Commonwealth Connections - Sri Lanka

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In Sri Lanka's capital Colombo, Vesak celebrations are underway for the birth and enlightenment of Lord Buddha. The streets are thronged with families and traffic all heading to the town centre, colourful lanterns are lit and the sounds of music and prayer from the Gangaramaya Temple can be heard from nearby Beira Lake. Temple musicians play Thammetama and Davula drums and the Horenava as they call people to prayer. Outside the city centre Mr TS Murugesh is continuing the Tamil tradition of folk songs, he sings a story of rural love and hopes more will be done to promote this Sri Lankan musical style.

Published on Saturday, 7th June 2014.

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