(English) Programs

Year 2024

Folk Music Entertainment Program - Hemamali College, Galahitiyawa - 2024.11.21

(Posted on 2024.11.25)

A entertainment program on folk music was organized by the Arts Council of Sri Lanka on 21.11.2024 at Hemamali Maha Vidyalaya, Galagahitiyawa. For this, popular actor Ishara Wickramasinghe and Mrs. Anuradha Premathilaka provided resources and about 500 students of grades 10 and 11 participated in this.
Mrs. Anuradha Premathilaka, Development Officer of the Arts Council of Sri Lanka, also coordinated the event.

Folk Song Entertainment Program - Hemamali Girls College, Galahitiyawa - 2024.11.21

Developing Visual Art Practical Skills of School Children  - 2024.11.18 at Sri Indajothi Vidyalaya - Battaramulla

(Posted on 2024.11.20)

With the aim of developing visual art practical skills and developing visual art literacy of school children, visual art workshop organized in collaboration with Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs under the guidance of Arts Council of Sri Lanka held on 18th November 2024 at Sri Indajothi Vidyalaya - Battaramulla.

The program was conducted by Mrs. Achala Gunawardena, member of Visual Arts Advisory Board.

Developing Visual Art Practical Skills of School Children - 2024.11.18 at Sri Indajothi Vidyalaya - Battaramulla

Entertainment Program - Sri Sudarshana College, Battaramulla - 2024.11.18

(Posted on 2024.11.20)

Entertainment Program - Sri Sudarshana College, Battaramulla - 2024.11.18

Entertainment Program - Divisional Secretariat, Matara Four Gravest - 2024.10.30

(Posted on 2024.10.31)

Entertainment Program - 2024.10.30 - Divisional Secretariat Matara Four Gravets

Photography Exhibition - Ananada College, Colombo - 2024.10.10

(Posted on 2024.10.14)

The Arts Council Sri Lanka of the Ministry of Culture and the State Photography Advisory Council of Sri Lanka organized the competition and the exhibition. The event was organized by Photographic Art Society of the Colombo Ananda College.

Photography Exhibition - Ananada College , Colombo - 2024.10.10

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Folk Song Entertainment Program - Kolonnawa - 2024.09.19

(Posted on 2024.09.20)

Under the leadership of the Arts Council of Sri Lanka, the folk song entertainment program for the school children of Terence N de Silva Maha Vidyalaya, Kolonnawa was successfully completed on 19.09.2024. Resourcefulness was provided by Pasidu Pahalmedagama and "Thun Hela Jana Gee Kalliya".

Folk Song Entertainment Program - Kolonnawa - 2024.09.19

Visual Arts Workshops - 2024.09.03 Gampaha & 2024.09.13 Kaluthara

(Posted on 2024.09.19)

Conducting two children's visual arst workshops.
Gampaha
Visual arts workshops were conducted by the Visual Arts Advisory Council and the Department of Cultural Affairs under the provision of two lakhs from the Arts Council of Sri Lanka.

Organized by:
Children's art workshop was held on 2024.09.03, organized by cultural division of Gampaha District Secretariat.
About 80 school students who like to draw participated in this workshop.

Resourcefulness:
Senior Lecturer Sarath Gunasiri, Chairman of Visual Arts Advisory Board, Senior Lecturer Isuru Suresh, Senior Lecturer Suneth Aravinda and Anil Athapatthu participated as resource persons.

Kalutara
Children's art workshop was held on 2024.09.13, organized by the Cultural Section of the Kalutara District Secretariat.

Mrs. Nirukshi, Deputy Director of the Cultural Affairs Department and Ms. Anoma Wijesekara, Secretary of the Music Advisory Board, Branch Head of the Cultural Promotion Division, were resourceful in this children's painting workshop.

Coordination
Mrs. Ruvini Manamperi, Secretary of Visual Arts Advisory Council,
Thilina Adikaram, Assistant Secretary of Visual Arts Advisory Council

Visual Arts Workshops - 2024.09.13 Kaluthara

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Visual Arts Workshops - 2024.09.03 Gampaha

The second unfolding of “Thudu” - Vadyabhimani Award Concert - on 2024.09.12 at "Ape Gama" premises

(Posted on 2024.09.17)

Arts Council of Sri Lanka, Music Advisory Board, Radio, Press and Social Media Advisory Board, Department of Cultural Affairs and Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs jointly organized the "Tudu" Vadyabhimani Award Concert successfully held on September 12 at 5.30 p.m at Ape Gama Premises, Battaramulla.

