• Jayasri's debut CD launched in Vienna
• 'Be My Valentine Today'
• Vajira's creativity still sparkles
• Gozzila: monster of mystery
• 'Milla Soya': A trek from Lanka to Italy
• History of the moving image
• Has Valentine's day lost its original meaning?
• New star Mettasena's 'Ruwani'
• Galle gets a new Lady on the Hill
• Priyal has a Foreign Affair

Jayasri's debut CD launched in Vienna

By Sanath Weerasuriya

Jayasri', the wired boys of Lankan pop, launched their maiden CD and Cassette in Vienna, the capital of Austria recently with a big bash in association with the Sri Lankan Embassy.

This CD comprises several original songs of the band Jayasri' including their hit song 'Mod Goviya the CD and audio cassette too is titled as 'Mod Goviya'.

'Europe Indala', Jayasri' 'Lankan Reggae' are some of the hit songs featured in this new CD.

Along with the new CD, the boys have unveiled their latest video directed by vetcran cinematographer Boodie Keerthisena.

The launching bash was more or less a re-union with old friends, who were with the band in the early days. Along with Rohitha, Rohan and Aruna, who comprise 'Jayasri', Chiram, Rukman and Ruwan with all Sri Lankan and Austrian DJs were present at the party.

All profits from this CD and audio will be channelled towards the deceased and disabled soldier's 'Children Scholarship Fund' in Sri Lanka. This will be handled by the Seva Vanitha Unit of Sri Lanka Army.

'We are really happy to be a part of this worthy cause for needy children. We would like to thank everybody, who have helped in this project including our parents, teachers, fellow musicians and specially to Boodie for his guidance and encouragement' said Rohitha Jayalath in a special letter to TV Times from Vienna, last week.

'Mod Goviya' will soon be available in the local market as well.

According to Jayalath, the preparations are underway for air play in European radio stations and the boys are much keen on performing back home as soon as possible.

'Jayasri' is now performing in Austrian and German Club circuits and are looking for the possibility of concert tours in other countries.

Rohan hopes to be in Colombo in early March for the promotional work on their new CD.

'Rootsman' the Lankan reggae band associated with 'Jayasiri' too will be billed to perform at the Danube Island Festival' in Vienna in summer, which is one of the biggest open air festivals in Europe.

'Be My Valentine Today'

By Valentine

A long time ago in Rome, there was an emperor called Claudius. During his era, a war in the country led him to pass a regulation stating that all men should join the army. It also prohibited men from getting married.

Valentine, a singer who fought against this declaration, was guillotined on 14 February, and his head was handed over to Emperor Claudius.

This is just one of the stories that has built up the legend behind Valentine's Day. Today the significance of this day has come a long way. And so, as Valentine's Day falls tomorrow, The TV Times team popped in at Majestic City to talk to some couples and find out what they were planning to do on their special day. Many "unofficial" lovers steered away from our camera, while others were too busy shopping to talk. But here we have a few of the braver ones, who were willing to speak.

In England, this day is used to tell someone who doesn't know that you love her. We normally send something special, without signing our names, but instead signing in such a way that the receiver recognizes it's you who sent it.

In Germany, it's not such a big deal like in the USA. It's just a normal day for most couples. So I am happy that we can celebrate it in a nice way.

Miles Escow and Daniela Roediger a foreign couple who were down here for a holiday shared their ideas with TV Times.

'We will be celebrating this special day in Sinharaja forest. Isn't it wonderful?' Daniela said.

Eventhough Melani Coddippili was busy shopping "something special" for her valentine, she didn't mind sharing her opinion about the special day with us.

'Every day is a valentine day for me' she said with a smile. 'Anyway I think it is sweet day and it's a special day of give and take, not only presents but many things.' Melani said.

'I like getting presents from my boyfriend, and I love to spend more and more time with him. But I don't think there should be a special day to celebrate our relationship' said Chintha Wijethunga from Battaramulla.

Valentine's day celebrations have become commercialized. The real beneficiary of this day is the traders, Nowadays even though they celebrate the day in a higher scale, I doubt weather they know the real meaning of it said Namal Prabath who has a negative view about the day.

Suagath Samantha of Maradana said that he likes to celebrate the day with his girlfriend Geetha. I am not a keen to celebrate valentine's day. But since it is something to do with my girlfriend I see a speciality in the day.

"However we will be spending the day in Nuwara Eliya" Sugath did not forget to reveal their plans for the day.

