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Dancing "termites" perform in Colombo to raise money for their new library in Kebithigollawa.
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by Dilhani Thantirimudalige – Communications Coordinator
Little feet danced their way to the front of the stage, a row of excited termites singing a song with the words “Unity is our strength and peace is our fortress”.
The termite troupe (Ulpotha, or Springs) were children from World Vision’s Kebithigollawa Area Development Program who had traveled to Sri Lanka’s capital city Colombo to perform their act.
They hoped that their free-admission, fundraising performance would raise enough money to establish a children’s library with e-facilities in their war-torn district.
With World Vision’s support, the drama troupe was formed three years ago as part of an annual children’s arts festival. The festival (Visula, or The Scattered Together), brings together families from villages in the area to take part in song, drama, poems and drawing competitions.
The drama troupe now consists of 29 members, many of whom are sponsored children. The dancing termite debut was held in Kebithigollawa on a simple stage to an audience who rarely experienced such a show.
Bringing the show to Colombo and a state-of-the-art theatre, the Lionel Wendt, was an experience the children would never forget. All of them have felt the effects of Sri Lanka’s civil war; some, like Nimesha, aged 13, are living in IDP camps.
Every child in the cast had a story to tell of their wish for peace, their fear of guns and displacement. They were here not just for the 300,000 rupees it would take to build their library, but also to remind their audience of how war affects children.
As the curtains finally closed, applause rang out and the audience flocked onstage to contribute funds towards the children’s library.
Popilika, aged 17, is one of the oldest performers. Backstage after the performance, she said, “I count it a privilege to have got the opportunity to perform in Colombo. We live in very remote conditions. There are many more children back home like me who have found their talent but simply don’t have the means of expressing it.”
Madushi, at 10, is the youngest. Travelling to Colombo was a big adventure for her; road travel is dangerous and Kebithigollawa far away. She said “I was chosen as the best actress in a drama competition held in the visula festival. That is how I am here today.”
“I feel very lucky!” she concluded with a smile.
More about World Vision in Sri Lanka
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