Comedy comes in many forms… including roasts.
On the April fool’s day of 2023, a rather enthusiastic crowd gathered at the Duncan White Auditorium of the Ministry of Sports to witness the battle of wits, බයිට. Organized by RACFOSUOC in collaboration with DICE Global, the event featured YouTubers and content creators Pissu Kanna, Maniya, Dilshan Abey, Hamilton, Kaali, and Dilan Senanayake, and was sponsored by Hutch, Frimi, and Screen Vision.
Among the glamorous audience were Travel With Wife, Sachini Nipunsala, Madhawa Wijesinge, Chethana Kategoda, Ratta and many more, who were all very excited for the first ever YouTubers’ roast session of Sri Lanka, which would become the talk of the town in the coming days.
The days leading to the event were no less chaotic as they were amusing. From editing videos to booking venues and writing captions, it was a one of a kind experience to everyone in the organizing committee.
Kicking off the event, the content creators discussed their experiences and gave the audience advice on becoming successful content creators such that no one would be able to request a refund in case what was advertised as the spiciest roast wasn’t spicy enough.
With DIlshan Abeygunawardhana as the host of the event, Dilan Senanayake began the epic battle with a vibrant spirit. While all creators made some memorable impressions and expressions, it was Kaali’s great dance moves and Pissu Kanna’s adult jokes that became the highlights of the evening.
With the audience speechless and surprised at some moments, and the auditorium echoing with laughter most of the other times, it was evident that the first phase of බයිට was a grand success!
As the event concluded, it was quite obvious that no one would’ve asked for a refund regardless, as all gathered with cheery smiles for pictures, conversations, and indelible moments with the stars of the evening, and with those that lit up the audience.
As the first phase of the project slowly disappeared into the late evening with laughter and reminiscence, the dawn of the second phase was upon.
The second phase of the project began on the brightening of the 7th of April, with a magnificent breakfast of spring hoppers decorated with festive delicacies, and made with gratitude, at Illukovita Kanishta Vidyalaya because nothing in the world brings people closer than moments with shared meals, a fragrant cup of tea, and warm conversations.
With the revenue from the first phase of බයිට, it was made possible to donate books and other stationeries to the students at Illukovita Kanishta Vidyalaya, to empower and move forward with education. The day concluded with friendly games of Volleyball and Cricket, and of course a wonderful group photo.
බයිට was a nostalgic moment that will be looked on for many decades to come as a recollection of better days. While there might be a glimmer of hope for another in the near future, it is no secret that the following and afterwards will simply never be as glorious as the original.
By Rtr. Dilki Fonseka
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