'When talking about the culture, I believe that Sri Lankanas are need not celebrate this day in such way. We are people who care about others, who think about others feelings. That is the uniqueness about our country. So why a special day to celebrate their love I ask from lovers?' Prasanna Jayasuriya from Mount Lavinia said leaving a question to all of us.

Love is private; a perfect love shouldn't be public. And on the other hand why do anyone need a special day to express their love to each other? said Krishan Nadaraja who will be celebrating his wedding anniversary on the Valentine's Day. I love my wife very much, I love to spend time with her, but I don't need a special day for that, he added.

Though everybody were willing to talked about Valentine's Day and their love, most couples were not willing to face the TV Time photographer.

Vajira's creativity still sparkles

By Dilrukshi Handunnetti

A diminutive presence away from the spotlight and proud in bearing. Age has not reduced her fire, zeal and stores of creativity and Vajira Chitrasena still epitomizes that spellbinding quality. Retirement (if one may call it) and the advancing years have certainly not dulled the spark but only enhanced her creative acumen.

The trade mark hawk - like eyebrows and the intense gaze still predominant. It is the same intensity which compels her students perhaps to give out their very best. Dig deep within the recesses and discover unknown depths and present the finest in the performing art.

Together with husband Chitrasena, the doyen of the Kandyan dance form, they have an unparalleled 110 years of dancing magnificence, artistry and have shouldered the responsibility of nurturing a tradition - a powerful couple with tremendous presence in the artistic sphere.

Fifty years in the spotlight, from being the nervous debutante to prima donna is a very long time. Does the dansuese miss it? Not really, as she is still involved in the art in her role as 'guru' to many, except that she bowed out of centre stage - retired to a back seat after long years of living under the lighted circle as prima donna.

"Don't write about me, just this project" - comes the humble appeal. But the project itself can wait for explanations. But she cannot be ignored for Vajira is so many things to this nation.

As others who were inspired by her, it is difficult to ignore the legendary Vajira and write about her projects and her artistic roots which have come to centre stage at a time of cultural revival. Suffice to say what Dr. Ediriweera Sarachchandra was to local theatre, the Chitrasenas have been to the Kandyan dance - ever nurturing, preserving or evolving with a commitment defying description.

Vajira remains todate lithe, graceful. Each gesture a posture worth freezing into memory. But the foremost interpreter of the Kandyan dance, is now relaxed in her role as dance instructress moulding the younger generation and with that, the future of Kandyan dance.

It has been said many times of Vajira Chitrasena that she alone epitomized Sri Lankan dance with no peer in Sri Lanka. "But that won't do, where's the next successor" she queries.

"Please don't write about me - but of the future of our dance" - a repeated appeal. Yet how to distinguish Vajira from the art from the nurtured? The heritage she holds is precious - passing that rich store of knowledge and artistry to the next generation are foremost in her mind today.

A smile for the past. Those were the days of a fragmented society when she embarked on an unconventional role as danseuse under her husband -to- be's tutelage.

And their Kollupitiya residence was a hub, a meeting place for a cross section of artists - vibrantly alive to culture and art. Like Ediriweera Sarachchandra, they illuminated a path, laid careful foundations for the next generation and this amidst challenges and financial constraints.

Fascinated by the 'Kohomba Kankariya' ritual, Vajira has traversed forbidden terrain in her study of the origins of the Sri Lankan dance. And arduous training it was for a Colombo lass to perfect the ritual from Lapaya Guru, a celebrated interpreter of the traditional dance, yet worth the effort.

"It is essentially a heroic male art" she laughs. Accused of killing tradition - as she valiantly introduced the 'lasya' (feminine) form to the dance she remains unrepentant of the 'creative risk'. It was her 'lasya' interpretation of the fabled 'Gajaga Vannama' which is still feted as one of her remarkable achievements.

"I recall the head dress created by Somabandu Vidyapthy for my Kandyan dance act - a simple version of the elaborate Kandyan male head dress" she smiles. Vajira Chitrasena after all is no rigid performer, only an interpreter. And she admits that she has evolved, the art has, and the time was ripe to handover the reins.

Having raised a family in the dance tradition with Upekha poised to carry her mantle, Vajira rests now but not completely. Apart from teaching and keep-fit lessons, she is about to launch a new venture. And like any other, Vajira seeks to perpetuate the values - see continuity. And the doyen's offer is a plea to preserve what the Chitrasenas nurtured together.

