Rangadara 2018 – Reviewed

One of the most anticipated events of the Junior School calendar, “Rangadara” was performed on 17th November 2018 at the College Hall. It was truly a memorable occasion for all those who were present, full of traditional dance and music.

The programme began with welcoming the invitees and lighting up the oil lamp. The Guest of Honour for the evening was Mr Amitha Bandara Jayasundara, the Principal of the Giragama Aesthetic Teachers’ Training College.

The programme commenced with a brilliant performance of the “Rangadara Theme Song” which was followed by many other items:

Gajaga Wannama – Resembles the walk of the Tusker carrying the Tooth Relic of Lord Buddha at the Kandy Esala Perahara.
Raban Gee – Songs sung when performing with the hand drum.
Semi Classic Indian Dance
Hansa Dance – Symbolizes the movement of the swan.
Game Asiriya – Scenic Beauty of the Village
Eluvan Kama – A traditional game specially played during the Sinhala and Tamil New Year Season.
Flute Dance – performed by the Indian Dancing Troupe
Leekeli – Folk dance performed using sticks
Dasamaha Yodhayo – Ten giants of King Dutugamunu
Udakki Pantheru Dance – Uddekki is a very prestigious dance. Its name comes from the uddekki, a small lacquered hand drum in the shape of an hourglass and the pantheruwa is an instrument dedicated to the goddess Pattini. It resembles a tambourine (without the skin) and has small cymbals attached at intervals around its circumference.
Ves Dance – The most popular and typical Kandyan dance
Performance By The Drum Orchestra

After the final performance, the Principal Mr Andrew Fowler-Watt addressed the audience and commented how brilliant and a well-performed the event was, and thanked all those who organized the programme to such a high standard.

We take this opportunity to appreciate the effort and the dedication of the Junior School staff members Mr T.Y.G. Nandasena (Head of the Aesthetic Faculty and the teacher-in-charge of the Junior School Drum & Dance Troupe) , Mrs E.M.J.K. Wijekoon and Mr M.L.C.P. Maddegoda (teachers-in-charge of Oriental Music Orchestra), and Mr I. Wasagaratne (teacher-in-charge of the Indian Dancing Troupe) who together orchestrated the proceedings of the show.

We also extend our gratitude to all the boys who participated and their parents who assisted in numerous ways.