This tribute concert was organized for three senior and expert musicians who contributed to the advancement of the Sri Lankan music industry in classical and simple musical arts namely Premanath Kodituvukku, Sarath De Alwis and Ernest Soysa.

The main purpose of this concert was to organize a series of concerts to appreciate those great musicians and to pay tribute to the talented musicians who played a role in the songs at a time when there is no program to appreciate the musicians who perform a silent task in the music industry.

Veteran musician Dr. Rohana Weerasinghe gave the guest lecture in appreciation of the works of these great musicians, and the music direction of the concert was conducted by Mr. Tharindu Jayathilaka under the direction of Mr. Samantha Perera. Acting Secretary of the Ministry of Buddhashasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs Mrs. Nishanthi Jayasinghe, Additional Secretary Mr. Tilak Nandana Hettiarachchi, Director of Cultural Affairs Mrs. Yasintha Gunawardena and many staff officers and artists joined this event as the chief guests of the concert.

The program was conducted by Professor Praneet Abhayasundara, Chairman of the Arts Council of Sri Lanka and the concert was enlivened by the singing of veteran artists including Indrani Perera, Rohana Bogoda, Saman de Silva, Keerthi Pascual, Vernon Perera, Kushani Sandareka, Ranjana Amaradeva, Christina Fernando.

The second unfolding of “Thudu” - Vadyabhimani Award Concert - Ape Gama Premises - 2024.09.12

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The Sunday Ayubowan program aired on "Rupavahini" Television about the second unfolding of “Thudu” – Vadyabhimani award concert.

Entertainmet Program - 2024.08.30 at Divisional Secretariat Auditorium, Weligama.

(Posted on 2024.09.02)

Under the entertainment program held for the cultural councils, an entertainment program for the members of the cultural councils affiliated to the Weligama and Welipitiya regional secretariats was successfully held on 30/08/2024 at the Weligama regional Divisional secretariat auditorium.
For this. Mr. V. Damith Nandana and the group of musicians showed resourceful contribution, and the Secretary of the Arts Council of Sri Lanka,  Mr. K.H. Dayanta participated in this event.

Entertainmet Program - 2024.08.30 at Divisional Secretariat Auditorium, Weligama.

Creative Writing and Correct Language Use - 2024.08.26 at District Secretariat Auditorium, Baticaloa.

(Posted on 2024.08.26)

A one-day workshop on "Creative Writing and Correct Language Use" was held in Batticaloa on 26.08.2024 with the aim of honing the creative skills of the novice writers who won Tamil National Literary Competitions and making their language usage more correct.
The program was held with the main resources of Prof. Prashanthan of Peradeniya University, executive member of the Arts Council of Sri Lanka.

Creative Writing and Correct Language Use - 2024.08.26 at District Secretariat Auditorium, Baticaloa.

Creative Writing and Correct Language Use - 2024.08.22 at District Secretariat Auditorium, Matara.

(Posted on 2024.08.26)

A one-day workshop titled "Creative Writing and Correct Language Use" was held on 22.08.2024 at the Matara District Secretariat Auditorium with the aim of improving the creative skills of writers and school children in Matara district and improving their language usage.

Mr. Dayantha, Secretary of the Arts Council of Sri Lanka and Mr. Inesh Katapearachchi participated in this event. This program was organized under the patronage of the Arts Council of Sri Lanka.

Creative Writing and Correct Language Use - 2024.08.22 at District Secretariat Auditorium, Matara.

Entertainment Program - Kanaganayagam Tamil Maha Vidyalaya, Balangoda - 2024.08.21

(Posted on 2024.08.22)

A entertainment program was successfully conducted on 21st August 2024 at Balangoda Kanaganayagam Tamil Maha Vidyalaya to develop the musical skills of school children. Mr. Viswanathan Sadanandam contributed resources for this program and Secretary, Arts Council of Sri Lanka Mr. K.H. Dayanta participated.

Entertainment Program - Kanaganaygam Tamil Maha Vidyalaya, Balangoda - 2024.08.21

Developing Visual Art Practical Skills of School Children  - 2024.08.13 at Co/ Vidyathilaka Vidyalaya - Colombo 05.

(Posted on 2024.08.14)

With the aim of developing visual art practical skills and developing visual art literacy of school children, visual art workshop organized in collaboration with Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs under the guidance of Arts Council of Sri Lanka held on 13th AAugust 2024 at Co/ Vidyathilaka Vidyalaya, Colomobo 05.

The program was conducted by Mrs. Achala Gunawardena, member of Visual Arts Advisory Board and expert artist Mr. Nalin Sampath Karunasena.