Gozzila: monster of mystery

"Gozzila" to be telecast shortly on the Rupavahini will be a story woven around a completely different theme.

The teledrama brings its viewers aware of the latest technology that used to create this work of art. The teledrama takes the viewers far away from the usual story around day-today family affairs.

Here the story is about an animal created by the latest computer technology.

The mysterious animal born in Sri Lanka is called "Gozzila". The animal was first found in a forest far away from the town. The unusual footprints were first found by a team that went into the forest on a picnic. They identify these animal footprints similar to a Dinosaurs who lived long ago during the pre-historical period.

One university student who is with the picnic group speaks about this unusual animal to his Biology professor. The professor with others makes a secret journey in search of the animal and are faced with a dangerous experience. The professor's plan to take a blood sample from the animal. The experiment creates an animal that is fearful and becomes a threat to the people. The monster created by the experts comes storming into the town devastating village after village. Finely the army is called to destroy the mysterious monster.

The uniqueness about the drama is that it has been done with limited technology and has taken full advantage of the skills in this country.

Proffesor Srimevan Waidyasekara, who was the technical consultant out of the drama used 3 dimensional and Kromacky technologies for 'Gozzila'. The locally produced Gozzila is in many respects similar to the world famous Jurassic Park which was produced by Hollywood film maker Steven Spiclbery.

This gigantic production is by Jubilant Media Network and directed by Thusitha de Silva.

'Milla Soya': A trek from Lanka to Italy

By. Susitha R. Fernando.

Vishwanath Buddika Keerthisena better known as "Boodee" is busy with finishing his latest film "Milla Soya".

The son of a famous film producer and the creator of 'Buddi Batik' Buddi Keerthisena will speak about a musical group in this film.

The story of his award winning film in 1994 "Sihina Deshayen" was about some of the experiences faced by a drama team of a Third World country when they were doing a story on the colonial era and this time it is about a group of musicians who dreaming of becoming the most famous musical band which is the sole aim.

Buddika became the best director and bagged 31 awards including four critics awards for the film "Sihina Deshayen" screened on the fifth circuit in 1994. The film was from the script "The Way of Maya" written by George Kaparonis and the Sinhala script was from Sugathapala De Silva.

The director also has studied deeply on the art of film at the School of Visual Arts in America for eight years and has obtained a degree.

He is looking forward to release his film in August this year once the elections are over.

Speaking on the film Boodee said " the film is about the hopes or the expectations of the youth. And here it is about a set of youths who are dreaming of becoming 'somebody' in this world through making themselves the best musical band.

The story of the film is around this gang of youth who want to reach the top among the other musical groups. The only way to achieve this is through the latest technology and use of highly sophisticated musical instruments, they think. But lack of funds blocks them as they cannot afford to buy them.

Here they come out with the idea of going in search of easy money overseas. And it was Milla the Italian currency that is their target. This flight to Italy in search of Milla to make their dream true is the central point of the story 'Milla Soya'.

Although they hope that every thing would turn in their favour if they enter the country which turns out to be difficult. Some of them were unable to cross the border hence had to return. And but on then return they had forgotten their "dream".

So was this flight in search of Milla become a success or a tragedy?

The shooting of the film which started in 1997 included many locations comprising different towns like Napoli, Positano in Italy and in areas like Marawila, Chilaw and Koswadiya in Sri Lanka.

Boodee is trying to give a different experience in music aided by of his School of Visual Arts colleague Luxman Joseph De Sarem. He has tried to create a good film score with the combination of Mediterranean Gypsy Music and Eastern Music.

The cast of the film comprises a number of well known actors including Linton Semage, Mahendra Perera, Kamal Addararachchi, Roger Seneviratne, Sanath Gunathilake, Sabitha Perera, Ravindra Randeniya, Wasantha Vittachchi, W. Jayasiri, Victor Ramanayake, Pradeep Hettiarachchi, Anthony Surendra, and etc.

The film is produced by the director's father Buddhi Keerthisena as the main producer and Film Location Services as co-producers. Camera by Mosheben-Yaish and K.A. Dharmasena. It is edited by Ravindra Guruge, production has been designed by Chandraguptha Thenuwara. Song music is done by Anthony Surendra, Erny Peiris, Charith Wickremanayake and Jaya Sri.

History of the moving image

The Sinhala cinema history, as believed by many begins in 1947. So the history is 50 years old. But only a very few would know that our cinema is really over a three quarter of a century old if its genesis is reckoned from as early as 1923, when the very first local film was made according to facts available.

