A song for Sri Lanka — musicians appeal for backing
Claudia Tanner | 30.01.2005 14:20 | Social Struggles | London | World
Unsigned band “Shalika” have recorded a song entitled “26/12/04” to mark the tsunami catastrophe and raise funds for victims in Sri Lanka. The London-based musicians have paid for studio time out of their own pockets and are appealing for backing from a record label. The band is also planning two gigs to raise funds for projects being organised by Sri Lankan swimwear manufacturer MAS Linea Aqua and the Diocese of Colombo.
“A paradise isle subject to divisions
Of cast, race, politics and religion
Was slowly clearing up in its own way
When the force of nature struck on that fateful day”
The opening lines of 26/12/04
Unsigned band “Shalika” have written and recorded a song entitled “26/12/04” to mark the tsunami catastrophe and raise funds for victims in their native country
Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka suffered more from the tsunami than anywhere else apart from Indonesia, with more than 30,000 killed. The London-based musicians have paid for studio time out of their own pockets and are appealing for backing from a record label. “There are so many tsunami relief singles coming out, but this is from the heart by two people who were there,” says songwriter, singer and musician Herin Perera. Harin and friend Shalika were visiting their families in the capital Colombo, whose homes are fifteen minutes from the beach.
The band is also planning two gigs to raise funds for projects being organised by Sri Lankan swimwear manufacturer MAS Linea Aqua and the Diocese of Colombo. “Masses of children are left without parents. We need to build houses, orphanages and in many places…whole villages,” urges Harin. The Linea Aqua Trust for Disaster Relief is relying solely on external funding to completely rebuild the southern town Ambalantota — including houses, schools, orphanages and hospitals — so that inhabitants, currently living in refugee camps, can start rebuilding their lives. Southern and eastern coastlines have been ravaged with homes, crops and fishing boats destroyed. The number of people left homeless by the tsunami in Sri Lanka is estimated to be between 800,000 and one million. There are about 1,000 children left orphaned in the country, according to the UN's children's charity, UNICEF. The International Labour Organisation estimates that at least 400,000 people have lost their jobs.
It’s been an emotional trip for Harin and Shalika, who usually would have gone to the beach on such a warm and sunny Sunday, if they had not been asked to perform at their local church on that fateful day. Harin got his inspiration for the song from Sri Lankan television images, showing desperate people running to save their lives — and trying to help others — when the deadly waves struck. Harin’s message is this — “Be thankful you are alive today and living in comfort, when there are people out there who have lost everything.” If you can help Harin with his efforts in any way, please contact 07714278953 or visit www.lineaaqua.com/larelief to donate.
Of cast, race, politics and religion
Was slowly clearing up in its own way
When the force of nature struck on that fateful day”
The opening lines of 26/12/04
Unsigned band “Shalika” have written and recorded a song entitled “26/12/04” to mark the tsunami catastrophe and raise funds for victims in their native country
Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka suffered more from the tsunami than anywhere else apart from Indonesia, with more than 30,000 killed. The London-based musicians have paid for studio time out of their own pockets and are appealing for backing from a record label. “There are so many tsunami relief singles coming out, but this is from the heart by two people who were there,” says songwriter, singer and musician Herin Perera. Harin and friend Shalika were visiting their families in the capital Colombo, whose homes are fifteen minutes from the beach.
The band is also planning two gigs to raise funds for projects being organised by Sri Lankan swimwear manufacturer MAS Linea Aqua and the Diocese of Colombo. “Masses of children are left without parents. We need to build houses, orphanages and in many places…whole villages,” urges Harin. The Linea Aqua Trust for Disaster Relief is relying solely on external funding to completely rebuild the southern town Ambalantota — including houses, schools, orphanages and hospitals — so that inhabitants, currently living in refugee camps, can start rebuilding their lives. Southern and eastern coastlines have been ravaged with homes, crops and fishing boats destroyed. The number of people left homeless by the tsunami in Sri Lanka is estimated to be between 800,000 and one million. There are about 1,000 children left orphaned in the country, according to the UN's children's charity, UNICEF. The International Labour Organisation estimates that at least 400,000 people have lost their jobs.
It’s been an emotional trip for Harin and Shalika, who usually would have gone to the beach on such a warm and sunny Sunday, if they had not been asked to perform at their local church on that fateful day. Harin got his inspiration for the song from Sri Lankan television images, showing desperate people running to save their lives — and trying to help others — when the deadly waves struck. Harin’s message is this — “Be thankful you are alive today and living in comfort, when there are people out there who have lost everything.” If you can help Harin with his efforts in any way, please contact 07714278953 or visit www.lineaaqua.com/larelief to donate.
Claudia Tanner
e-mail:
claudialtanner@aol.com
