As a genre, country music has gone through various eras and changes, all of which are worthy of celebration in their own way. In order to celebrate this evolution in music, Country Roads, Sri Lanka’s longest-running charity concert, is back for its 37th year featuring a wide variety of new and experienced artists. For nearly four decades, the Country Music Foundation (CMF) has brought together international stars, local talent, and devoted fans in one shared mission: raising funds for Sri Lanka’s children in need.
This year, the Country Roads concert takes place at Cinnamon Life at City of Dreams on 19 October with tickets being sold at Rs. 3,000 and Rs. 4,000. Tickets are available at selected Cargills Food City outlets in Kirulapone, Kohuwela (Bernards), Majestic City, and Staples Street.
“For concertgoers, this is an opportunity to celebrate the evolution of country music from the fifties to the modern day,” CMF President Feizal Samath said. “Country music itself originated from a blend of different cultures, so it will be interesting to explore these dynamics while contributing to a good cause.”
A night to remember
The heart of any Country Roads concert is, of course, the music. Headlining this year are Germany’s Mavericks, a well-known country music group that has graced the world stage. Also taking the stage are the Cosmic Rays, and Feizal and the Country Revival Band featuring Thilan Wijesinghe. Their presence ensures that Sri Lanka’s own musicians are represented alongside international stars.
Adding to the mix is popular guitarist Allan Outschoorn, whose experimental take on country music has garnered many fans. For him, the chance to raise money for a good cause is a highlight. “This event will help raise funds for worthy children’s charities,” he said. “So, come join us on October 19.”
But, perhaps the most talked-about name this year isn’t a veteran musician but a new face. Making their Country Roads debut is Manethree, a young musician whose journey from bedroom covers to live stages has earned her a large following on social media platforms like YouTube.
Manethree picked up the guitar at age ten and began posting covers online during the pandemic, a time when so many young people turned to creativity as an outlet. The positive feedback she received pushed her to pursue live performances, and soon enough, Manethree began to carve a space for herself in Sri Lanka’s music scene.
“From when I was little, music has been my way of expressing myself and connecting with others,” Manethree explained. “The support I got online gave me the courage to perform live. I’ve always loved creating music that moves people and makes them feel deeply. I’m honoured to be a part of Country Roads, to make a difference and bring joy and support to children around Sri Lanka.”
Their inclusion reflects the organisers’ commitment to blending tradition with new voices. While the veterans bring nostalgia and familiarity, performers like Manethree represent the next chapter in Sri Lanka’s evolving music culture.
“We always want to help foster new talent,” Samath said. “By doing this we would help new country music stars take their place in a local and international stage.”
More than just music
What keeps Country Roads alive after nearly four decades is not only the music but the sense of community it builds. Many in the audience are repeat attendees, some bringing their children along to experience the same joy they felt years ago. In that way, the event has become one that bonds generations of people together.
“We have been performing in the eighties and during the tsunami as well, during other eventful times,” Samath said. “Many people remember our show and come back for more.” He also said that while bringing fans of country music together is always important, the purpose of the concert, which is to raise money for children in need, has not been forgotten. “The proceeds of the ticket sales will go towards Ape Lanka, which is a charitable organisation that has helped many children, especially in the north of the country, get a better life and improve their facilities,” Samath said.
He even reminisced on how several country music stars got the opportunity to interact with the children and introduce them to the world of music. “I remember a musician entering a camp with children and singing nursery rhymes,” he said. “I will never forget the looks of delight on those children’s faces. Almost all of them sang along.”
Looking ahead
As the countdown begins, there’s a sense that Country Roads 2025 marks a new beginning. With budding young musicians like Manethree and the exploration of the different eras of country music, the concert feels like an event that must be experienced.
“Many people think that country music is strictly limited to one region, but they are wrong. Country music originated through Scottish and Irish immigrants who combined the music of their home with the music they were exposed to in America,” Samath said, adding that by celebrating country music at Country Roads 2025, we are indeed celebrating a diverse and ever-evolving genre while serving a cause that would benefit the whole of Sri Lanka.