Tourism Minister Vijitha Herath delivered an inspiring message during the live performance of Arrival from Sweden: The Music of ABBA, an internationally acclaimed tribute band, on Saturday. The event, held at a vibrant venue with 2,500 enthusiastic attendees, celebrated music, nostalgia, and hope.
The Minister expressed admiration for the legendary band and shared a personal connection to one of his favorite songs, I Have a Dream. Reflecting on the song’s lyrics, Herath spoke with optimism about Sri Lanka’s future.
“The lyrics say, ‘I have a dream and I’ll cross the stream.’ Today, people are happy, and I am confident that all Sri Lankans share this desire to cross the stream,” he said to loud cheers. “In a few years, we will cross that stream together and achieve our dream of a better future.”
Herath also underscored the pivotal role of tourism in driving economic growth, aligning with the government’s vision for a stable and prosperous country.
“Tourism is a vital industry to boost economic growth. It will contribute significantly to realizing our shared dream of a thriving and prosperous nation,” he added.
The star-studded event, featuring the debut performance of Arrival from Sweden in Sri Lanka with their full 17-member band, attracted notable attendees, including Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya, JVP General Secretary Tilvin Silva, former Ministers, tourism industry champions, business leaders, and local artists.
Organised by the Mt. Lavinia Hotel, the concert was a testament to six months of meticulous planning and coordination. Chief Operating Officer Anura Dewapura shared his pride in the event’s success, emphasizing the broader vision of establishing the hotel as a premier destination for high-profile events.
“The effort we put into organizing this truly paid off,” Dewapura remarked, highlighting the significance of hosting such a landmark performance.
The concert was a historic moment for fans of the iconic ABBA, with Arrival from Sweden earning global acclaim for their authentic renditions of the band’s music. The event was made possible with the support of Wijeya Newspapers Ltd. as the print media partner.