Developing Visual Art Practical Skills of School Children - 2024.08.13 at Co/ Vidyathilaka Vidyalaya - Colommbo 05.

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Entertainment Program - Ellakanda Tamil Maha Vidyalaya - Horana - 2024.08.02

(Posted on 2024.08.02)

A entertainment program was successfully conducted on 02nd August 2024 at Horana Ellakanda Tamil Maha Vidyalaya to develop the musical skills of school children. Mr. Viswanathan Sadanandam contributed resources for this program and Secretary, Arts Council of Sri Lanka Mr. K.H. Dayanta participated.

Entertainment Program - Elakanda Tamil Maha Vidyalaya - Horana - 2024.08.02

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"Vesak Siri Asiri" Photo Exhibition - 2024.07.31 at the National Museum Exhibition Hall

(Posted on 2024.08.01)

The "Vesak Siri Asiri" Photo Exhibition jointly held by the Ministry of Cultural Affairs and the Photographic Advisory Board was held 31st July at the National Museum Exhibition Hall at the Independance Square Avenue under the chairmanship of Mr. H.M.B.P.Herath, Secretary, Ministry of Buddhashasana, Religous and Cultural Affairs. On that day, the exhibition was opened by the Secretary of the Ministry and the Chairman of the Photography Advisory Council.

"Vesak Siri Asiri" Photo Exhibition - 2024.07.31 at the National Museum Exhibition Hall

Rukmal Gamage

A Folk Music Workshop - 2024.07.04 at Kuruvita Division Education Office.

(Posted on 2024.07.23)

A folk music workshop for school teachers of Kuruvita Education Division was successfully completed on 04/07/2024 at Kuruvita Division Education Office. For this, Mr. Udayasiri Vidanapathirana Senior Lecturer of Department of Ethnomusicology of University of Visual & Performing Arts, Mr. Lasanta Edirisinghe, Dance and Percussion Instructor and Ms. Supuni Rajapaksa led this workshop.

A Folk Music Workshop - 2024.07.04 at Kuruvita Division Education Office.

Creative Writing and Correct Language Use - 2024.07.11 at District Secretariat Auditorium, Hambanthota.

(Posted on 2024.07.12)

A one-day workshop titled "Creative Writing and Correct Language Use" was held on 11.07.2024 at the Hambanthota District Secretariat Auditorium with the aim of improving the creative skills of writers and school children in Hambanthota district and improving their language usage.

Mr. Dayantha, Secretary of the Arts Council of Sri Lanka, Mr. Inesh Katapearachchi and Mr. Piyal Kariyawasam participated in this event. This program was organized under the patronage of the Arts Council of Sri Lanka.

Creative Writing and Correct Language Use - 2024.07.11 at District Secretariat Auditorium, Hambanthota.

Premakeerthi Memorial Song Series  - 2024.06.28 at Ministry of Public Security Auditorium, Suhurupaya.

(Posted on 2024.07.01)

Premakeerthi Memorial Song Series Conducted by Arts Council of Sri Lanka, Organized by the Ministry of Public Security Welfare Association was held on June 28, 2024 at 2:00 pm at the Ministry of Public Security Auditorium, Suhurupaya. Professor Praneet Abhyasundara reviewed the songs.

Media Division - Ministry of Public Security.

Premakeerthi Memorial Song Series - 2024.06.28 at Ministry of Public Security Auditorium, Suhurupaya.

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Developing visual art practical skills of school children  - 2024.06.28 at WP/GAM/St. Marys' Maha Vidyalaya, Veyangoda.

(Posted on 2024.07.01)

With the aim of developing visual art practical skills and developing visual art literacy of school children, visual art workshop organized in collaboration with Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs under the guidance of Arts Council of Sri Lanka held on 24th June 2024 at WP/GAM/St. Marys' Maha Vidyalaya, Veyangoda.

The program was conducted by Expert artist Mr. Sudath Abeysekera, Mrs. Achala Gunawardena, member of Visual Arts Advisory Board and expert artist Mr. Nalin Sampath Karunasena.

Developing visual art practical skills of school children - 2024.06.28 at WP/GAM/St. Marys' Maha Vidyalaya, Veyangoda.

Creative Writing and Correct Language Use - 2024.06.13 at District Secretariat Auditorium, Kandy.

(Posted on 2024.06.14)

A one-day workshop titled "Creative Writing and Correct Language Use" was held on 13.06.2024 at the Kandy District Secretariat Auditorium with the aim of improving the creative skills of writers and school children in Kandy district and improving their language usage.

Mr. Dayantha Secretary of the Arts Council of Sri Lanka, Mr. Inesh Katapearachchi and Mr. Piyal Kariyawasam participated in this event. This program was organized under the patronage of the Arts Council of Sri Lanka.

