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Ministry of Culture and the Arts
Progress 2014
Compiled by the Planning Division to provide details
on the progress of the planed programmes according to the “Mahinda Chinthana Ediri
Dekma” conducted by the Ministry in 2014 and to introduce plans for 2015
Published by
Ministry of Culture and the Arts
8th
Floor
Sethsiripaya, Battaramulla
3
Message of Hon. Minister
!!!!
Meaningful Progress in Culture
!
The cultural value system of Sri Lanka or any other country has two aspects called
tangible heritage and intangible heritage. However, culture and art are immeasurable
gifts bestowed by our forefathers. Their preciousness depends on the activities of not
only the human beings but all the living beings in the globe. It gives me great pleasure to
note herein a positive progress made in implementing administrative functions related
to culture and the arts which have inextricable relations with the human life.
This progress is an eloquent testimony to the fulfilment of objectives set by the ministry and
other institutions functioning under its purview. It further confirms the betterment of ordinary
public during the period where Sri Lanka forges ahead to be the “Wonder of Asia”. Our attempt
to mark the progress of our functions in an environment conducive to the spiritual development
without sticking to the advancement of science and technology has succeeded. The speciality in
the achievement is the integration between our programmes and national heritage which
directed the thinking of ordinary public towards arts and beauty of life. Without being captivated
by modern scientific and technological implements, we could successfully register a remarkable
advancement in affairs related to arts in a background that is conducive to spiritual
development.
I bestow my sincere thanks to all Heads of Department and the staff who discharged duties with
diligence and dedication to extend our fruitful accomplishment in the field of culture and the
arts under the ‘Mahinda Chinthana’ Vision for the future to the masses. Let us unite with
determination to fulfil the national mission in the field of Culture and the arts.
T.B.Ekanayake
Minister of Culture and the Arts
4
!!!!
Preface
!!!!
Progress of National Cultural Awakening
!
Cultural background of a country and a nation is a primary factor that consolidates its
identity. We have entered to an era where we should rise up displaying and projecting
our patriotism through mother tongue, literature, music, art, drama, dance and the print
and electronic media. The progress achieved particularly through the projects and
programmes launched by the ministry and other institutions functioning within its orbit
raised our nation to such a height. The pragmatic approach to the community together
with the statistics are testimonies to our success.
It is very much conspicuous that the steps taken towards fulfilment of objectives has
promoted national integration in terms of good governance, administration and
management in the entire country. The programme for establishing cultural centers
island wide and the panels such as “Angampora” photography, folklore which were
setup recently are the milestones of out that received wide popularity and attention.
It is my ferrent hope that our nation would benefit from the projects programmes are in
progress in conformity with the National Cultural Policy and have the opportunity to
appreciate the innovations of creative minds.
!!!!
Wasantha Ekanayake
Secretary
Ministry of Culture and the Arts
5
Content
Institute Page No
01. Ministry of Culture and te Arts 06 - 38
02. Department of Cultural Affairs 39 - 56
Sri Lanka Arts Council 57 - 69
03. Central Cultural Fund 70 - 85
04. Tower Hall Theatre Foundation 86 - 95
05. Public Performance Board 96 – 98
6
1. Ministry of Culture and the Arts
Vision
A proud Sri Lanka committed to safeguarding the unique cultural heritage and the nation’s
dignity for the future.
Mission
Formulation and implementation of policies and programmes for the preservation, promotion,
and dissemenation of the unique culture and heritage in parallel with the advancement and
overall development of the country.
Objectives
The culture in a country has been identified as the main instrument which directs the people
make effective and efficient in the implementation of all programmes aimed at prospering the
people of the country.
• To build a positive cultural environment that would help directs the people themselves in a
manner that would successfully accomplish the general national development policy of the
country.
• To forge ahead as a country with great culture consisting of many sub-cultures while
accepting the multi-nationalism and preserving the identity of respective sub-cultures. To
promote cultural diversity and thereby to prevent harm caused to positive cultural
characteristics through various forces.
• To pave the way to organize the cultural life of the people of the country through
preservation, maintenance and utilization of cultural heritages.
• To motivate the people to identify positive cultural characteristics and thereby to promote a
culture with distinct Sri Lankan identity.
• To help the people in identifying themselves the external and internal factors causing
cultural downfall and in exterminating these factors.
• To pave the way to inculcate in the society the fact that culture is an energetic, challenging
and a free force.
Institutions Functioning Under the Purview of the Ministry of
Culture and the Arts
Departments
• `Department of Cultural Affairs
Statutory Boards
• Central Cultural Fund
• Tower Hall Theatre Foundation
• Public Performance Board
• Arts Council of Sri Lanka
7
1.1 Allocation and Financial Progress as at 30th
September 2014
����This contains Rs.1500Mn of foreign funds allocated for the construction of performing Arts
Theatres in Kandy and Anuradhapura. However, this amount had to be excluded in the process of
calculating financial progress since foreign funds were not received as expected.
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
Financial Progress as at 2014.09.30
Recurrent Capital
Fin
an
cia
l P
rog
ress
%
1.2 Office Staff - 2014
Programme Allocation for
2014 (Rs.Mn)
Financial Progress
as at 30.09.2014
(Rs.Mn)
Recurrent Minister's Office 25.37 15.96
General Administration 119.26 87.39
Social Cultural Integration and
Cultural Promotion
494.60 393.21
Sub total 639.23 496.56
Capital Minister's Office 14.4 1.47
General Administration 16.3 6.04
Social Cultural Integration and
Cultural Promotion
1,933.00 ����
196.03
Sub total 1,963.7 203.54
Total 2,602.93 700.1
Approved Cadre Current Staff
Senior Level - 15 13
Secondary Level - 04 03
Tertiary Level - 596 513
Primary Level - 443 397
Minister's
Office
General
Administr
ation
Social Cultural
Integration
and Cultural
Promotion
Minister
Office
General
Administr
ation
Social Cultural
Integration
and Cultural
Promotion
8
1.3 Progress of Programmes and Projects 2014
1.3.1 Cultural Promotion Programmes
“Culture” is an inextricable component of the overall development . It is an essential part as well as
a medium of national integrity. Therefore, the Ministry of Culture and the Arts implements cultural
promotion programmes to instill culture and the Arts into the lives of Sri Lankans.
I. Cultural Centre Programme
The programme of establishing one Cultural Centre per Divisional Secretary’s Division was initiated
in 1998 with the objective of promoting and conserving indigenous cultural features.
Objectives of establishing cultural centers on divisional secretariat basis are as follows -
• Re-introduction and promotion of ancient arts and their features (sixty four arts)
• Improvement and enhancement of skills of children in art living in respective divisions.
• To raise the skills of these children up to the international level by providing opportunity to
gain experience in foreign performances.
• Promotion of the cultural life of respective division.
Cultural Centers in progress and under construction by 30th
September 2014
Table-01
Province District No. of
D.S.D.
