COLOMBO: Australian pop star Kylie Minogue has made a surprise visit to a Sri Lankan theatre troupe formed in the aftermath of the tsunami.
The singer is patron and sponsor of the Children of the Sea theatre group but had been unable to see them as she was receiving treatment for breast cancer.

Kylie said she was happy to meet the youngsters. "Their triumph through adversity is inspiring," she added. The singer said her visit to see the group, formed by English director and producer Toby Gough, had been "all too short".
"I was so happy to finally meet the children and see the results of Toby's energy and vision," she said.

"Everyone has been so welcoming. I do hope to return one day soon." Minogue saw the children, many of whom are orphans, in action and took a ride with four youngsters on an elephant. Gough said: "Kylie has been a supporter of Children of the Sea from its inception.

"Though I had often asked her to visit us here in Sri Lanka her arrival was a total surprise - the children were overjoyed. "The highlight for us all was when she travelled with the cast and crew on our tour bus laughing and singing songs."