National Youth Front UK organized their brand new reality show ‘NYFUK Talent show 2012“ on 8th of December at Ashok Banqueting hall in Hounslow West. This was the first Sri Lankan reality show for the Sri Lankans organized by a Sri Lankan youth movement in UK since the Derana London Star back in 2009.

The event was unique from its kind as it had both judges and audience selecting the winner of the competition. Judges were carrying seventy five percent of voting while the audience were carrying twenty five percent. The uniqueness of the show attracted many contestants to the audition which took place at the Athula Dassana international Buddhist Temple in Hounslow. But only nine contestants were selected to the final live show by the prestigious judges Ven. Konwewa Ariyarathne Thero , Visharad Weerasiri Malwatta and Visharad Anusha Malwatta. Since the singing competition was followed by the dinner dance it was compelling and attracted hundreds of Sri lankans. So the event was oversubscribed at 7.30 pm. But some people were desperate to get in to see the fierce battle between the nine contestants even they could not get a seat. Prestigious Exceed band by Mr. Praveen Karunasena and his mates provided the beautiful live music throughout the night. It was just a matter of few minutes for the Exceed band to bring the crowd on their feet to dance.

Mr. Prabath Perera became the winner of the NYF UK Talentshow 2012 after getting the highest number of votes both from judges and the audience while Mr. Suresh Atigala was the 1st runner up and Mr. Sachitra Perera was the 2nd runner up. Ven. Wanduraba Kassapa Thero delivered the medals for the rest of the contestants Mr. Thisara Buddhika , Master Dhavindu Kannangara Mr. Francis Jayakody , Mrs Nimesha Fernando and Mr. Sujith Suranga. All the contestants were great full for the organizing committee to come up with such a great idea and opening the doors for talented underprivileged Sri Lankans to get glorified in front of a huge crowd.

President Mr. Madhawa Senanayake spoke of the importance of organizing the Talentshow, which is dedicated to talented Sri Lankans and requested all the Sri Lankans to join with the NYF UK. Organizer Mr. Dasitha Gamage also addressed the event. Treasurer Mr. Thushan Gunarathne and the Event Secretary Mr. Isuru Ranaweera appreciated Ven. Wanduraba Kassapa Thero, chief guest Mr. Ranga Ranasinghege on behalf of Mr. Vajira Dhanapala of VMD solicitors, Mrs. Nadeesha Ranasinghege of TSL exchange, Mr. Chinthaka de Silva of Mass Global Shipping ,the judge panel and all the other supporters for the support they have given to the NYF UK to organize this intriguing event.

The NYF-UK is privileged to thank our leader Hon. Ranil Wickramasinghe , General Secretary Hon.Tissa Attanayake and NYF Youth Leader Hon. Ruwan Wijewardene for all the advice and moral support.

Photographer-Suman Shretha
Photos Edited By Amila Gunasekara