Creative Writing and Correct Language Use - 2024.06.13 at District Secretariat Auditorium, Kandy.

Creative Writing and Correct Language Use - 2024.05.31 at District Secretariat Auditorium, Badulla.

(Posted on 2024.05.31)

A one-day workshop on "Creative Writing and Correct Language Use" was held on 30.05.2024 under the chairmanship of Badulla Assistant District Secretary Mr. Wimanga Senaviratne at the District Secretariat Auditorium with the aim of honing the creative skills of the writers of Badulla district and correcting their use of language sponsored by the Arts Council of Sri Lanka.

Mr. Dayantha, the Secretary of Arts Council of Sri Lanka and Mr. Anjana Siriwardena of the Encyclopaedia Compilation Office participated in this event. State Literary Award winner Pravina lyricist, poet Sudath Gamini Bandara and State Literary Award/Golden Book Award/Godage and University Award winner Nishanka Wijemanna delivered lectures for this program.

This program, which gained a lot of knowledge for writers, was organized by Badulla District Cultural Officer Chandika Ratnayanaka and District Secretary's Cultural Officer Nadika Thilangani with the support of Haliela Cultural Officer Maheshika Jeevanthi. The Media Unit of Badulla District Secretariat received support for the media coverage of the program.

Creative Writing and Correct Language Use - 2024.05.31 at District Secretariat, Badulla.

Tamil Drama Workshop - National Art Academy, Kundasale - 2024.05.11 - 12

(Posted on 2024.05.13)

At the request of Tamil dramatists, the Tamil drama workshop organized by the Department of Cultural Affairs, the Arts Council of Sri Lanka and the Drama Advisory Board was started 11th of May at the Kundasale National Arts Academy.

A two-day residential training workshop, 50 Tamil dramatists from the North and Eastern provinces have participated in this drama workshop and many senior dramatists of Sri Lankan theater have contributed resources. It is expected that this workshop will help to bring Tamil theater to an optimal level, encourage them, and create a creative and excellent Tamil Drama through the contribution of Tamil dramatists entering the Sri Lankan theater.

Senior lecturer Chandrasiri Bogamuwa, veteran award-winning dramatist Vasantha Vittachi, veteran musician Anthony Surendra, award-winning literary scholar, dramatist Piyal Kariyawasam, veteran dramatist L. S. Mohan Raj and a group of members of the Drama Advisory Board were present on this occasion.

Tamil Drama Workshop - National Art Academy, Kundasale - 2024.05.11 - 12

Special Lecture on Mother Language Day - Deepangoda Maha Vidyalaya - 2024.02.20

(Posted on 2024.02.21)

On the occasion of "Mother Language Day" on 21st February, a special lecture program is organized by Deepangoda Maha Vidyalaya was held on 20.02.2024 at the college. It was conducted by  Arts Council of Sri Lanka. The lecture was delivered by Mr. K.H. Dayanta, Secretary of the Arts Council of Sri Lanka.

Mother Language Day Lecture - Deepangoda Maha Vidyalaya - 2024.02.20

Year 2023

"Thudu" - Instrumental Tribute Concert - 2023.12.28

(Posted on 2023.12.30)

Organized by the Arts Council of Sri Lanka and the Radio, Press and Social Media Advisory Council, the "Thudu" Instrumental Tribute Concert was held on December 28 at 6:00 p.m., Battaramulla was held in "Ape Gama" premises.  Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs Mr. Vidura Wickramanayake and the Secretary of the Ministry and the Director of Cultural Affairs participated in this event. This program was conducted by the Chairman of  Arts Council of Sri Lanka Prof. Praneeth Abhayasundara. Here, Musicians Kalani Perera, V. Hemapala Perera and Anthony Surendra were honored here. Dr. Rohana Weerasinghe also gave a special speech on these musicians and many artists and musicians participated in this event.

"Thudu" Instrumental Tribute Concert - 2023.12.28 at 6.30 p.m. at "Ape Gama" premises

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"Sangawuni Paya" - Book Launch .

(Posted on 2023.11.08)

Under the leadership of the Department of Cultural Affairs and the Arts Council of Sri Lanka, the Cinema Advisory Board unveiled the works of the film directors of the 40s-60s of the classic Sri Lankan cinema under the leadership of senior cinematographer Tissa Liyanasuriya with the participation of the Secretary of the Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, Mr. Somaratne Vidanapathirana and Mr. Praneet Abhayasundar the Chairman of the Arts Council of Sri Lanka. It was held on October 19, 2023 at 3.00 pm at the National Library and Documentation Services Board Auditorium. (Click here to view Sarasaviya Paper Article)

2022 State Drama Festival - Elphinstone Theatre, Maradana.

(Posted on 2023.11.01)

World Children's Day Celebration 2023 - BMICH premises

(Posted on 2023.10.17)

World Children's Day Celebration 2023 - BMICH premises

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State Children's Art Awards (2023) -  National Youth Center,  Maharahama.

