Streets of SAARC come alive in Colombo

The SAARC women’s’ Association- Sri Lanka Chapter will present 'Streets of SAARC' next Sunday, November 12, at the Cinnamon Grand Colombo.

"We hope to help the most uncared for and neglected segment of society- the elders of Sri Lanka. They are the peace-makers and they are the ones who made us what we are," said the President of the SAARC Women’s Association-Sri Lanka Chapter Prabha Nair Nagalingam outlining the aim of their fundraiser.

The event which kicks off at 6.30 p.m. will include dance and musical items by members from this region as well as a display of handicrafts. It will also showcase an array of mouth-watering food of the different SAARC countries while there will be a representation of what one would encounter on the streets of any of these countries. A betel seller, a vegetable seller, a flower seller and a young girl selling bangles, a raban player, astrologer, a fire eater, a wood carver, will come under one roof while masked comedians and musical items of the SAARC countries will provide onstage entertainment for guests.

Through this fundraiser, the association intends to provide three selected elders' homes in the North, South and East with optical supplies, hearing aids and wheelchairs etc.

"We are doing this project through the Social Services Department. Our intention is to support the government to take care of the elders as much as possible. We also intend to fund operations for better vision for those who need them," Ms. Nagalingam said.

The SAARC Women's Association Sri Lanka Chapter formed in 1996 looks to promote cultural integration, friendship, harmony and better understanding between women of SAARC countries.