A Borah national identified as T.A.J. Noorbai is said to have made the first film called 'Rajakiya Wickramaya' (Royal Adventure) which hit the Silver Screen two years later. But the first film never saw light of day, even after 1925 due to some strange happenings. Thereafter there were other films that were produced, but it was not till 'Kadawunu Poronduwa (Broken Promise) that the Sinhala cinemagoer was abe to sit and watch a film in a cinema. But even here, the first film that was produced was 'Asokamala' which due to some reason or other had to take second place and history now records the former as our first film ever.

Coming back to the 'Royal Adventure' which was also known as 'Shantha' which was the other title for 'Rajakiya Wickramaya' many incidents and accidents have taken place in the history of our cinema in those good old days. Some so called intelligent folk, had even thought that since the first Sinhala film was made by a non-national, the cinema in our country was thought to be an illegitimate child, sans parents of local origin. Noorbai was a film exhibitor who imported English, Hindi & Tamil films to Ceylon as Sri Lanka was then known. Together with a Britisher who was also an Exhibitor, Noorbai formed a company called 'London Byscope' which brought them lot of profits. But in 1924 he broke off and formed his own film company calling it, Noorbai Eastern Film Co. He opened up several cinemas in the metro and outstations, culminating in his idea of producing a Sinhala film. Though he had the finance for the task, he lacked other paraphanelia, like a story, cast and even raw material, which made him seek assistance from his old pal C. Wagner of London Byscope fame.

With the help of his erstwhile friend, Noorbai found a story from India, and placed an advertisement in newspapers for the cast, which was answered by many an outstanding person, among them being an Anandian,who had by then become Ceylon's most handsome youth, at a contest conducted in Colombo in 1923. Our Mr. Handsome, passed the viva voce, and was assigned the lead role in Rajakiya Wickramaya.

This film star, the first in the local firmament, is none other than the late N. M. Perera, that veteran Trotskyte who was also a Finance Minister and Leader of the LSSP. One Gupta from neighbouring India, helped Noorbai in the photography department of the film, who really directed the film Rajakiya Wickramaya, more than Noorbai, who was namesake Director. The film took only 6 months for completion and all processing work was done in India.

A dozen years later, a Musician called W. Don Edwin had made another film consisting of 3 reels in 1936, which was titled 'Paliganeema'. This short film was shown in Colombo cinemas along with a short English film. A decade later one N. Thuraisingham under the banner, Shanmuga Film Productions did attempt to produce the film 'Divyamaya Premaya' or Divine Love, which however hit the silver screen only after the now famous, first Sinhala film, 'Kadawunu Pronduwa' in 1948. By this time 'Broken Promise' was already twelve moons old since its gala premier.

This film was produced and directed by B. A. W. Jayamanne, who himself acted in the film where the leading lady was the doyen of the Sinhala cinema, Rukmani Devi. Another decade from the first film, came 'Rekawa' of Lester James Pieris, which marks a mile-stone in the road of the Sinhala cinema. Cameraman William Blake was the first cameraman who operated a camera in the open, where floodlights did not embarrass the cast, much to their delight.

Another half a dozen years later, i.e. in 1962, the local cinemagoer was treated to the first colour film, when, 'Ran Muthu Duwa' hit the screen. Here the cameraman, Mike Wilson took the audience to a treat of underwater scenes for the first time, which is also a hallmark.

In 1963, again Lester hit headlines with his epic film 'Gamperaliya'. For the first time in the history of camera work, this film used the 'High-key' camera technique.

Has Valentine's day lost its original meaning?

By Chamintha Thilakarathne

With Valentine's Day just around the corner not only lovers even shop-keepers seem to be busy getting ready. The TV Times spoke to some of these people to find out what they thought of the Day. It appeared that while some thought it is nice to have a day dedicated for lovers, it has become an occasion wholly manipulated by businessmen to sell their goods.

Fur Khan (24) employed at Infinity, a popular dress bontique at Majestic City thought it is a waste of time. "I will not celebrate Valentine's Day for the simple reason that it is an idiotic occasion. Only fools would engage in such petite and silly occasions. One need not wait for a special day to make his/her lover feel special, but throughout one's lifetime he/she should be made to feel appreciated," he said.

