Chandrika and Vimukthi attend gala charity dinner

There were surprise visitors at the Sunera Foundation’s gala charity dinner held at the Cinnamon Grand Oak Room on Monday, with former President Chandrika Kumaratunga and her son, Vimukthi in attendance.
The event was sponsored by SriLankan Airlines, Asia Capital, Cinnamon Grand, SLT, Eagle Insurance and MAS holdings, with a live performance by dynamic piano duo, Nettle and Markham especially flown in for the occasion.

President Kumaratunga occupied table no. 16, which was a good vantage point from which to watch the performance and proved to be the centre of attraction the whole night. Joining her at Table No. 16 were Ronnie Peiris, Navin Gooneratne and Vimukthi Kumaratunga who was accompanied by his English friend. Although the designated attire was lounge or national, Vimukthi Kumaratunga was sporting an open collared floral printed shirt while his friend was wearing a similar outfit.

Guests at the event remarked that Vimukthi Kumaratunga had changed his hairstyle and was now almost an exact replica of his father, Vijaya when he was the same age. Many guests conjectured that the change of hair style might have a hidden meaning, and might point to something that has been the subject of much speculation in the recent past – Vimukthi’s entry into the political sphere. The table adjoining the former President’s was occupied by the HSBC senior management while SENOK, Union Assurance, Kelani Valley Plantations and Nestles also had tables at the event.

The former President looked glamorous and with little or no security presence, she glided freely among the crowd, making small talk and sipping red wine.

During her speech, Sunethra Bandaranaike said that she had undergone severe mental strain during the run up to the charity dinner and she had relied on gin and tonic during those times to ease the pressure.