No. of C.C.
established
No. of C.C. under
construction
Central Kandy 20 14 0
Matale 11 11 0
Nuwara Eliya 5 4 0
Eastern Ampara 20 6 4 (LLRC-2)
Batticaloa 14 2 2 (LLRC-1)
Trincomalee 11 3 2
North Central Anuradhapura 22 12 4
Polonnaruwa 7 5 0
Northern Jaffna 15 2 5 (LLRC-1)
Kilinochchi 4 0 0
Mannar 5 0 0
Mullaitivu 6 0 0
Vavuniya 4 2 1 (LLRC-1)
North Western Kurunegala 30 16 3
Puttalam 16 7 2
Sabaragamuwa Kegalle 11 8 1
Ratnapura 17 5 6
Southern Galle 19 13 1
Hambantota 12 7 1
Matara 16 15 2
Uva Badulla 15 12 1
Monaragala 11 5 1
Western Colombo 13 7 0
Gampaha 13 8 0
Kalutara 14 8 0
Total 331 172 36
LLRC –Cultural Centres which are being constructed on the recommendation of the Lessons
Learned and Reconciliation Commission - 05
9
02 15
02 14
08 13
08 14
07 13 08 11
14 20
0 05 02 04
03 11
12 22
05 07 07 16
16 30
0 06
0 04
02 15
11 11
13 19 15 16 07 12
05 11
12 15
06 20
05 17
04 05
10
Province District Cultural Centre Amount provided in
2014 (Rs.)
Cultural Centres that have been opened by September 30 (07)
Central Kandy 1. Four Gravets Gangawata Korale 230,000.00
Uva Monaragala 2. Siyambalanduwa -
3. Badalkumbura -
North western Puttalam 4. Pallama 14,508,886.00
Northern Jaffna 5. Uduvil -
6.Karainagar -
North Central Anuradhapura 7. Palagala 787,647.00
NorthWestern Kurunegala 1. Opening of new two -storey
building for Mahawa Cultural Centre
which is currently in operation.
-
Cultural Centres Completed by 30 September 2014 and to be opened(07)
Eastern Trincomalee 1. Morawewa -
Batticaloa 2. Eravur Town -
Ampara 3. Thirukkovil (LLRC) 4,000,000.00
Southern Galle 4. Yakkalamulla -
Uva Monaragala 5. Monaragala 932,594.00
Sabaragamuwa Kegalle 6. Warakapola 6,480,000.00
North Western Kurunegala 7. Udubaddawa
11,000,000.00
Uduvil
Cultural
Centre
Karainagar
Cultural
Centre
i. Construction of New Cultural Centres
Table - 02
11
I. Development and Maintenance of Cultural Centres -2014
Development and Maintenance activities were carried out in the following cultural centres from 01
January 2014 to 30 September 2014.
Table- 03
Cultural Centers Under Construction (29)
Northern Jaffna 1. Chankanai 4,452,000.00
2.Thellippalai -
3. Chavakachcheri 4,000,000.00
4. Point Pedro 4,000,000.00
5. Karaveddi (LLRC) 4,000,000.00
Vavuniya 6. Vavuniya (LLRC) -
Eastern Ampara 7.Irakkamam -
8.Navithanveli 2,000,000.00
9. Damana (LLRC) 4,000,000.00
Batticaloa 10. Porathivu Pattu -Vellaveily
(LLRC)
5,000,000.00
Trincomalee 11. Kuchchaveli 4,000,000.00
Uva Baddulla 12. Ella 409,049.00
Southern Matara 13.Matara District C.C. -
14. Thihagoda -
Hambanthota 15. Ambalanthota 5,000,000.00
North Western Puttalum 16.Mahakumbukkadawala 100,000.00
17. Madampe 5,000,000.00
Kurunegala 18. Polgahawela 9,000,000.00
19. Mawathagama 10,000,000.00
North Central Anuradhapura 20. Kabitigollewa 4,000,000.00
21. Horowpothana 4,000,000.00
22. Kahatagasdigiliya 4,000,000.00
23. Thambuththegama -
Sabaragamuwa Ratnapura 24. Eheliyagoda -
25. Opanayake 4,000,000.00
26. Kolonna -
27. Imbulpe -
28. Godakawela -
29. Wiligepola -
The total amount provided to construct Cultural Centres by 30.09.2014 114,900,176.00
District Cultural Centre Development / Renovation carried
out
Amount
provided (Rs.)
