The brave act and vigilance of Petty Officer NWSI Bandara of the Sri Lanka Navy, had averted a large-scale carnage and mayhem at the Sunday fair in Anuradhapura on 10th February 2008. PO Bandara who was commended by the Commander of the Navy for his brave act, will be attending this event as a special guest. The suggestion to bring him down to New York came from two patriotic Sri Lankans living in New York, Mr. Senaka Senaviratne and Mr. Wasala Bandara, and it became a reality when the SriLankan Airlines US Office sponsored his entire trip to New York because of Mr. Bandara's great act.

The US tour of the Cultural Troupe of the Sri Lanka Army, Navy and Air Force is sponsored by the Ranaviru Foundation USA, a non-profit organization based in California dedicated to the welfare and rehabilitation of disabled Sri Lankan war veterans and their families.

Spokesperson for the New York organizing committee, Mr. Dillan Ariyawansa, said there is tremendous interest and enthusiasm among the tri-state Sri Lankan community and that this is a chance for all of us to see a few of our brave warriors right here in New York. "These are some of the little things that we can do for our brave forces to make them feel that we do really care for them. The entire community should be proud that we are all part of it", said Mr. Ariyawansa. He also pointed out the deeply rooted US tradition of honoring veterans that goes back to President Lincoln's admonition: "To care for him who shall have borne the battle and for his widow, and his orphan".

The venue for the “Ranaviru Sandyawa” is the South Beach Psychiatric Center Auditorium at 777 Sea View Avenue, Staten Island. The performance will begin at 6.00 pm. For more information please visit www.ranavirufoundation.com or e-mail: info@ranaviru.com