Arts
An evening of art to help Appe Lanka water purification project
Ohé Island held an evening of art on December 2 with poetry readings, music and discussions on various topics related to the arts. Proceeds from the evening will go to the rural development project Appé Lanka whose goal is to fund water purification systems for 24 schools in Poonakary, Kilinochchi.
The evening was organised by well known artist and designer Nelun Harasgama through her label Ohé island with writers and activists Sunela Jayewardene, Imal Fonseka, Megan Dakshini, Rukshan Jayewardene and Vishnu Vasu all volunteering their time.
Appé Lanka was initiated by Shaan Corea in 2015 to help six districts in Northern and Eastern Sri Lanka affected by the war beginning with the village of Poonakary – in West Kilinochchi. The goal for 2018/ 2019 is to raise funds for 24 water purification systems which will provide 6400 students in Poonakary access to usable water. Since May 2018, eight water purification systems have been installed.
Art for a cause: Two members of the group Flame in performance and (below left) Peter D’Almeida addresses the audience. Pix by M.A. Pushpa Kumara
“All we need is Rs. 1000 from 6500 people to be able to give the schoolchildren what you and I take for granted – usable water,” says Shaan who hopes that people will support her in her goal of providing all schoolchildren in Poonakary with clean water.
To learn more about the project, please visit www.appelanka.com. Appé Lanka can also be contacted via phone on 011 2 330 886 or e-mail info@appelanka.com.
