Saints of Nugegoda & St. Joseph’s College Nugegoda Dance – in memory of Ondray Ephraums – photos and write up by Trevine Rodrigo (Melbourne)
Every year for the past fourteen years, the Saints of Nugegoda celebrate the passing of one of its founder members, Ondray Ephraums, who was snatched away in the prime of his life, a victim of the dreaded Cancer.
While on reflection it is a sad occasion in many ways, Ondray’s family representing St. Joseph’s College Nugegoda and Bertie Ekanaike from home town school St. John’s College Nugegoda, have joined forces and choose to celebrate his life on this day between the respective schools.
Bertie Ekanaike was instrumental in the initial pairup, after deciding to first felicitate his old school, then accepting Ondray’s proposal about a joint event between the two Nugegoda schools 15 years ago. Ondray never lived to celebrate the second event. Thus began the future events being held in his memory with mutual consent.
Bertie then roped in Ondray’s younger sibling Jerome to step up into the role and keep it ongoing from a St. Joseph’s perspective. The funds generated from the nights activities is channelled to their Alma mater for development projects in Sri Lanka.
Much like in the years gone past, this years event was a success despite having to compete with several other functions in Melbourne on the night. Bertie Ekanaike and Jerome Ephraums were content at the turnout and the fabulous music dished out by Shehara Rodrigo, Enrico Hipolito and Redemption and red hot guest vocalist Jessica D’Souza who turned in a sensational performance.
A Session musician with the elite in the Melbourne music industry, Jessica sizzled with Redemption in a short performance that had the crowd in raptures. Jerome Ephraums filled in the gaps between the band breaks donning the DJ gear he was once famous for a few years ago.
Raffle draws and prizes to the lucky few added to the fun. It was another memorable night at the refurbished Grand on Princes that is beginning to live up to its name.
Click here to view the full set of photos on eLanka Facebook page
