austraLasia #2262

Sarasit School band on the march again - in Sri Lanka, for peace
(originally written by Fr CM Paul of Kolkata Province for SAR News and adapted for the EAO Region)

BANGKOK: 26th September 2008 -- Children in the predominantly Buddhist Sri Lanka are on a massive initiative targetted nationwide at building peace, harmony and good will in a country ravaged by war, violence, apathy and insecurity for over 35 years.  To mark 50 years service for youth in the island, the Don Bosco Society Sri Lanka, along with the Chefs Guild of Lanka, are sponsoring a 100 member Buddhist Children's Band from Thailand as a joint initiative with a group of progressive Buddhist monks.
    "Sri Lankan children will have a rare opportunity of seeing a world-class brass band and also interacting with them in a series of two hour events that will coincide with the International Children's Day", says the sponsor Salesian Provincial Fr Anthony Humer Pinto.  "Marching towards peace with children" is Don Bosco0s way of contributing their mite to the country, in addition to the numerous social works including vocational training for youth of all races and religions", he adds.
    The award-winning Sarasit Phithayalai School Marching and Show Band (gold medal winners at the 2006 World Marching Show Band Championships in Korea is just one of their international accomplishments), comprises children 9 to 18 years of age. These children from Ban Pong district pursue their academic studies and foster their love of music under the wings of the Salesians of Don Bosco in Thailand. They will be accompanied on the trip by Thai Salesian Provincial Fr. John Bosco Dheparat Pitisant. The group flies in from Bangkok next Monday, September 29, and will be accommodated with the Salesians in Colombo.  The children have raised their own funds for the journey.  The band will perform for two weeks including a command performance at the President's House, Temple Trees on October 2nd.  Every show will be open to 'children and people of good will".
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Title: australasia 2262
Subject and key words: S Asia LKC, EAO Provinces THA children's band
Date (year): 2008
ID: 2000-2099|2262