Batticaloa Manmunai North Construction of wall 935,000.00
Polonnaruwa Thamankaduwa Construction of two wash rooms for
children
19,500.00
Medirigiriya Re-imbursement of electricity bills 10,045.00
Anuradhapura Kekirawa Maintenance of cultural centre 6,885.00
Nochchiyagama Installation of safety electric accessories
to the open air theatre
25,000.00
Madyama
Nuwaragampalatha
Erection of fence and fixing of gate 49,700.00
Rajanganaya Repairs to roof of main hall 4,765.00
Mahawilachchiya Settling of electricity bills and colour
washing
95,608.00
Maradankadawala Repairs to main hall and construction of
pre- school up to roof level and plastering
62,290.00
12
Kandy Doluwa Erection of fence 266,000.00
Galagedara Fixing of windows and grills to the pre-
school and erection of a hut
63,450.00
Yatinuwara Construction of two washrooms 325,000.00
Pathadumbara Repairs to roof 550,000.00
Matale Wilgamuwa Renovation of office building 1,561,694.00
Na Ula Erection of fence and gate 511,000.00
Pallepola Renovation of cultural centre 1,000,000.00
Dambullla Purchase of water tank 6,250
Ukuwela Repairs to wiring 49,932.00
Ambangahakorale Construction of a washroom 49,750.00
Nuwara Eliya Nuwara Eliya Erection of fence 446,962.00
Kotmale Construction of a cover to cesspit 10,820.00
Kegalle Warakapola Curtaining of office 6,350.00
Rambukkana Repairs to the mesh 42,550.00
Dehiovita Erection of a roof from the main hall to
the t washroom
26,130.00
Galigamuwa Renovation of front staircase 860,000.00
Colombo Padukka Construction of a watch-hut 21,400.00
Hanwella Repairs to front and rare protective fence 233,250.00
Gampaha Veyangoda Training
Centre
purchase of concrete benches,
construction of wall and obtaining
electricity supply
1,703,323.00
Proposed Kelaniya
Cultural Centre
Maintenance of land 39,000.00
Kurunegala Ambanpola Construction of pre-school building and
colour washing of centre
10,878,069.70
Mahawa
Nagollagama
Colourwashing of centre 43,230.00
Giribawa Renovation of cultural centre 149,978.00
Panduwasnuwara Construction of two washrooms 314,000.68
Polpithigama –
Rambe
Construction of Theatre 5,000,000.00
Puttalam Anamaduwa Construction of outer veranda 9,000.00
Badulla Rideemaliyedda Renovation of the building 32,880.00
Hali-Ela Obtaining water supply 49,996.00
Haldummulla Tax and rental 4,330.14
Passara Renovation of the building 195,885.00
Badalkumbura Opening 74,000.00
Matara Kumarathunga
Munidasa Memorial
C. C.
Administrative expenses connected with
taking over of land
50,000.00
Weligama Renovation of the building, erection of
gate and wall
91,156.00
Mulatiyana Renovation of the building 1,181,691.00
Matara – Nupe Repairs to wiring system of stage 25,660.00
Kamburupitiya Electricity bill 9,677.04
Denipitiya Cut and removal of overhanging branches 8,000.00
Pasgoda Replacement of roof tiles 15,000.00
Dickwella Fixing of doors and windows 267,443.00
Hambnatota Weeraketiya Construction of cultural centre 243,453.00
Total amount granted to develop and repair cultural centres 27,625,103.56
13
iii. Cultural Centres Proposed for the Commencement of Constructions in 2015
Table - 04
Province District Cultural Centre
Central Kandy Doluwa
Matale Dambulla
Nuwara Eliya Walapanai
Eastern Batticaloa Vakarai
North Central Anuradhapura Palugaswewa
Padaviya
Ipalogama
North Jaffna Nallur
Sandilipai
North Western Kurunegala Kotawehera
Ibbagamuwa
Kalpitiya
Mundalama
Sabaragamuwa Kegalle Mawanella
Southern Galle Thawalama
Gonapinuwala
Niyagama
Hambantota Walasmulla
Onakwela
agunakolapelassa
Matara Akuressa
Thihagoda
Uva Badulla Bandarawela
Monaragala Wellawaya
Medagama
Buttala
Sewanagala
Kataragama
Western Gampaha Kelaniya
Divulapitiya
Negombo
The estimated cost for the construction of each cultural centre amounts to Rs 20 Mn.
II. Equipment for Cultural Centres
In 2014, equipment required for cultural centres were provided as follows.
Musical instruments for 18 Cultural Centres, dancing costumes for 13 Cultural Centres and the
Ministry of education, sports equipment for 07 cultural centres, necessary equipment for sounds
systems to 15 Cultural Centres, furniture for 36 Cultural Centres, stationery for 10 cultural centres,
name boards, buddhist flags, National flags for 26 Cultural Centres were provided in 2014.
Financial Progress
Provisions 2014 - Rs.30 million Financial Progress - Rs.13.09million
14
III. Courses Conducted at Cultural Centres
Courses that are being conducted on free of charge by Cultural Centres are as follows
• Up Country, Low country
,Sabaragamuwa & Folk Dancing
• Oriental & Western Music
• Drama & Theatre
• Art, Sculpture and art of Carving
• Physical and spiritual Development
• Handicrafts
• Sinhala, Tamil, English, Pali and
Sanskrit languages
These courses provide theoretical and practical knowledge in respective fields.
Number of students who followed the courses at Cultural Centres
2011 – 30,653
2012 – 35,280
2013 – 48,369
2014 – 55,839
IV. Contribution of Cultural Centre Programmes
Cultural Centers conduct national and divisional cultural programmes
• National Independence Day Ceremony
• New Year Festival
• Programmes concurrent with the National Literary Arts Festival
• Programmes concurrent with celebration of World Children’s Day and other national
programmes
• Dramas, street dramas and entertainment programmes
• Diverse state cultural festivals and arts festivals
• Rituals
• Other Special Cultural Ceremonies
The above programmes are being conducted with the participation of members representing all
age groups and under the auspices of sponsors in the locality in order to mould a disciplined
society.
V. Library Service of Cultural Centers
The library service is provided to the people who are living in close proximity to Cultural Centers
and students who follow the courses at centers. It is expected to improve their reading habit,
literary appreciation, knowledge and awareness.
A set of books from the important works belonging to Sinhala, Tamil and English languages,
selected by a committee, was handed over to each library attached to the Cultural Centers
throughout the island. Measures are in place to purchase and distribute books worth Rs.9mn.
among the Cultural Centres in 2014.
Number of members who have registered under the libraries established at Cultural Centre.
2011 – 24,650
2012 - 40,873
2013 – 43,363
2014 – 43,728
15
Mobile Library Service
Cultural Centres which have been established in areas with poor transport facilities operate
mobile library services with the help of trishaws and bicycles.
Number of Cultural Centres which operate mobile library service by 2014 reaches 18 and the
number of readers amounts to 2056.
Table - 05
Province Cultural Center No. of Readers
Central 01 Pathadumbara 150
02 Ambangagakorale 30
North Central 03 Hingurakgoda 570
North 04 Vavuniyawa South 70
North Western 05 Galgamuwa 150
06 Kuliyapitiya Eastern 14
07 Mallawapitiya 15
08 Giribawa 125
09 Panduwasnuwara Eastern 40
10 Batticalo 140
11 Mahawewa 300
12 Anamaduwa 52
13 Karuwalagaswewa 40
Sabaragamuwa 14 Kegalle 150
15 Balangoda 95
South 16 Beliatta 70
17 Pasgoda 25
Western 18 Panadura 20
Readership for mobile library Service 2056
V. The Pool of Local Dancing Artistes A pool which consists of dancers who display outstanding skills after the completion of courses
conducted by the cultural centers is being maintained in the year 2014, too.
Table - 06
Dance Form
No of Artistes Available
With Dancing
Costumes/Instruments
Without Dancing
Costumes/Instruments
Ves Dancing 500 1,000
Classical(Women) 300 1,000
Low Country Dancing
Low Country Dancing(Women) 100 400
Thelme 50 450
Kolam, Sanni, Pali – 03 types 60 200
Sabaragamuwa Dancing (Women) 200 400
Sabaragamuwa Dancing (Men) 100 250
This includes 20 dancing items and 25 groups of rural dancing.
12 troupes each
having 40
members 50 troupes
Drummers 1,500 2,000
16
VI. Inherited Cultural Features to Enrich National Programmes National Programmes contributed and special programmes implemented by the Ministry of
Culture and the Arts (From 01 January 2014 to 30 September 2014)
Table - 07
Date Programme and Venue Contribution/ Participation of Ministry
2014.01.22 Welcome ceremony for the
President of the Maldives 174 drummers from Cultural Centres
participated in the programme. 2014.02.04 Commemoration of 66
th
National Day - Kegalle city
centre
400 students from cultural centres
participated in the dance pageants
2014.02.13,14 Nawam perahera of
Gangarama
355 dancers from cultural centres
participated in the perahera.
2014.02.21 -2014.03.01
Programmes conducted in
parallel with ‘Deyata Kirula’
Exhibition – Kuliyapitiya
Wayamba University,
Technical College and the
premises of Central College
Cultural pageant “Sirilak Wenuma” was
conducted with the participation of 450
students on the Cultural Day.
Daily cultural pageants were conducted
with the participation of students from
cultural centres in the Kurunegal district.
“Angam” martial art show was conducted
with the participation of 50 artistes.
2014.03.06 welcome ceremony for the
President of Afghanistan – In
front of the Presidential
Secretariat
258 drummers from Cultural Centers
participated in the programme.
