The Walawwa in Melbourne Celebrating Sri Lanka's Sinhalese and Tamil New year - by Trevine Rodrigo (Melbourne)

The Walawwa in Melbourne Celebrating Sri Lanka’s Sinhalese and Tamil New year – by Trevine Rodrigo (Melbourne)

The Walawwa in Melbourne continued its tradition of celebrating Sri Lanka’s Sinhalese and Tamil New year which is an important date for expatriates in Australia.

In true fashion, the night of entertainment had all delicious trimmings including ‘Rasa kavili’ (Sri Lankan traditional food), a lavish smorgasbord dinner and music dished out by Cameron Colombege and Ebony who did more than justice with their excellent choice of music befitting the occasion.

Walawwa owners Shehan Wijewardena and Nash Samarakoon, and newly installed Manager, Desmond Foulstone produced a great night of culinary delights and everything that makes Avuruddu celebrations special, to a sellout crowd that graced the event.

An added attraction to the nights festivities was the selection of the Avuruddu Kumari and Kumaraya and prizes for the best ‘Baila’ dancers of the night.

There was also the lightning of the traditional oil lamp signifying hope for a brighter year ahead. Esric Jackson was entrusted with the judging of the winners, much to his delight.

The event also coincided with the Walawwa’s 11th anniversary celebrations which gave the night even more significance.
The facility which has spread its wings since, looks back and reflects on a brave adventure that the owners undertook more than a decade ago with no guarantees of its current popularity which it proudly reflects on today, said the owners.

It is understood that plans are afoot to explore and expand it’s operation riding on its success.

Pics by Walawwa and Trevine Rodrigo.