Sri Lankan, it brings me joy to represent my country through dance — especially one involving fire. Creating this piece with my mentors was an unforgettable experience”.
For the children and their mentors, the initiative was more than an artistic project — it was a bridge between cultures and generations. By capturing Oman’s landscapes and infusing them with Sri Lankan rhythm, the young expatriates celebrated dual belonging through song and dance.
“This was truly a labour of love”, Roshani said with pride. “The children learned discipline, teamwork and joy in performance — lessons that will stay with them for life”.
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