2014.03.10 “Senehasa” Entertainment
Programme for Expectant
mothers – At the Ministry of
Culture and the Arts and at 25
cultural centres
80 expectant mothers attended the
programme held at the ministry.
Over 1500 expectant mothers attended the
programme conducted at cultural centres.
2014.04.25-29
Training programme for
Resource persons –
Veyangoda Training Centre
30 resource persons from Sabaragamuwa
and Western provinces.
2014.05.02-04
Training programme for
Resource persons – Hali Ela
Resource Centre
27 resource persons from Central province
2014.04.30 Official ceremony to mark
joining Sri Lankan Airlines with
One world aviation –Mattala
Rajapakse International
Airport
300 dancers from cultural centers in the
Southern province.
17
2014.05.15 - 19
Vesak Festival – “Buddhi
Mandapaya” Theatre at Gal
Vihara in Polonnaruwa
50 artistes from cultural centres
participated in the ballet “ Guru
Poojawa”and main cultural show
2014.05.15-19
Vesak Festival – “Buddha
Rashmi”Vesak zone jointly
organized by the Presidential
Secretariat and the
Gangarama Vihara
Cultural items were presented with the
involvement of 750 dancers and drummers
and show of Buddhist Songs was conducted
with the participation of 350 artistes.
2014.06.02 Poson Festival – Religious
ceremony to mark completion
of 27years for the massacre of
Buddhist monks at Arantalawa
30 Hewisi Drummers participated in the
programme.
2014.06.11,12 Thissamaharama perahera Dancing items were provided to the
perahera with the participation of 245
artistes from cultural centers.
2014.06.11 State Poson Festival -
Mihintale
A troupe of 50 Hewisi drummers and a band
of musicians were forwarded from cultural
centers
2014.06.13 Poson Festival – Thanthirimale 50 artistes participated in the ballet “Guru
Pooja”
2014.06.01 Ceremony to felicitate the
Hon. Minister of Culture and
the Arts
350 Hewisi drummers participated in the
felicitating ceremony held to mark the
conferment of “Keerthi Sri Janaranjan” on
the Hon. Minister of Culture and the Arts.
2014.08.13 Ceremony to felicitate the
Hon. Minister of Culture and
the Arts- BMICH
300 drummers were presented from
cultural centers.
2014.09.07
Welcome ceremony for the
Japanese President –
Presidential Secretariat
500 drummers were presented from cultural
centers.
2014.09.17
Welcome ceremony for the
Chinese President – In front of
the Presidential Secretariat
600 drummers were presented from
cultural centers.
18
VII. “Jathika Sahithya Kala Prasadini” National Literary Arts Festival - 2014
The National Literary Arts Festival which is annually conducted under the theme of appreciating
literary creators and artistes is a national, religious and cultural festival of immese importance. It
is annually organized for the promotion and enhancement of appreciation of general public on
Literature and the Arts, familiarization of younger generation with Literature and the Arts and
providing opportunity for them to improve their skills.
This year’s National Literary Arts Festival “Jathika Sahithya kala Prasadini”was held on 6th
,
7th
, 8th
, 9th
and 10th
of September 2014 at the Mahanama College, Kandy.
Items that illuminated the “Jathika Sahithya Kala Prasadini” Festival 2014
� Educational and marketing exhibition- There was 80 stalls.
� Book launch– Conducted by private publishers and associated institutions
� Film exhibition- 5 films were screened; technical /technological equipment related to the field were
introduced to enhance the awareness
� Kavi Maduwa
� Dance pageant of cultural centers- Five cultural centers from central province presented the show
with the participation 300 dancers for three days
� Literary presentation
� Cultural radio channel, “Sahurda FM”-This is an especial programme conducted by the Folk Music
Conservation Library for the interest of school children. Here, 70 students from schools in Kandy were
given the opportunity to improve their skills as announcers and 100 students were presented for two-
day work workshop conducted to enhance their awareness in technical and creative aspects as well as
in announcing
� Lama Mandapaya- This programme consisted of children’s songs, dramas, and an art workshop, and
150 children from three schools representing each by 50 students attended the event. A pack of
books was given to each participant.
� Variety Show presented by the Ministry of Education – conducted with the participation of 771
children from 10 schools.
� Variety Show presented by the Yatinuwara Kalayathanaya – A cultural pageant and a Folk Song
Programme were conducted.
� “Riddi Yagaya” ritual- Conducted with the participation of 20 artistes
� Show of children’s songs- Conducted with the participation of 30 artistes from Senkadagala cultural
center
� “Noorthi Geetha” programme- Conducted with the participation of 30 Tower Hall artistes
� “Kolum Madu” ritual- Conducted with the participation of 30 artistes
� Programme for the appreciation of songs
� “Kala Asapuwa” entertainment programme
� Puppet Show
� Musical Show by State Music Ensemble
� Distribution of gift packs to schools in Kandy district – Packs of books were distributed among 470
students from 44 schools who clinched places at all-Ceylon round in Aesthetic Subjects and Literature
in 2013
19
� Dance pageant- 1200 artists from 35 cultural centers in the Kandy District along with students of
Mahanama College participated in the event.
� “Prathibha” cultural dance pageant – Dance troupes which clinched the first places under group
presentation in the “Prathibha” National Dance Competition performed with the participation of 450
artistes.
� Entertainment programme – 36 such programmes were conducted within Kandy district in parallel
with the National Literary Arts Festival – 2014.
‘Nurthi Geetha’ programme presented by Tower Hall Artistes Dance Pageants
‘Sahurda FM’ Radio Channel Lama Mandapaya
Kavi Maduwa Demonstration of Rituals
20
ii. Presentation of Awards
� Presentation of “Deshanethru”
Award 2014
The following artistes who have rendered a
yeoman service to develop the sphere of art in
Sri Lanka were conferred with the
“Deshanethru”award which can be clinched by
oneself once in his/her life time.
