Jingles 2025: Where celebration meets compassion

BNS posing with the Midlane band at Jingles 2025

The second phase of Jingles, the much-anticipated musical event, brought performers and audiences together in celebration

Jingles, Colombo’s biggest Christmas carnival, returned for the eighth consecutive year since its inception in 2016. Organised annually by the Rotaract Club of Colombo East (RACCE) in collaboration with CFPS Law School, Jingles has evolved into one of the most anticipated flagship initiatives in the Rotaract calendar. 

Jingles 2025 was held on December 27 at the Arcade Independence Square from 6.00 p.m. onwards. From its humble beginnings, the event has evolved into a large-scale celebration, drawing over 2,000 attendees for an unforgettable evening filled with vibrant music, entertainment, and festive cheer.  

RACCE states that while Jingles was initially launched with the aim of bringing the spirit of Christmas to children in orphanages, the project has since expanded significantly in both scope and impact, blending cultural celebration with community service. The project is implemented in two key phases: a large-scale musical event that celebrates the joy and vibrancy of the season, and a community service initiative that brings the festive spirit directly to underprivileged children. These two components united, embody the true essence of Christmas where celebration meets compassion.

Ameesha Peiris, Co-Finance Director of RACCE and Project Coordinator of Jingles, explained: “Traditionally, the first phase of Jingles is our signature musical event, followed by the donation drive, which focuses on bringing joy to children in orphanages during Christmas. However, as the musical event was scheduled towards the end of December this year, we reversed the order of the phases. So, we began by visiting three orphanages, with around 120 children without families to celebrate with. The initiative sought to foster a sense of belonging not only through the donation of food and stationery, but also through shared experiences. Together, we engaged in games, storytelling, and gift-giving, which truly made their day.”

Ravinaka Wethmin, Vice President of RACCE and Chairperson of Jingles, remarked: “We organised ‘HELP SRI LANKA’, a flood-relief initiative before the event, to support families affected by Cyclone Ditwah. 

“As part of the programme, essential baby-care relief packs were prepared and distributed to vulnerable families across affected regions of the island,” he concluded, ensuring that timely assistance and community support during a critical period is one of their main priorities. 

The second phase of Jingles, the much-anticipated musical event, brought performers and audiences together in celebration. With the Arcade illuminated in festive splendor, the event reflected the inclusive and unifying vision at the heart of the project. The evening was further elevated by captivating performances from several iconic local artists and bands, including BNS, Hana, Overdoxe, Midlane, and Stereo, making it a truly memorable festive experience.