18 hours Ago By Thilina Walpola
Sri Lanka’s first-ever Western music pop outfit consisting of all visually handicapped musicians, ‘Bright Light’ was officially launched at a special ceremony held at the MJF Foundation auditorium last week. The event, graced by the Indonesian Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Dewi Gustina Tobing, marked a significant milestone for the young and talented band. The 12-member ensemble, made up of visually impaired individuals, is being trained by Melantha Perera, a renowned musician, music teacher, and leader of the popular band Black Jackets .
Ambassador Tobing, in her address to the gathering, expressed her admiration for the remarkable talent of the ‘Bright Light’ members and the impressive performances they delivered. “I am truly impressed by the immense potential these young musicians possess,” she said, adding that if nurtured well, the band could achieve great success. She also praised Melantha Perera for his dedication, patience, and hard work in training the members of ‘Bright Light.
’ “It is a generous gesture on Melantha’s part to undertake the responsibility of training these young musicians free,” Ambassador Tobing said. She assured the band of continued support from the Indonesian Embassy and invited them to perform at an event organised by the Embassy in June. The Ambassador also pledged to encourage the band to explore and master the Indonesian traditional bamboo instrument, the Angklung , offering to provide them with the instruments and the necessary assistance.
Melantha Perera, reflecting on the band’s journey, shared that he began providing free online music lessons to the members during the pandemic, and later trained them in person at the MJF Foundation. “They are immensely talented,” Melantha said, “and all they need is the proper guidance and training. It’s truly rewarding to see my efforts bearing fruit, and soon they will be performing as a commercial band.
” Melantha, also the Managing Director of Riversheen School of Music in Moratuwa, expressed his joy in seeing the band’s progress and hopes for their future success. The launch was made possible by the MJF Centre for Community Service, with key contributions from Nihal Jayasuriya, President of the Sri Lanka Indonesia Friendship Association, Counsellor of the Embassy Yadi Suriahadi , Felicia Sallay and Samath Fernando of Sydney. Members of ‘Bright Light’ the music makers: Samudra Gamage Dinesh Premakumara Randi Prarthana Theekshana Rasindu Ravichandran Jonathan Sandun Kalhara Akila Dilshan Rashini Sneha Chathruka Nipun Tharindu Lakshan Susum Navoda and Sethani Madugalle By Harishchandra Gunaratna.
