“You got to look at the man in the mirror

And get him to change his ways…

Make the world a better place”

Sang Michael Jackson.  It was echoed by the vocalist Dushyanth Weeraman(a local Michael Jackson copier) at “Concert for Change” held on Friday evening, 8^th November 2013 at the Bishop’s College auditorium. He was accompanied by the British School Choir.

“It was a full house and we never expected it to go down so well.”said fifteen-year-old Birendra Siriwardena, the initiator of the show.  He said that Steve de la Zilwa had directed the show for free(pro bono) as it was for a good cause. (Stop Violence against Women)

In between the songs, a boy and a girl appeared on stage and explained that cruel jokes could also be construed as Harassment of Women.  They showed the statistics on screen in the background how silence could mean assent in perpetrating Violence against Women.

The “A Team” began the show and Umaria Sinhawansa sang from the heart “Here we are in Heaven” after Shevan had explained that the dead body of a 26-year old woman was found in a well in a remote village in Sri Lanka.

“People said it was suicide but I spoke to the doctor who conducted the post-mortem and he said that he suspected rape. SO please think about it and I thank all of you who have gathered here so that we can minimize the incidence of violence against women.”

“Isn’t she lovely?” sang the “A Team” as they broke into the Stevie Wonder song.  Then Shamista de Silva sang “You’re Gonna Hear Me” followed by the guitarist playing “Fire”

“Everybody asked me why I’m smiling”sang Umaria SInhawansa who looked resplendent in a bright muttai pink dress trimmed with silver at the waist.

The “A Team” harmonized “I Don’t Wanna Be” with Devshan Perera playing the guitar and singing.

Next came the group “Alien Accent” singing “It’s About Time”.

They were followed by Husni Ghouse who lamented

“Burying the bridges we made…I can’t put out the flames.

 Don’t ask me what’s going on.”

Then came Naadro and Rakitha Wickremaratne fresh from a tour of Norway and they somersaulted on stage while the drums were beating.

“In my castle I am the king” sang Suresh echoing the words of a song written by Husni Ghouse twenty years ago.

Eleven year old Serika Siriwardena then made her debut on stage with the song “I am searching for the better part of me…”

The Concert for Change entertained the crowd while carrying the message of stopping Violence Against Women.  In public places like buses, women were harassed and it was up to the individuals to spread awareness.

For more pictures visit http://life.dailymirror.lk/gallery/134/concert-for-change-in-aid-of-rmda-real-men-dont-abuse

Comments from the audience:

Asoka Wickremeratne

“It was a very worthy cause.  I am against Abuse.  It is now the right time for all of us to get together and stop the Abuse of Women.”

Indrani Fernando

“A very good eye-opener.  The show gave the message.  The awareness touched all our heart. My husband and my son were touched.  The ending with the family hugging each other was very touching and for a fifteen-year-old to produce the show was great.”

Dr.Firdosi Rustom Mehta, WHO Representative to Sri Lanka

“I’ve been involved in the concept and have known Birendra and family for a month. Gender-Based Violence(GBV) is in epidemic proportions all over the world.  It affects individuals, families and communities adversely.  There should be more open dialogue about GBV issues in society to sensitizeand advocate for women’s rights and empowerment.  I appreciate and commend Birendra’s effort in trying to address this issue among his peers and overall youth in Sri Lanka.”

By Sirohmi Gunesekera

Pics by Kithsiri De Mel