Nilmini (22) who is working at SriLankan Airlines said that Valentine's Day is too commercialized. "It is an event bred and nourished by businessmen who want to exploit anything that comes their way to make money. Valentine's Day has become highly commercialized as a result. As for me, I do not buy any gifts to celebrate this day, instead I make something myself and surprise my boyfriend with it," Nilmini said.

Jewellery shops in town were crowded with guys and girls eager to catch a glimpse of the Valentine collections or in search of that perfect gift for their girl-friends. Despite the enthusiasm, Stone and String Manager Te Borham (42) agreed that lovers do not need a special day to celebrate their love. He said that Valentine's Day could be any day and that ten years ago they were not aware of such an occasion. "Today it has become an opportunity for businessmen to sell their goods, other than that, its an utter waste of time," he said.

Niroshini Senanayake of "Unik Creations" agreed with Borham. She said that while it is nice to dedicate a day for lovers it is primarily a day to gain profits. "It is a chance to sell flowers and similar items considered romantic," she said.

Niranjan Sinnetamby concluded his views on valentine's day as a "shop owners' stunt".

' Damayanthi Munaweera at Parfumerie, a popular perfume shop', felt that Valentine's Day is a nice gesture to show two people appreciate each other and to renew their feelings which are often taken for granted but added that people do tend to spend a lot nowadays on gifts to celebrate this occasion. "Fifteen years ago there was no fuss about Valentine's Day but with westernization and commercialization things have changed and everyone has been influenced to feel about it strongly," Damayanthi said.

Of course, all of them echoed that Valentine's Day has deviated from its original intentions to a commercial activity that is given wide publicity.

This was evident by the decorations that were coming up on shop windows around town. Some of them were of cupid aiming his arrow and some of bright red hearts wishing a happy Valentine's Day. Shops were crowded with teenagers buying cards and roses for exorbitant prices instead of putting their imagination and creativity to work.

When all was said and done, even those who try to earn an extra rupee under he guise of "Valentine's Day" agreed that it has lost meaning. Instead, they agreed that it is purely a commercial stunt to sell their products.

Pix by Gemunu Wellage

New star Mettasena's 'Ruwani'

'Ruwani', a CD and cassette comprising sixteen love songs will be launched on February 16 at Sri Lanka Foundation Institute, Colombo 7 at 4.00 p.m.

It comprises sixteen songs penned by popular photographer Padmakumar Mettasena and voiced by twelve top artistes, 'Ruwani' based on 'true to life' incidents.

The artistes who rendered their voices, for 'Ruwani' are Victor Ratnayake, Jagath Wickremasinghe, Nalin Perera, Neela Wickremasinghe, Malani Bulathsinhala, Edward Jayakody, Chandra Kumara Kandanarachchi, Christopher Paul, Uresha Ravihari, W. D. Ariyasinghe, Iman Perera and Photographer Dayan Vitharana.

Music direction for all songs were done by Rohana Weerasingha, H. M. Jayawardena, Nawaratne Gamage, Tharupathi Munasingha, Sarath de Alwis, Mahinda Bandara and Edward Jayakody.

The CD and audio are presented under M.CD Switzerland and produced by Vibharshana Munasinghe.

'Most of the songs are based on true to life stories. This CD Launching on Ruwani's birthday. Some are personal and others are usual love stories. 'Uresha', the girl who died in the 'Culture Club' boat tragedy is one of the songs I penned as a 'special gesture' Mettasena said. 'Ruwani' is his maiden 'effort' into the music field from the area of photography.

Galle gets a new Lady on the Hill

By Sanath Weerasuriya

Knowing definitely that I travelled down to Galle, I was a bit surprised to see misty hills like Nuwara Eliya from my room window. With that scene, I felt a bit cold for a moment until I saw the sunny sea from the opposite door.

"The Lady Hill" newest addition to the Galle's star class hotels, situated at upper Dickson Road, where it is considered as the top-most point of the Galle town, I was told.

According to Managing Director Senaka de Silva, though there are tourist facilities in beach resort settings and beach hotels, no quality facilities in the heart of the city for prospective investor or business traveller exists.

'With that in mind, I developed this place within an ambience of privacy and comfort', he said.

"The "Lady Hill", situated at the highest point in the city, is a near 100 year-old mansion developed and refurbished into an exclusive upmarket hotel which offers the perfect blend of luxury and seclusion. The location offers a rare combination of the conveniences of easy access to the city centre and a picturesque view of tea plantations extending towards the distant, misty southern mountains, the busy harbour scenes and the calm ocean beyond.

