Party time as the Walawwa has double celebration for Avuruddu and a decade in business – BY TREVINE RODRIGO IN MELBOURNE  The Walawwa broke with tradition this year and sprang an unexpected double celebration,  treating family, friends, fans and Labor politicians to a feast and traditional Sri Lankan entertainment at it’s central headquarters in Noble Park, in Melbourne.  Celebrating Sinhala Avuruddu over a week later, and 10 years in business simultaneously, was a clever strategy for two special occasions. And they delivered with the style and class that the Walawwa is now becoming famous for. Managing Directors Shehan Wijewardena and Nash Samarakoon showed their appreciation to those nearest, who have travelled the uncertain terrain the business has endured from its inception. It has now risen and established itself as a popular and successful chain of Cafes and Restaurant around Melbourne’s South Eastern suburbs.  What makes them a special and dynamic ...

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The launch of Sri Lanka Rugby legends, took off at the Walawwa in Melbourne – By Trevine Rodrigo The launch of Sri Lanka Rugby legends, took off at the Walawwa in Melbourne. The new concept of ex rugby players from all clubs in Sri Lanka is a refreshing idea and the brainchild of Shehan Wijewardena of the Walawwa an ex CH &FC and CR &FC player . The initial get together featured some absolute legends of the calibre of Lorenz Pereira, Noel Brohier, Reggie Bartholomews and several other former stars. It has the makings of a great idea that gives birth to a gathering of a fraternity that provided Sri Lanka with entertainment on and off the rugby field. Kelvin and Vanessa Speldewinde and their band Pressure Drop provided the entertainment. Kelvin Speldewinde was himself a former star turning out for Havelock’s as a speedy winger and Sri Lanka Colts ...

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Sinhala Avuruddu and Tamil New year celebration at Sweeney Reserve in Berwick (Melbourne) – write up & photos thanks to Trevine Rodrigo (Melbourne) A wet and wintery Melbourne Saturday did little to dampen the spirits of Sri Lankans and well wishers who thronged Sweeney Reserve in Berwick to usher in Sinhala Avuruddu and Tamil New year celebrations. A capacity crowd, numbering several thousand, including celebrities, VIPS and politicians from Australian Labour and Liberal parties braved the inclement weather just to be supportive of Sri Lanka’s important cultural day in the 2022 calendar. Acknowledgements to energetic Sri Lankans who have made major contributions to the Australian business and economic upliftment, and others in the entertainment industry, medical profession and interaction towards the assimilation of the massive expatriate population in Melbourne was made to several prominent Individuals. Sri Lanka Counsel General Kapila Fonseka was among the chief guests at the event. Victorian ...

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The Walawwa comes alive for Moomba as Melbourne gets back to normal activity – by Trevine Rodrigo Come Together and guest band Replay 6 had the packed house rekindling their lost freedom on the dance floor. The smorgasbord was absolutely top class making the night memorable. The event organised by Esric Jackson with Nash Samarakoon and Shehan Wijewardena of the Walawwa, raised $500 from the raffle draw. The funds will be channelled to the struggling music industry in Sri Lanka.         ...

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Sinhala & Tamil Avurudu (New Year) Celebrations at Walawwa – Breakout from Lockdown! – By Trevine Rodrigo in Melbourne Sinhala & Tamil Avurudda with a classy array of special events, fabulous cuisine and a mix of politicians and celebrities was the highlight of this year’s Walawwa festivities. The breakout from lockdown last year could not have been more emphatic as Melburnians flocked in large numbers to usher in the traditional Sri Lankan celebrations of Sinhala and Tamil New year and they partied with gusto returning the event to near normalcy in prevailing Covid-19 restrictions. Walawwa owners Nash Samarakoon and Shehan Wijewardena spearheaded a well knit team that organised and executed a well orchestrated afternoon program that included the selection of Avuruddu Kumari and Kumaraya. Traditional events for kids and the younger generation was also a feature providing family entertainment and an all round good time. The smorgasbord lunch on offer ...

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