Sinhalese find strength in a "lovers' story" while troops press on with offensive

Unusual to see a soldier performing a love song on stage at a time of war, but according to one of our Sinhalese Observers, it's a useful moral booster as the Sri Lankan Army battles through what it says are the last days of its bloody offensive against the cornered Tamil Tigers.

The video was broadcast on the Sri Lankan state TV channel, Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation, on March 10, 2009. It's footage from a live concert put on by the Seva Vanitha, the welfare service of the "Army Ladies" branch of the Sri Lankan Army.

"A lovers' story"

Sugeeswara Senadhira is a Sinhalese living in Paris. He works for the Sri Lankan embassy.

This is a lovers' story. The boy is fighting in the front, and he's singing to his girlfriend. This song is very popular with the Sinhalese people. At this time of terrorism, people really appreciate the role of soldiers. The female singer, Neela Wickramasinghe, is a very popular icon in Sri Lanka. The man singing is somebody from the armed forces - he must be, because a normal civilian wouldn't be allowed to wear the uniform on stage."

"Rana Derane Awi Gatena Handin" (Song Tribute to War Heroes)

A few of the lyrics in English:

Girl: The noises from the battle front did not instil fear in me as I am aware that you're performing a noble deed.

Soldier: Wind brings your fragrance to where I'm stationed.

Girl: When I read your letters I realised that, although you carry a gun in your right hand, you can also use it to compose romantic poetry.

Soldier: While I spend sleepless nights at the front I am looking forward to liberating the motherland and taking the inviting carpet which will bring you to our lovely nest.