The Sri Lankan Malay Association of Toronto Hosts 2009 Cultural Show
On January 24, the Sri Lanka Malay Association of Toronto hosted Malam Budaya 2009, a Malay Cultural Show and Dinner, at the Korean Cultural Hall Auditorium in Toronto.
Every two years, the Sri Lanka Malay Association of Toronto (SLAMAT) hosts a cultural pageant that reenact the history of the Malay people’s migration to Sri Lanka from Malaysia, Java, and Indonesia. In an effort to educate the younger generations of Sri Lankan Malays in Toronto, SLAMAT focuses on a specific historical narrative from the migration of the early Malays, and turns the story into a lively and colorful stage play, enabling both the audience and the participants to better understand and appreciate the Sri Lankan Malay identity.
According to the current president of SLAMAT, Ackiel Thunku Ousmand, over three hundred Malays and non-Malays usually attend the cultural events, which are subsequently followed by an authentic Malay cuisine.
This year’s vibrant show was called “Keerajaan Hilang” (The Lost Kingdom). All participants in this year’s cultural show are active members of SLAMAT, with everyone from small, young children to grown adults having taken part in the festivities. The SLAMAT youth eagerly look forward to the event not only because it is entertaining, but also because the children and young adults are wholeheartedly encouraged to use their skills and talents to build the script, the dances, and the acting that constitute the show.
The cast and crew included dancers, actors, back stage support, music directors, stage lighting directors, set designers, dance choreographers, and show directors, all who dedicated their time and energy to ensure that the show was a great success.
The chief guests at this year’s event included H.E. Daya Perera – High Commissioner to Canada in Ottawa, Mr. Bandula Jayasekera – Sri Lankan Consul General to Toronto, and Hon. Yasmin Ratansi – Member of Parliament.
Other events organized by SLAMAT include a fund-raising dinner dance, an annual summer picnic, mother’s day and father’s day events, and various other religious activities for its members.
To see all the pictures from this event, visit our Gallery.