by Sisira Jayasinghe
On 26th July, at London’s Commonwealth Institute in Kensington Sri Lanka’s history was colourfully re-enacted in ‘Hela Puwatha’ — the Story of Lanka, presented by Visakha’s past pupils in the UK. I sat amongst the audience expecting to be placidly entertained, but ended the evening with unanticipated emotions, — a sense of excitement, re-kindled pride in my motherland, and amazement that such a show had been possible with previously untried amateur talent.

Devised and presented earlier this year as a contribution towards Independence celebrations, the show was restaged due to popular demand. The theme was solemn, but the use of drama combined with dance and music and the gravity interlaced with humour, made it appealing to all ages and tastes.

‘Hela Puwatha’ took the audience back twenty-five centuries in a time-machine as it were, and starting from Vijaya’s arrival, recreated the glorious centuries of Sinhala consolidation, the achievements of its line of great kings — followed by the turmoil and unrest caused by foreign invasions, and Lanka’s colonisation by Western powers. Appropriately it ended with the victory of Lanka’s struggle for independence and sovereignty.

The episodes of Portuguese, Dutch and British rule were interestingly linked by portraying a native mother and son helplessly observing and grieving over the loss of their rights and liberties, — in each episode brilliantly acted by Karunaseeli Somasiri and Nilanka Jayasuriya.

The Sigiri flower maidens of the frescoes coming alive and dancing to Kassapa in a dream, King Dutugemunu in his splendour in the throne room, Keppatipola’s passionate outburst against British callousness, the execution of Ehelepola’s family, Lord Soulbury surrendering sovereignty to D. S. Senanayake our first Prime Minister are amongst the episodic gems.

The show had many strengths and few weaknesses; the flow from scene to scene could have been smoother, and a few characters failed to project their voices adequately. The costumes were authentic and perfect, which added great colour. The most significant strength was the natural talent and acting ability of the amateur cast, their teamwork, and their obvious commitment no doubt inspired by the pageant’s theme. This was a heartwarming achievement.

Hela Puwatha was directed by Ari Dissanayake. The Past Puliols Association of Visakha in the UK deserve high commendation and congratulations for the success of this show. No wonder Visakha has made a name for cultural activity in the UK.

From a Sri Lankan point of view, Hela Puwatha was remarkable in reminding us of our heritage, and especially for inspiring the younger generations of Sri Lankans in the UK of the past glories of this nation. This was indeed a worthwhile show.