(Posted on 2023.10.10)

State Children's Art Awards

With great excitement !

"State Children's Art Awards" which appreciates Sri Lankan children who performed outstanding performance in "Theli Thudu" was held in a grand way at the National Youth Center,  Maharagama on (06th October 2023).

There was also a children's art exhibition featuring paintings of the children who won the award ceremony, prizes and talent certificates were awarded here for 115 children representing all the provinces of the island.

The ceremony was held under the patronage of Mr. Vidura Wickramanayake, Minister of Buddhashasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, while a group of expert artists also joined for the occasion.

Ministry of Buddhashasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, Department of Cultural affairs, State Visual Arts Advisory Board of Arts Council of Sri Lanka organized the State Children's Art Awards.

State Children's Art Awards 2023

65th State Literature Awards (2023) - Elphinstone Theatre, Maradana.

(Posted on 2023.09.18)

Under the guidance of President Ranil Wickramasinghe and Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena, under the leadership of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs Minister Vidura Wickramanayake and Presidential Secretary Saman Ekanayake, Ministerial Secretary Somaratne Vidanapathirana, Director of Cultural Affairs Yasintha Gunawardena, Chairman of the Arts Council of Sri Lanka Prof. Praneeth Abhayasundara and many distinguished guests joined this grand occasion.

Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, Department of Cultural Affairs, State Literary Advisory Board of Sri Lanka Arts Council jointly organized this award ceremony.

65th State Literature Awards (2023)

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One Day Workshop for Music Teachers - "Ape Gama" - 2023.08.18

(Posted on 2023.08.28)

Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, Department of Cultural Affairs and the Music Advisory Board of Sri Lanka Arts Council organized a one-day workshop for music teachers of active arts institutions and cultural centers in the Western Province on 18.08.2023 at "Ape  Gama" premises in a very successful manner.

One Day Workshop for Music Teachers - "Ape Gama" - 2023.08.18

Practical Art Workshop - National Art Gallery - 2023.07.15

(Posted on 2023.07.17)

Organized by Buddhasasana, Ministry of Religious and Cultural Affairs, Department of Cultural Affairs and Visual Arts Advisory Board of  Arts Council of Sri Lanka, the practical art workshop held on 15.07.2023 at the National Art Gallery and Vihara Maha Devi (Victoria Park) Open Air Premises with the aim of improving the creative skills of the children who won the 2021 State Children's Art Festival and providing them with the knowledge of the experts in the field was concluded very successfully.

Practical Art Workshop - National Art Gallery - 2023.07.15

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Dance Workshop - Western Province Aesthetics Resort - 2023.07.13

(Posted on 2023.07.17)

Organized by Buddhasasana, Ministry of Religious and Cultural Affairs, Department of Cultural Affairs and the Dance and Ballet Advisory Board of the Arts Council of Sri Lanka, with the aim of developing theoretical and practical knowledge, skills and attitudes about the learning and teaching of the classical dance traditions of the Arts, with the title "Prasangika Nirmanakaranayata Sampradayika Narthana Kalave Aagamanaya (ප්‍රාසංගික නිර්මාණකරණයට සාම්ප්‍රදායික නර්තන කලාවේ ආගමනය)" on 13.07.2023 Western Province Aesthetics Resort, The dance workshop held at the resort was a great success.

"Viyamana" Literature Workshop - Weyangoda Cultural Centre - 2023.07.08 - 09

(Posted on 2023.07.17)

Organized by Buddhasasana, Ministry of Religious and Cultural Affairs, Department of Cultural Affairs and Arts Council of Sri Lanka's Literary Advisory Board, the "Viyamana" workshop to develop the quality of Sri Lankan literary creation was successfully held at Weyangoda Cultural Center on 2023.07.08 and 09.

"Viyamana" Literature Workshop - Weyangoda Cultural Centre - 2023.07.08 - 09

Entertainment Program - Amunukumbura Vocational Training Institute - Gampaha - 2023.04.25

(Posted on 2023.05.02)

The Arts Council of Sri Lanka provided free resources for the entertainment program organized by the Department of Social Services for the children with special needs and their parents.