No crowds no high-rises, no shopping malls, yet it is just a 5 minute walk to the heart of town where state & private banks, handicraft (especially, the ebony carvings and hand-made lace) and Sri Lankan gems & jewellery shops are found.

"The Lady Hill" offers personalised efficient service without the typical, impersonalised tourist hotel servility.

Originally, "The Lady Hill" was a two-storeyed structure architectured in the colonial tradition with large open verandah, high teak-wood ceiling, staircase and upper floor.

The rooms are in the modern 3-storey wing - each with a balcony and view, are equipped with all modern facilities such as A/C, attached bathrooms with hot and cold running water, piped-in music, television with domestic and satellite channels, mini fridge and bar and telephone with IDD facilities.

I think the roof-top open air "Harbour Bar" has the best view in Galle. You can spend a magical 'happy hour' sipping your favourite drink or an exotic cocktail and watch the stars or see the tropical sun sink over the horizon with the subdued lighting and live and recorded music.

The main restaurant serves Sri Lankan delicacies or international cuisine with an emphasis on Indonesian and Thai specialities.

You may prefer, on occasion, the traditional pizzas baked in original woodfired stoves.

The sea-food from the day's catch brought in by the fishing boats to the harbour nearby and the fruits and vegetables from selected growers and market gardens, are the main attraction at 'Lady Hill'.

"We are very selected when it comes to food, special food for the health conscious guests and freshest ingredients for usual meals, are our concern," Senaka said.

Relax during the lazy afternoons at the secluded swimming pool and sauna or sweat it out at the mini gym if you are a 'fitness freak.'

While being 'away from it all' you can still have the 'world at your fingertips' in the Business Room where e-mail and Internet facilities are available.

For the investor and the businessman, the Koggala Export Promotion Zone, the Weligama Industrial Estate and Hambantota site of the 'Ruhunupura 2001' are some of the big projects functioning in the Southern province.

The world renowned Unawatuna and Hikkaduwa beaches are within half-an-hour's drive from 'Lady Hill'.

'Special one day excursions and overnight trips can be arranged with prior notice,' he said.

Rubber and southern tea plantations, Koggala bird island, Bundala, Wetland, Bird Sanctuary, Yala National Park, Tropical Sinharaja forest are some of the attractions for visitors.

While travelling south to these sites, stop to watch the stilt- fisherman of Ahangama at sunset. For those interested in natural phenomena there are the extraordinary Ridiyagama hot springs, Tangalle blow-hole and the meteorite site at Ussangoda.

With all this, the "Lady Hill" remains the exclusive haven when the day wears out. It is different out here and simply remarkable.

Priyal has a Foreign Affair

By Sanath Weerasuriya

'Foreign Affair', the band from London was here for the millennium celebration at the Taj.

Everybody talked about it and was heard saying 'pretty good'.

'Foreign Affair' is the brainchild of Priyal de Zoysa who plays lead guitar for the band.

Priyal 39 studied at Ananda College till his parents decided to migrate to Britain in 1972.

'I was just twelve years old and I was very keen on music. I knew I can sing but I never had a chance to sing with a band or on stage' Priyal said.

Priyal is now a fully qualified Bio-research scientist, doing research on genetic engineering.

'I never let my studies go because I was doing music. I did both and I managed to achieve something in both fields.' Priyal said.

'I got a guitar for my thirteenth birthday and it changed me a lot. During my schooldays I played with a band called 'Heartbreak'.

I started with skittle base and changed to guitar. I am very grateful to Ajith Daha-nayake for teaching and guiding me on correct track to do correct music' he added. Priyal was based in Ayeshire, popularly known as 'Home of Golf' during his schooldays. He played with a couple of local bands like 'Chex', 'Heartbreak during his primary and secondry school days.

'I moved to London in 1995 and met William Razel. 'Rising Wave' was our first band together before moving into make 'Foreign Affair' Priyal said.

'Foreign Affair' comprises Greg Wells on key boards, Priyal Zoysa on guitar and vocals, William Razel on bass and vocals, Bandula de Silva on keyboard/sax and vocals, Rohan Dias on drums and vocals and Jimmy Razel on guitar.

Except Greg, all others are Sri Lankans living in London.

Greg is the key person in 'Foreign Affair' and he is a nuclear physicist.

'Though we are not full-time musicians, we play at almost all Sri Lankan functions in London. We also perform at most of the London's Park Lane Hotels' he said

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