Army Aesthetic Skills Find Admiration in Overseas Countries

Aesthetic, musical and singing talents of the members in the Directorate of Army Band and Drama Art Performances (DABDAP), adding a significant chapter to the annals of the Army, have reached new heights as evident in the number of foreign invitations coming in for their overseas performances.

Those DABDAP members in different groups who have made a name for themselves among overseas-based Sri Lankans and foreigners, have been invited to perform in New Zealand, Russia, China and major cities, like Cairo, Alexandria (Greece), Berlin (Germany), Male (Maldives), etc during forthcoming Independence Day-2018 commemorations and also in the coming months.

The first such ensemble of entertainers, including a singer of the DABDAP left the island on Wednesday (31) on a 7-day official tour to Egypt at the invitation of expatriates and the respective Sri Lankan embassy.

One more batch of tri-service cultural troupes meanwhile is to leave for Germany on 2 February 2018 for a week-long tour. The group comprises 5 Army, 5 Navy and 5 Air Force dancers and performances would take place in Berlin at first and also in several other cities.

Similarly, one more ensemble of artistes would shortly leave for the Maldives in connection with Sri Lanka's 70th Independence Day commemorative programmes.

The Army music and cultural troupes, groomed with the guidance of veterans in the field have to this date showcased their multiple skills in dancing, singing and artistic skills of international standards. Tuned to both western and oriental flavours, those artistes with multi-coloured dresses have made a name for themselves in Sri Lankan social circles and gatherings and have carried national and distinguished awards at many a forum, bringing admiration to the Army.

Featuring different dancing traditions of the country to display its rich cultural heritage, a contingent of more than 700 members are serving this DABDAP as at present.

During the year 2017, China-Sri Lanka Friendship Association's cultural show was conducted in Beijing with the participation of Army dancers.

Brigadier M.H.F Yusuf, Director, Directorate of Army Band and Drama Art Performances is the current Director at the DABDAP.

Lieutenant General Mahesh Senanayake, Commander of the Army, impressed with their exceptional standards has recently commended them for their superb performances and extended his best wishes for those overseas assignments.