Conducted by - Prof. Praneet Abhayasundara, Chairman of the Arts Council of Sri Lanka.

Coordination - Mr. K.H. Dayantha, Secretary of the Arts Council of Sri Lanka and staff of the council.

Entertainment Program - Amunukumbura VTI - 2023.04.25

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Entertainment Program - Jayaviru Sewana - Puwakpitiya - 2023.03.07

(Posted on 2023.03.08)

The Arts Council of Sri Lanka provided free resources for the entertainment program organized by the Department of Social Services for the inmates of the 'Jayaviru Sewana' rehabilitation centre.

Conducted by - Prof. Praneet Abhayasundara, Chairman of the Arts Council of Sri Lanka.

Participation - Additional Director of Social Service Department, Officer in Charge of Jayaviru Sewana rehabilitation centre.

Coordination - Mr. K.H. Dayantha, Secretary of the Arts Council of Sri Lanka and staff of the council.

Entertainment Program - Jayaviru Sewana - Puwakpitiya - 2023.03.07

Entertainment Program - Child Guidance Centre - Seeduwa - 2023.02.28

(Posted on 2023.03.02)

The Arts Council of Sri Lanka provided free resources for the entertainment program organized by the Department of Social Services for the children with special needs and their parents.

Conducted by - Prof. Praneet Abhayasundara, Chairman of the Arts Council of Sri Lanka.

Participation - Senior media lecturer Mr. Dharmananda Wijesinghe, Executive Member of Arts Council of Sri Lanka.

Coordination - Mr. K.H. Dayantha, Secretary of the Arts Council of Sri Lanka and staff of the council.

Entertainment Program - Child Guidance Centre - Seeduwa - 2023.02.28

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Entertainment Program - Child Guidance Centre - Maharagama - 2023.01.11

(Posted on 2023.01.12)

The Arts Council of Sri Lanka provided free resources for the entertainment program organized by the Department of Social Services for the children with special needs and their parents.

Conducted by - Prof. Praneet Abhayasundara, Chairman of the Arts Council of Sri Lanka

Coordination - Mr. K.H. Dayantha, Secretary of the Arts Council of Sri Lanka and staff of the council.

Entertainment Program - Child Guidance Centre - Maharagama - 2023.01.11

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Dancing Program - Madurawala Maha Vidyalaya - Horana - 2022.01.27

(Posted on 2022.01.27)

An entertaining performance dance program organized by the Arts Council of Sri Lanka was held on 27.01.2022 at Madurawala College, Horana. The program was conducted through descriptive presentations on pacifism relevant to the school curriculum. Many students from the surrounding schools participated in the event and the program was conducted by the Chairman of the Arts Council of Sri Lanka, Senior Professor Jayasena Kottagoda. Lecturer Susantha Vidanagamage, Lecturer Rohana, Lecturer Buddhika Ranaweera, Lecturer Sarath, Lecturer Sampath and other artists performed.

Dancing Program - Madurawala Maha Vidyalaya - Horana - 2022.01.27

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Dancing Program - Dharmasena Atigala Girls School - Kesbewa - 2022.01.26

(Posted on 2022.01.27)

An entertaining performance dance program organized by the Arts Council of Sri Lanka was held on 26.01.2022 at Dharmasena Attygalle Girls' School, Kesbewa. The program was conducted through descriptive presentations on pacifism relevant to the school curriculum. Many students from the surrounding schools participated in the event and the program was conducted by the Chairman of the Arts Council of Sri Lanka, Senior Professor Jayasena Kottagoda. Lecturer Susantha Vidanagamage, Lecturer Rohana, Lecturer Buddhika Ranaweera, Lecturer Sarath, Lecturer Sampath and other artists performed.

Dancing Program - Dharmasena Atigala Girls School - Kesbewa - 2022.01.26

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Stage Drama Show - Gampaha/Galle/Matara Districts - 2021.12.20 - 31

(Posted on 2022.01.04)

Several stage plays organized by the Arts Council of Sri Lanka in relation to the school children's syllabus were performed in the Colombo, Gampaha and Galle districts. The play was screened under the patronage of Sriyantha Mendis, Executive Member of the Arts Council of Sri Lanka.

Stage drama performance for school children

Drama Show - University of Ruhuna - 2021.12.23/26/27

(Posted on 2022.01.04)

A drama trilogy organized by the Arts Council of Sri Lanka in association with the University of Ruhuna Cultural Center was screened at the University of Ruhuna.

