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It’s time to hit the road again
By Esther Williams
Country Roads is back again with an impressive line-up of artistes to thrill lovers of country music in and around Colombo. To be held at the Cinnamon Grand on April 2, at 7 p.m, the 14th annual concert for needy children will this year help support the project “Million Mosquito Nets for Million Children”.

Speaking at a news conference to announce the event, Country Music Foundation’s (CMF) President Feizal Samath reiterated CMF’s mission of helping children through the medium of music. “All the artistes are dedicated, their performances a token of their commitment,” he said. Of their previous endeavours, he adds, “The road has been amazing...we have been able to see for ourselves the differences we were able to make.”

CMF has over the years kept the tradition of country music alive and well. This year too, regular performers like old favourites Dirk Maverick of Germany and local artistes Mariazelle and Cosmic Rays will make an appearance. In addition, Tucker Livingston, a country and western star will be appearing for the first time in lieu of his father, American country music sensation Bob Livingston.

Also at this year’s concert will be performances by Triveni with Ravibandu, Krishna and Derrick Wickramanayake and the Country Revival Band - a group comprising CMF veterans. Audiences are in for some surprises with the inclusion of the amazing sounds of body percussion. As Feizal Samath states, this year’s concert will take country music a step further by showcasing a fusion of music where the East and West meet. It was Bob Livingston who first introduced the Country and Eastern concept to Feizal. “Country music does not have to be of a particular country – East or West- it just has to highlight the overwhelming spirit, universal themes and resonating ideas which are prevalent across all cultures,” he said.

Million Mosquito Nets for Million Children is an initiative of Arjuna Krishnaratne known in the industry as a musician with a cause. Krishna recollected his personal journey into self-imposed exile to reflect on his role in life and society. “I came to the realisation that I can derive most happiness from making other happy,” he says. So began the Million Mosquito Nets for Million Children project, an idea inspired by a body percussionist in Congo who runs a similar project. The project aimed at protecting children and their families from dengue, malaria and filaria is backed by Sarvodaya and the Police Department who will handle the distribution of nets while Rainco will provide the nets at a discounted rate.

Sri Lankan cricket hero Romesh Kaluwitharana has also lent his support to the project. “Most parents cannot afford necessities and hence will not ever think of buying a net,” says he, adding that this would be one way he could help large numbers of needy children.

Endorsing Dialog GSM’s support for the project, its CEO Hans Wijayasuriya said children have always been the focus of their social and community development programmes.

Since 1988, Country Roads through thirteen previous concerts has raised approximately Rs. 2 million in aid of child-related causes from improving pre-schooling, nutrition and water facilities to renovating post-tsunami libraries for children. They have also worked with UNICEF to support the cause of vulnerable children island wide. Country Roads is the longest running concert series not only in Sri Lanka but the rest of Asia. Except for a break between 1995 and 97, the concert has been held annually.

The concert is sponsored by Dialog Telekom, Cinnamon Grand, Etihad Airlines, Delmege, Channel One (MTV) and The Sunday Times. Tickets priced at Rs. 500, 750 and 1000 are available at Barefoot, Odel, Paradise Road Galleries and Cinnamon Grand.

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