Prince Edward also wished a successful day for the event in Essex the first ever Sri Lanka Day in Essex a charity event. The world's number one batsman, Aravinda de Silva and vice-captain of the Sri Lankan test team Sanath Jayasuriya will be making an appearance in Buchkurst Hill. The spectacular 15 member Channa-Upuli Dance Ensemble will take centre stage at the Sri Lanka Day in Essex - also participating with a stunning photographic exhibition is Eshan Goonesekera, the leading Sri Lankan photographer in the UK. Corinna Obeyesekera will be exhibiting her 18th century prints from her priceless collection and top artist Don Hubert will be exhibiting his beautiful paintings of Sri Lanka.
An auction will take place where the two top prizes are a week's stay at the Triton Hotel in Ahungalla courtesy Aitken Spence Hotels and a week's stay at the Ceysands Hotel courtesy John Keells hotels. An autographed bat and a replica world cup shirt of Sanath Jayasuriya will also be auctioned as well as of paintings of the two stars and a print from the Corinna Obeysekera collection. The Sri Lanka Day will also include a traditional luncheon.
Sri Lankans in Europe and Sri Lankans travelling from Colombo can still purchase tickets for the Sri Lanka Day. They need to contact Jean Deudney, Parish Secretary on (Telephone) 0181-506 2150 (Fax) 0181-559 7357.
Attending the function is Asitha Jayaweera, Chairman of the UK Representative Committee of the BCCSL who is organising coaches and tickets for the Sri Lanka vs South Africa one-dayer taking place at Trent Bridge in Nottingham.