1. Traditional "Sokari" drama - 2021.12.23 at the Auditorium of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences

Traditional "Sokari" Drama - 2021.12.23 at the Auditorium of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences

2. "Subha saha Yasa" drama - 2021.12.26 at the Faculty of Agriculture Auditorium, Kamburupitiya

"Subha saha Yasa" Drama - 2021.12.26 at the Faculty of Agriculture Auditorium, Kamburupitiya

3. "Maname" Drama - 2021.12.27 at the Karapitiya Medical Faculty Auditorium.

"Maname" Drama - 2021.12.27 at the Karapitiya Medical Faculty Auditorium

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Musical Program - Batticaloa Cultural Centre - 2021.12.27

(Posted on 2021.12.27)

Entertainment Music Program organized by the Arts Council of Sri Lanka was held on 27.12.2021 at the Batticaloa Cultural Centre. The program was chaired by Vishwanathan Sadanandam, Executive Member of the Arts Council of Sri Lanka and led by Sudath Samarasinghe, Executive Member of the Arts Council of Sri Lanka and Deputy Director of the National Institute of Education, Maharagama.

Musical Program - Batticaloa Cultural Centre - 2021.12.27

Musical Program - Piliyandala Central College - 2021.12.23

(Posted on 2021.12.26)

An entertaining music program implemented by the Arts Council of Sri Lanka was held on 23.12.2021 at Piliyandala Central College. Many students from the surrounding schools participated in it. Event held under the patronage of Vidura Wickramanayake, State Minister of National Heritage, Performing Arts and Rural Art Promotion and Participation of Mrs. Nishanthi Jayasinghe, Secretary to the State Ministry of National Heritage, Performing Arts and Rural Art Promotion and Ven. Professor Pathegama Gnanissara Thero, Vice-chair person of the Arts Council of Sri Lanka. The program was chaired by Senior Professor Jayasena Kottagoda, Chairman of the Arts Council of Sri Lanka and led by Sudath Samarasinghe, Executive Member of the Arts Council of Sri Lanka and Deputy Director of the National Institute of Education, Maharagama.

Musical Program - Piliyandala Central College - 2021.12.23

Dance Program - Debarawewa National College 2021.12.21

(Posted on 2021.12.26)

An entertaining performance dance program implemented by the Arts Council of Sri Lanka was held on 21.12.2021 at Debarawewa National School. Many students from the surrounding schools participated in the event and the program was conducted by the Chairman of the Arts Council of Sri Lanka, Senior Professor Jayasena Kottagoda. Lecturer Susantha Vidanagamage, Lecturer Buddhika Ranaweera, Lecturer Rohana and other performers are performed in this program.

Dancing Program - Debarawewa Central College - 2021.12.21

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"Daham Pathma" - Rupavahini - Poya Day Special Program - 2021.12.18

(Posted on 2021.12.26)

Rupavahini Poya Day Special program 'Daham Padma' with Senior Professor Jayasena Kottagoda, Chairman of the Arts Council of Sri Lanka and Vice-chair person Ven. Professor Pathegama Gnanissara Thero on raising awareness among the society about the healing of the sick using psycho therapeutic techniques through "shaanthi karma" and dispelling the superstitions of the society.

"Preksha" Drama Festival 2021 - Shanida Ayubowan 2021.12.11 Program

(Posted on 2021.12.11)

Live program with Mrs. Nishanthi Jayasinghe Secretary of the State Ministry of National Heritage, Performing Arts and Rural Arts Promotion and Mr. Sriyantha Mendis Executive Committee Member of Arts Council of Sri Lanka talking about “Preksha Drama Festival - 2021” on Rupavahini Shanida Ayubowan Program.

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"Liviseri Premaya" Charana TV Program - 2021.11.16

(Posted on 2021.11.22)

Live program of "Liviseri Premaya" with Senior Professor Jayasena Kottagoda, Chairman of the Arts Council of Sri Lanka and Lecturer Susantha Vidhanagamage on “Gammadu Sahithya” - Charana TV Program 2021.11.16

Ada Derana - Talking Books (EP 1350)

(Posted on 2021.10.15)

Live program of Ada Derana Talking Books (EP 1350) with Senior Professor Jayasena Kottagoda, Chairman of the Arts Council of Sri Lanka, on “Ape Urumaya” 17 Books writing on Intangible Heritage, Art Magazine and Buddha Statue Creation published by the Arts Council of Sri Lanka.

“Ape Urumaya” 17 books writing on intangible heritage published by the Arts Council of Sri Lanka.