Deshanethru Award Winners in 2014
� Presentation of “Senkadagala Sri
Wardhanapurabhimani” Awards Twenty artistes of the district who have rendered an
excellent service to the field of Art were presented
“Senkadagala Sri Wardhanapurabhimani”awards at
the “Sahitya Kala Prasadini” festival held in Kandy
district
“Senkadagala Sri
Wardhanapurabhimani” Award
Winners 2014
• Prof. P. B. Meegaskumbura Literature
• Prof. M. L. A. Kadar Literature
• Veteran actor Mr Suminda Sirisena Acting
• Mr Peter Surasena Traditional Dancer (Chief artiste in Kandy Esala Prahera)
• Mr K. A. Karunakaran Music
� Mr M. G. Somasiri Denagama Journalism
� Mr W. M. K. C. B. Wijekoon Art and Drama
� Mr S. G. Gemunu Seniviratne Journalism
� Mr Dias Samaranayaka Weersekara Up - country Dancing, Decorations using tender coconut
leaves, Rituals
� Mr K. G. Seeman Gemunuratne Art and Sculpture
� Mr T. Y. Sumanaweera Dancing
� Mr K. A. G. Kuruppu Arachchi Literature and Journalism
� Mr M. G. C. Medagama Poetic creations
� Mr W. G. Dharmasena Mahawela Lyric writing, Poetic creations,
Stage drama, Script writing
� Mr Wahaliyange Somaratne Art and Sculpture
� Mr S. G. Gunthilaka Up - country Dancing, Drumming, Rituals
� Mr N. K. Rajapakse Up - country Dancing,
� Mr G. W. Anura Jayantha Carving
� Mr A.K. Thilak Somawamsa Textile manufacturing applying “Dumbara” design
� Mr W. G. Gunapala Up - country Dancing
� Mr A. G. Jineris Stage dramas, Dancing, Singing, Journalism
� Mr Ovisse Premawardene Journalism, Dancing and Poetic Creations
� Mr Mariappan Indrarasu Singing and Playing musical instruments
� Mr M. G. Gunasena Traditional Dancer
� Mr J. G. Jayathura Dancing
21
‘Prathibha’ Certificates and Awards Ceremony
The competition of music, dancing and theatre among Cultural Centres is held annually under
the name “Prathibha”. It is conducted with the objective of giving opportunity to students who
master the arts such as music, dancing and theatre at Cultural Centers to prove their
improvement and development in aesthetic aspects along with personality and conserving local
cultural features. Championship and runner – up awards were clinched by the Centres that
displayed outstanding skills in every aspect.
VIII. Creative Skill Competition for Public Employees
This Creative Skill Competition has been conducted since 2002 with the prime objective of
improving creative skills of public employees. The competition is carried out in Sinhala and
Tamil media under the sections of short stories, children’s stories, lyrics, verses, short plays,
translation of short-stories and arts. It is conducted at divisional, district and national levels
and certificates and cash prizes are presented to winners. In the end, a book titled
“Prabhashwara” is published compiling all the winning creations.
Entries for the Creative Skill Competition of Public Employees -2014 Category Sinhala Tamil
1. Short stories 164 76
2. Lyrics 307 64
3. Arts 51 16
4. Verses 394 125
5. Children’s Creations 65 28
Total 981 309
Prathiba Champions 2014
Nupe cultural
Centre,
Matara
Prathibha Runner – up
Award 2014
Balangoda
Cultural Centre
22
IX. Entertainment Programmes
This programme is held in selected schools and at institutions on request with the objective
of promoting aesthetic appreciative skills of school children and the youth and thereby
moulding a society of sensitive persons. The workshop is steered by a resource person with a
wealth of experience in Aesthetic Subjects or Literature.
Programmes conducted from 01 January 2014 to 30 September 2014
Venue Date
01 2014.01.31 University of Kelaniya, Ragama Medical College
02 2014.02.21 University of Kelaniya
03 2014.02.24 University of Sri Jayewardenepura
04 2014.03.05 Boys’ College, Malabe
05 2014.03.08 Rukmalgama Rural Society, Maharagama Cultural Centre
06 2014.03.10 “Senehasa” Programme – Auditorium of the Ministry of Culture and
the Arts
07 2014.03.03 Siripiyarathana Vidyalaya, Padukka
08 2014.04.03 Bentota Cultural Centre
09 2014.04.08 Ingiriya Cultural Centre
10 2014.04.26 Ananda College , Colombo
11 2014.06.19 “Meth Sevana” Children’s Home, Sponsored by Sri Jayewardenepura
Cultural Centre
12 2014.06.23 Cultural Centre at the University of Sri Jayewardenepura
13 2014.07.02 Mahanama College, Kandy
Divisional Secretariat, Kandy
14 2014.07.03 Dolapihilla College
Divisional Secretariat, Dolapihilla
15 2014.07.04 Galagedara Cultural Centre (for school children)
Galagedara Cultural Centre (for public officers)
16 2014.07.07 Junior College, Pathahewaheta
Divisional Secretariat,Pathahewaheta
17 2014.07.08 Anuruddha Maha Vidyalaya, Nawalapitiya
Divisional Secretariat, Nawalapitiya
18 2014.07.09 Doluwa Maha Vidyalaya
Divisional Secretariat, Doluwa
19 2014.07.14 Medadumbara Maha Vidyalaya
Divisional Secretariat, Medadumbara
20 2014.07.15 Hatharaliyedda National School
Divisional Secretariat, Hatharaliyedda
21 2014.07.17 School of Agriculture, Kundasale
Divisional Secretariat, Kundasale
23
22 2014.07.18 Giragama Teacher Training College
Divisional Secretariat, yatinuwara
23 2014.07.21 Sri Lanka Rifle Corps, Udapalatha
Divisional Secretariat , Udapalatha
24 2014.07.22 Badrawathie Vidyalaya, Galaha
Divisional Secretariat, Deltota
25 2014.07.24 Governor’s Office, Kandy
Gangawata Korale Cultural Centre
26 2014.07.25 Damma Hall, Mahapathana Sri Sunandaramaya
Divisional Secretariat, Panvila
27 2014.07.30 D. B. Wijethunga School
Divisional Secretariat, Udunuwara
28 2014.07.31 Nugawela School
Divisional Secretariat, Harispattuwa
29 2014.08.04 Ududumbara Cultural Centre
Divisional Secretariat, Ududumbara
30 2014.08.05 Pathadumbara Technical College
Divisional Secretariat, Pathadumbara
The general public, the youth in particular, attended these entertainment programmes.
1.3.2. Implementing Programmes on Conservation of Intangible Cultural
Heritage
I. Conservation of Intangible Cultural Heritage
The “Intangible Cultural Heritage”means the practices representations, expressions, knowledge,
skills – as well as the instruments, objects, artefacts and cultural spaces associated therewith-
that communities, group and, in some cases individuals recognize as part of their cultural
heritage. Accordingly, the intangible cultural heritage is manifested inter-alia in the following
domains.
� Oral traditions and expressions, including language as a vehicle of the intangible cultural
heritage;
� Performing arts;
� Social practices, rituals and festive events
� Knowledge and practices concerning natural the universe
� Traditional craftsmanship
“Safeguarding” means measures aimed at ensuring the viability of the intangible cultural
heritage, including the identification, documentation, research, preservation, protection,
promotion, enhancement, transmission, particularly through formal and non-formal education,
as well as the revitalization of the various aspects of such heritage.
As explained in the above paragraph, the UNESCO adopted a convention in 2003 to safeguard
the intangible cultural heritage and introduced it to Sri Lanka. Accordingly, 25 selected scholars
in Sri Lanka were trained on conservation of intangible cultural heritage in 2012. In 2013,
another workshop was conducted to train them on collecting data and preparing inventories.
24
Progress 2014
The Scholars carried out extensive studies on following intangible heritage.
