British comic to play Sri Lanka

Comic Jeff Mirza is to perform two gigs in war-ravaged Sri Lanka this autumn.

The Asian stand-up says he will be the first British comedian to perform there since a ceasefire was agreed in February 2002.

However, the situation is far from resolved, with Tamil Tiger rebels suspending peace talks with the government three months ago.

But hopes remain high for a lasting solution to the conflict, which has claimed around 64,000 lives in the past two decades. This week, the Tigers have indicated that they were prepared to restart negotiations over a power-sharing executive.

It is against this backdrop that Mirza will perform in the capital of Colombo on September 19 and 20.

His audience is likely to comprise Sri Lankan and Indian business leaders, with a sprinkling of expat Brits.

The event's promoter Nik Hirdirmani booked Mirza after seeing him interviewed on BBC World TV, lamenting the lack of comedy venues in South Asia.

Jeff Mirza, whose parents are from Pakistan, said: "I know a lot of Singhalese and Tamil people in Britain. They've been through a lot the last 20 years.

"I'm hoping to make a few of them laugh and make them forget the Troubles - if I do that, it'll be a success".

Published: 28 Jul 2003