A concert in aid of those living amongst us with special needs was held on 15th July, 2017 at St. Paul’s Church hall, Milagiriya. It was a special fund raiser by the Women’s Committee of the Ceylon Bible Society under the auspices of the Ceylon Bible Society and the theme “Year for those with Special Needs.” The funds will be utilized for the Talking Bible, Braille Bible and Music Therapy Projects.
The Chief Guest for this event was Mr. Desmond Perera – Principal, Blind School Ratmalana and the Guest of Honour Mrs. Grace Arthur. Mr. Sriyantha Seneratne – President, Ceylon Bible Society and his wife Anthea, the Most Rev. Dr. F. L. Emmanuel Fernando, the Auxiliary Bishop of Colombo & the 1st Vice President of the CBS, Mrs. Murdu Fernando – 2nd Vice President of the CBS, Mrs. Samanthika Jayasooriya, Principal of School for the Deaf, Ratmalana, Reverends, Reverend Sisters , Teachers , Members of the Women’s Committee were among the distinguished guest that graced the occasion.
The programme commenced with an offering of an opening prayer by Rev. Suresh Dias Bandaranaike, Parish Priest – The Church of the Good Shepherd, Thimbirigasyaya and the welcome speech by Mrs. Jayanthi David, President Women’s Committee of CBS. A special speech was given by Ms. Nadini Perera, Youth Member of the CBS General Council, Consultant Speech and Language Therapist & Visiting Lecturer.
The dance, song and drama items by the various participating teams were next on the programme line up. The teams that participated were Dayamina Centre for Special Needs, Nugegoda, School for the Blind, Ratmalana, School for the Deaf, Ratmalana, a Groups from Wesley College Kalmunai affiliated to the Deaf link and Deaf Ministries Group from Hambantota.
This was followed by the message from Mrs. Lakshani. P. Fernando – General Secretary CBS. The closing prayer was offered by Rev. D. K. Balakrishnan Assistant Parish Priest of St. Paul’s Church Milagiriya and finally the last item was a Singing (Solo) by Miss. Lilanthi Fernando.
The most Rev. Dr. F.L.Emmanuel Fernando, The Auxiliary Bishop of Colombo gave away gifts to all participants of the participating teams at the end of the programme.
It was indeed a very memorable event by children who are very special to our Lord and we really felt our Lord’s mighty and powerful presence touching the hearts of all those who were present and especially for all the participants it was an opportunity to display their God given talents.
“Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and everyone who loves is born of God, and knows God.” (1 John 4:7)