� Native treatments for pricks and burns
� Customs associated with the Sinhala and Hindu New Year
� “Kotahalu Yagaya” ritual
� Kandy Esala Perahera
� Puppetry of the Sinhalese
Third UNESCO Workshop on the Conservation of Intangible Cultural Heritage
The third UNESCO workshop was held from 11 to 15 of February 2014 at the Development
Training Institute, Wakwella.The activities conducted therein were;
� Analysis of information specified in the above reports
� Discussion on the inventory that carries information collected from Anuradhaprua and
Polonnaruwa districts
II. A Pilot Project to unveil the Hidden Intangible Heritage – Matale district
The ministry implements a project to provide the present-day Sri Lankans who own a rich
cultural heritage nurtured by invaluable intangible cultural heritage of 2600 years old with an
opportunity to reap the benefits of it through reintroduction.
A pilot project for the collection of information from people living in Matale district by
conducting a survey within a period of three months was launched in August 2012.
The project is conducted by officers in divisional cultural centers and new graduate appointees
under the consultancy of University dons who have standard knowledge on subjects such as
Sociology, Anthropology, Sinhala Literature, History etc. The activities pertaining to this project
include
• Collection of data and information
• Identification of information that needs further investigation and refer the same to
advance research
• Publication of identified knowledge
• Disclosure of matters that safeguard the identity of Sri Lanka to the world.
Collection of data is done by a group of 105 officers, and 925 data sheets have already been
handed over for survey.
Progress 2014
� The inventory for Matale district was prepared in May 2014 incorporating information
collected through the above survey.
� Preparation of inventories for Kandy and Nuwara-Eliya districts.
Arrangements are in place to conduct a training programme on 18 and 19 October 2014
at the Veyangoda Training Centre for cultural officers of the above districts to train them
in this task.
25
III. Project for the Conservation of Folklore The appreciative abilities of people would be widened by integrating folk heritage such as folk
songs, their sound patterns and sound patterns of hevisi, wannam, rites and rituals which has
inextricable associations with the Sri Lankan life style from the times immemorial with the future
generation. Accordingly, the prime objective of this project is to conserve the above mentioned
features of folk music along with their sound patterns.
The Ministry of Culture and the Arts opened a Folk Music Conservation Library equipped with a
computer system of modern and sophisticated technology on the 23rd
of September 2010. Funds
for this project were provided by the Royal Norwegian Government.
Basic Functions
• Collect information on the above mentioned artistic elements possessed by people and institutes
in different parts of the country.
• Record and Conserve this information using digital technology.
• Allow people to use this information for further studies and research purposes.
• Take measures to publish this knowledge through promotional activities.
Progress of Audio and Audio- Visual Recordings (2014)
1 Preliminary discussion on recording of traditional Hand Raban dance and associated
songs was conducted at Keselhenawa, Horana. Collection of additional facts regarding this
dance was simultaneously conducted by studying books written on this subject.
2 A documentary programme on folk music elements and their performers was screened
at the “Deyata Kirula” National Development Programme
3 Folk Music Entertainment Programme for the students of Ragama Medical Faculty-
This programme explained the use of ancient folk melodies and music to cope up with stresses
and strains of people trapped in the present complex society by creating a dialogue with
medical students and lecturers.
4 Preparation of video titled “Esi Disi Miyesi” which contains folk music elements-
This video contains discussions / dialogues carried out by the Folk Music Conservation Library
with folk artistes living in various parts of the island, and the copies are to be delivered to
every cultural centre.
5 Galle Music Festival
This is an annual music festival organized by the Concerts Norway and the “Seva Lanka”
Foundation to showcase an eclectic array of music presented by Sri Lankan folk musicians,
foreign musical groups, school children and performers representing variety of music
traditions. These items were recorded for conservation by participating in it as a partner.
6 Video film of stilt fishing unique to Kathaluwa in Galle
The stilt fishing which is on rapid deterioration was recorded at a very famous place called
“Kathaluwa” in the Southern province where this method of fishing still remains live. Customs,
traditions, practices and experience gained by the previous generation could also be identified
and recorded.
7 Preparation of a documentary containing customs and folk dances associated with the
Sinhala and Hindu New Year Festival
Traditional customs and folk games relevant to Sinhala and Hindu New Year Festival held by
the Ministry of Culture and the Arts and the cultural centres were recorded in both audio and
visual media.
26
8 Conservation of Folk Melodies unique to Batticaloa area
Steps were taken to explore folk melodies unique to the Batticaloa area and conserve them by
recording. In the context, discussions and organizational activities were carried out in the
Divisional Secretary’s Divisions of Pattippalai and Chenkaladi. During this exercise, a large
amount of written information and a series of video programmes recorded by the District
Secretariat could be obtained.
9 Recording of specific features relevant to intangible heritage in traditional food under
local food promotion programme “Aswedduma”
This programme was organized by the University of Sri Jayawardenepura, and Dr. Pabilis Silva
and Mr Mahinda Kumara delivered 02 lectures. Matters regarding indigenous sweet meats,
especial food items and beverages, food pattern,cooking methods and special features
entailed with such methods, local cereals as well as intangible heritage in Agriculture were
recorded.
10 Two – day Folk Music Programme “Jana Shanthiya” held in collaboration with the
University of Sri Jayawardenapura.
The agenda was replete with Sinhala nadagam, nurthi and musical items of Tower era.A
traditional “Udekki” troupe enthralled the audience which consisted of university dons and
students nearly 750 with their impressive dance.
11 Recording of cultural elements that depict believes associated with the tank of a village
at the “Hurulu Perahera” of Kataragama Devalaya at Galenbindunuwewa in
Anuradhapura.
This is an annual divisional festival which contains customs performed in the hope of rain
ending severe drought, and it is held with the participation of a large crowd.
Advisory Board for the efficient direction of Folk Music Conservation Library
An Advisory Board consisted of University dons, music directors and researchers along with
resource persons from the Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation and the Rupavahini Corporation
was appointed to direct and guide conservations, field recordings and promotional activities of
the Folk Music Conservation Library. This Board formulated future plans for it.
Presentation of Folk Songs
Stilt fishing unique to Kathatuwa in Galle
Galle Music Festival
27
IV. Sri Lanka National Organization of Writers
The objective of establishing the organization is to provide a certain contribution to improve welfare of the
writers through publishing their valuable and creative works under the patronage of Government and to
build an intelligent society by way of providing opportunities for the people to read quality books and other
written materials.
Measures are underway to obtain the approval for the Draft Act prepared for the incorporation of the
Organization of Writers Apart from these activities, re-structuring of district organizations and appointment
of a national leader for the organization were carried out.
Establishment of Writers Centre in the capital, issue of Identity Cards for writers, promotion of Writers’
Organization enabling the representation of all Sri Lankans including the Sinhalese, the Tamils and the
Muslims and extension of Writters Organization up to district and divisional level are the future proposals
of the Organization.
V. Sri Lanka Association of Astrologers The prime objective of establishing this Association is to provide necessary patronage to improve the
knowledge of the astrologers who live throughout the country.