(Posted on 2021.08.03)

The ceremony of launching “Ape Urumaya” 17 Books writing on Intangible Heritage, Art Magazine and Buddha Statue Creation published by the Arts Council of Sri Lanka, was held on 2021.08.03 at the auditorium of the State Ministry of National Heritage, Performing Arts and Rural Arts Promotion at Sethsiripaya Stage II. Hon.  Vidura Vickramanayake, State Minister of National Heritage, Performing Arts and Rural Arts Promotion, Secretary of the said state ministry, Chairman of the Arts Council of Sri Lanka, Executive Committee of the Arts Council of Sri Lanka and the respective authors of the books were present at this occasion.

The First Human Rights Arts Festival 2017,  10th -17th December at J.D.A Perera Gallery

(Posted on 2018.01.05)

The Festival is to showcase Creative Arts practice related to all themes of Universal human rights declaration. December 10th UN celebrates the Human rights Day. Human rights activists and human rights commissions are normally involved in the celebrations annually. But Arts Council of Sri Lanka decided to have a festival of Arts related to the Human rights issues.

Human Rights became an issue of day to day life of Sri Lankans due to the insurgence of 1971, introduction of the open economy and later revolts of Tamil and Sinhala youth including thirty years of ethnic violence and civil war.

There are many of Artists and artworks repressed by the regimes from the 1970s. Especially songs, films and theatre productions were banned. Artists were harassed physically as well as mentally. Freedom of expression was the most suppressed area of human rights. [For example There are Sri Lankan artists; singers, filmmakers, theatre artists, visual artists etc, who expressed their ideas under threat of various previous regimes, especially since 1977 up till today] Visual Arts including films and video, Songs, theatrical productions, Musical performances, Dance, and Ballet etc. will be shown and performed in this festival.

Particularly during the war and after the 19th of May 2009, so-called Sri Lankan ‘patriots’ were afraid of human rights on the grounds of them being against independence and the sovereignty and unitary state of Sri Lanka. The Art Council in response thinks to intervene to broaden the public’s understanding of human rights and to convey that human rights are not a foreign 'thing' to Sri Lanka, but they are universally applicable and it is our rights, we all as citizens of Sri Lanka have a right to know, protect and fight for human rights.

Arts Council was able to organize the first ever Human rights Arts Festival with an exhibition of Visual arts as well as theatre, Dance and Music performances from 10th to 17th December 2017 at JDA Perera gallery in Collaboration with Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka, Saskia Fernando Gallery, The Workshop Players, UZ Arts UK, Suramedura, and Khemadasa Foundation.

Opening evening at 5 pm on the 10th December starts with an inaugural speech by the president of the Arts Council Chandraguptha Thenuwara and Commissioner of HRC Sri Lanka Dr.Deepika Udagama. Just after the speeches, there were five Theatre Flash Mobs and Percussion session by Jithendra Vidyapathy ensemble in front of the JDA Perera Gallery. After that inside of the Gallery, there were five live performances by the International visual Artists. The final performance of the day was an in situ dance act by members of the dance workshop by Venuri Perera.

33 Artists including six European artists participated in the visual arts Exhibition and there were Paintings, Drawings, sculptures, Installations, Video projections to enrich the show. The exhibition was continued from 11th to 17th December every day from 10 am to 8 pm.

Artists participated were Kingsley Gunatillake, Anoma Wijewardene, T.Shanathanan, Nuwan Nalaka, Firirahman, Jasmine Nilani Joseph, Kanesh Thabendran, Kusal Gunasekara, Prageeth Rathnayake, Susiman Nirmalavasan, Vijitharan Maryathevathas, Minal Nayomi Wckremathunga, Abdul Halik Azeez, Sujith Rathnayake, Pakkiyarajah Pushpakanthan,Menika vanderPoortan, Jayani Chathurika, Asanka May, Gayan Prageeth, Pathmanesan Prasanth, Nirosha Vanigasooriya, Krishnapriya Tharmakrishner, Somasundaram Hanusha, Mevindu Binoy, Kirushanathanan Aingkaran, Venuri Perera, Wasantha Kulathunga, and international artists from Scotland Anders Rigg, Rae-yen Song, Kyna Hodges; from England Hellen Ottaway, Flick Ferdinando, Lorna Rees.

Every evening from 6 pm to 8 pm there were music performances at the second floor Gallery additional to the exhibition by Flamenco Guitarist Amaranath Ranathunga and Students, Gayathri Khemadasa and the students from the Khemadasa Foundation, Sujeewa Ranasinghe (Esraj), Peshala Manoj (Tabla) with Indian Sitarist Ramprapanna Bhattacharya.

Arts Council of Sri Lanka is planning The Second HR Arts Festival in 2018 with the collaboration of other art collectives, institutes, cultural institutes, organizations and civil society groups.

Human Rights Arts Festival 2017

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