Progress 2014
The media sponsorship for the Astrology Day held on 25 April was provided by the Ministry of Culture and
the Arts
1.3.4. Local and Foreign Cultural Exchange Programmes-2014
I. Bi - lateral Agreements Signed
Number of Memoranda of Understanding signed by 30 September 2014 - 55
Number of Memoranda of Understanding in operation by 30 September 2014 – 31
Number of Memoranda of Understanding to be signed In future - 24
Preliminary activities are in place to sign bi-lateral Agreements with 7 countries in 2014.
II. Memoranda of Understanding signed in 2014
Name Date Participation
1. Memorandum of Understanding between
the Ministry of Culture and the Arts of the
Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka
and the Chinese Academy of Sciences of
the Peoples Republic of China concerning
the joint project in the search for
wreckage of Zheng He’s fleets off the coast
of Sri Lanka.
Signed on 17th
Sep.
2014 in Colombo
Professor Dr.Bai Chunli
(President Chinese Academy of
Sciences Peoples Republic of
China) with T.B.Ekanayake,
Minister of
Culture and the Arts
2. Memorandum of Understanding between
institute of Acoustics Chinese Academy of
Sciences (Peoples Republic of China) and
the Central Cultural Fund (Democratic
Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka) in the
search for wreckage of zheng He’s fleets
off the coast of Sri Lanka.
Signed on 17th
Sep.
2014 in Ministry of
Culture and the
Arts
Professor Xiaomin Wang
Director General of Institute of
Acoustics with Professor
Gamini Adikari, Director
General of Central Cultural
Fund
28
3. Memorandum of Understanding on
Cooperation between the Ministry of
Culture and the Arts of the Democratic
Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka and the
State Administration of Press, Publication,
Radio, Film and Television of the Peoples
Republic of China
Signed on 16th
Sep.
2014 in Colombo
State Administration of Press
Publication Radio, Film and
Television of Vice Minister Jing
Jeyaug with T.B.Ekanayake,
Minister of Ministry of Culture
and the Arts
II. Completed Cultural Exchange Programmes
Foreign Cultural Tours
Programme and Country Date / Period Participants
01 SAARC Literary Festival – Kathmandu,
Bhutan
2013 .12.18 -20 04 writers
02 Participation of “Janakaraliya” Stage
Drama Team at the Delhi International
Drama Competition presenting “Sindu
Kirillee” drama -New Delhi, India
2014.01.01-07 17 dramatists
03 Participation of artistes from“Inter Act
Drama Academy”in the International
Young Drama Festival - New Delhi, India
2014.01.01-22 11 dramatists
04 8th Session of the SriLanka Iraq Joint
Committee for Economic &Technical
Cooperation - Iraq
2014.02.24 -25 Secretary
05 SARRC Artists’Camp and Painting
Exhibition - Bangladesh
2014.04.09 –
12
06 artists
06 Visit of the Hon. Minister of Culture & the
Arts, T.B. Ekanayake - Japan
2014.02.27 -
2014.03.07
Hon. Minister of Culture &
the Arts
Signing of Memorandum of Understanding on search for Wreckage of Zheng He’s fleets off the coast
of Sri Lanka (around the Beruwala marine area) between the Ministry of Culture and the Art of Sri
Lanka and the Chinese Science Academy of the People’s Republic of China on 17th
Sep.2014. This
Mou was signed by the Hon.Minister of Culture and the Arts T.B.Ekanayaka on behalf of the Ministry
of Culture and the Arts and the Chairman of Chinese Science Academy Dr.Bai Chunli
29
07 International Drums festival for Peace in
Cairo - Egypt
2014.04.18 -25
10 Drummers
08 Celebration of Vesak day - Ayuththaya
Province, Thailand
2014.05.07 -13
Traditional artistes of Dalada
perahera including Hon.
Minister of Culture & the
Arts
09 2nd Asia Pacific Regional Conference on
Underwater Cultural Heritage -Honolulu,
Hawaii
2014.05.12 -16
Hon. Minister of Culture &
the Arts, Director General of
the Central Cultural Fund and
03 Project officers
10 1st Ceremony on“Commemoration of the
Asian Living Human Treasure” -The
Republic of Philippines
2014.05.20 - 21 02 artistes from Replica
School , Batleeya
11 Asia Cooperation Dialogue (ACD) Forum
on Silk Road Cooperation -China
2014.05.27-29 Additional Secretary
(Administration, Finance,
Foreign Relations)
12 5th Session of the General Assembly of
the State Parties to the Convention for the
Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural
Heritage - France
2014.06.02-05 Secretary,Ministry of Culture
& the Arts
13 Commemoration of anniversary of
historic events and eminent person of
universal dimensions, Prof. Ediriweera
Sarachchandra - France
2014.06.08 -15
Hon. Minister of Culture &
the Arts, 6 Scholars and 27
dramatists
For the first time, Tamil students of a cultural cneter in Nothern Province were
provided with oppertunities for participation in cultural events in a foreign country.
14 Signed an Agreement on Cultural Co-
operation Between Sri Lanka and
Republic of Belarus and simultaneous visit
of cultural troupe
2014.09.02 -08 Hon. Minister of Culture &
the Arts and a dancing
troupe including tamil
students of Thelippalai
Cultural Centre . – 36
members
The event of signing the agreement on cultural co-operation between Republic of
Belarus and the Government of Sri Lanka
30
15 First meeting of the Sri Lanka Qatar Joint
Committee on Economic, Commercial and
Technical Cooperation
2014.09.13 -16
Secretary, Ministry of
Culture and the Arts
16 12th Annual World Cultural Arts
Symposium - South Korea
2014.09.15 –
2014.10.15
Veteran artist Mr Sarath
Perera and Sculptor Mr
Somarathna Silva - 02
17 Third meeting of SAARC Ministers of
Culture preceded by the Meeting of Senior
Officials- New Delhi, India
2014.09.24 -26
05 persons including Hon.
Minister of Culture & the Arts,
Secretary and Mr Sugath
Watagedara, Chairman of the
Rupavahini Art Panel
18 SAARC Cultural Festival on Traditional
Dance in India - New Delhi, India
2014.09.25 -30
12 dancers
III. Visits of Foreign Delegations to Sri Lanka
Programme and Responsibility of the
Ministry
Visiting Country& No
of Visitors
Date/Period
1 Celebration of Republic Day of India in Sri Lanka
– A musical Show was organized by the Ministry
of Culture and the Arts at the Bishop’s College
India -
10 musicians
2014.02.23-27
2 French Spring festival in Sri Lanka– Hon.
Minister of Culture, France and the cultural
troupe organized various cultural items for the
occasion. Financial assistance was provided by
Ministry.
Hon. Minister of
Culture, France and
the cultural troupe
2014.06.19-2014.07.15
3 Hon. Minister hosted a lunch for Chinese Vice
Minister for State Administration of Press,
Publication, Radio, film and Television at Waters
Edge Hotel – Hon. Minister hosted a lunch at
the “Waters Edge” for the delegation visited Sri
Lanka to make preliminary arrangements for
signing the Memorandum of Understanding to
be signed by the Chinese President on 15
September
Delegation including
Hon. Minister of
Culture in China - 10
2014.06.6
4 Visit of Governor and members to Sri Lanka
from Ayuththiya Province, Thailand
The delegation visited Sri Lanka for cultural and
tourist promotional programmes. The Ministry
extended support to show them places of
sanctity and popular tourist destinations.
Thailand -32 2014.08.05 -
11
5 Celebration of Indian Republic day – Veteran
Indian musicians who visited Sri Lanka held a
musical show at “Sirasa” Stein Studio in
Ratmalana. The ministry extended its support
for the tour.
India -11 2014.08.16 -
17
31
Proposed Cultural Cooperation Programmes
Programme
Country Period Participants
1 First Korea South Asia
Cultural Ministers and Senior
Officials Meeting
South Korea 2014.10.17 -18 Hon. Minister of
Culture and the Arts
and the Chairman,
Arts Council of Sri
Lanka
2 Shilpotsav 2014 Noida, India 2014.10.11 -20 MrK.D.S.
Kiriwathtuduwa,
Instructor, Replica
School, Bataleeya
3 International Conference on
Indenture Labor Route
Mauritius Hon. Minister of
Culture and the Arts
4 Visit of Hon. Minister to Italy Milano, Italy 2014.11.07 -10
5 Third International
Cultural TourismSummit
and Third International
Culture and Tourism Fair
Ankara ,
Turkey
2014.11.06 -09 A cultural troupe
and resource
persons for the
stall
Proposed Arrivals of Foreign Cultural Troupes -2015
1. Celebration of Chinese New Year Festival
2. Celebration of Indian Republic Day
3. Egyptian Drums Festival
4. Arrival of Folk Dance Troupe From Pakistan
5. Days of Belarus Culture in Sri Lanka
6. Indonesian Folk Dance Performance in Sri Lanka
7. Tunisian Folk Music Show
8. Vietnam Music &Folk Dance Performance
9. Russian Ballet Show
Proposed Foreign Tours- 2015
1. Cultural Cooperation Programme – The Philippines,South Korea and Vietnam
2. Celebration of the Independence Day of Sri Lanka – India,Nepal
3. 11th
Seoul international Music Competition – South Korea
4. Exchange of Cultural Troupes – Pakistan, China
5. Celebration of UN Day of Vesak – Thailand
6. Tour of Drama Troupe – Israel
7. Tour of Drum Orchestra – Afghanistan
8. Tour of a Troupe of Artists – Bangladesh
32
1.3.5 Development Projects for Cultural Promotion
I. Construction of Cultural Centre and Tsunami Research Institute -
Hikkaduwa
Construction of this Cultural Centre and Tsunami Research Centre were initiated in August 2011
with the prime objective of establishing a point that caters to the needs of tourists who
frequently roam around Hikkaduwa area such as documentary films on cultural heritage of Sri
Lanka, videos on domestic culture and art, library with books written in different languages, new
technological services such as internet.
Total estimated cost - Rs.353mn (local funds)
Construction is to be carried out under 3 stages. First stage includes Cultural Centre, Library,
Administrative Office, Auditorium, Cafeteria (which serves local cuisine to meet the
requirements of even foreigners and with the capacity for 100 customers at a time) sales outlets
and residential facilities.
Construction of first stage parts i.e Cultural Centre, Library Administrtive Office has been totally
completed.The Hikkaduwa Cultural Centre which is temporarily in operation at Monrovia Garden
after developing its land will be housed in this building.
Accumulated expenditure as at 30 Sep 2014- Rs.78.16 mn
Physical Progress - 2014
Financial Progress–2014
Allocation for
2014
Rs.50mn
Expenditure
as at 30 Sept 2014
Rs.1.18mn
Financial
Progress
2 %
33
III. SAARC Cultural Centre – Matara, Navimana, Moraketiyahena
The prime objectives of establishing a SAARC Cultural Centre are to preserve the regional
cultural heritage and build the co-operation among different traditions and advanced cultural
diversities. This will be operated as the hub of the meetings for regional artistes and a Cultural
Centre that introduces programmes aimed at encouraging traditional artistes.The construction
of the Centre commenced on 21st
July 2011.
The total estimated cost Rs.2177mn (local funds)
Main components of the project
� Main building(100,543.38 sq. ft.)
� Training center (37,213.75 sq. ft.)
� Bungalows of academics and chalets for SAARC countries (41,524.90 sq. ft.)
� Front car park and entrance(63,204 sq. ft.)
Consultancy – Faculty of Architecture, University of Moratuwa
Construction – Ministry of Culture and the Arts and the 4th
Engineer Services Regiment of the
Sri Lanka Army
Progress of construction is given
below.
Main Building 60%
Training Centre 25%
Residential facilities10%
Accumulated expenditure as at 30 September 2014 Rs. 614.19mn
Physical Progress - 2014
Financial progress - 2014
Main Building
Training Centre
Residential Facilities
Amended
provisions 2014
Rs.140mn
Expenditure 31
August 2014
Rs.115.8
Financial
progress
83 %
34
IV. Modification of Training Centre, Veyangoda
The need of a National Training Center emerged to facilitate the programmes implemented by
the Ministry of Culture and the Arts with the objective of establishing a righteous and virtuous
society. Accordingly, the National Training Center was established at Veyangoda on 26th
December 2008. This Training Center is being used at maximum level to train staff and resource
persons of the Cultural Centers established island wide and staff of the Ministry and selected
students of Cultural Centers who perform in international pageants.
Stage Two - The nail factory which is located in the vicinity of the Training Centre will be taken
over and modified to house a theater and a hostel.
Progress - 2014
The boundary wall of the Training Centre (668ft.) is being constructed.
V. Development of Old Craft Villages Which Produce Musical Instruments and
Dancing Ornaments This is a budget proposal of 2012.
Benefitted Craft Villages
District/DSD Benefited Village No. of families
engaged in the
industry
Industry
Matale - Ukuwel Dehideniya 25 Brass Cymbals, tambourine, anklet,
bangles, cornets, Sesath (accessories)
etc.
Matale - Ukuwel Leeliambey 20 Pole of sesath, ash containers,
ornaments, hand drums, drums, Cornets
Matale - Yatawatta Unaweruwa 40 Making sesath and decoration
Kandy - Yatinuwara Govindala 55 Brass creations
Kandy -Udunuwara Kuragala Veligalla 19 Making and repairing of musical
instruments of up country and low
country tradition
Matara - Weligama Lebeema 02 Drums of low country and up country
tradition Dholak
Galle -
Ambalangoda
Ambalangoda
Uragaha, Maha
Ambalangoda,
Wathugedara
15 Drums and musical instrumentals
Project Activities
1. Development of infrastructure facilities at craft villages
� Dehideniya – Erection of sales outlet and showroom at Alu Vihara, Matale to sell
products. (Estimated cost- Rs. 2.7)
� Dehideniya – Raw materials to erect 48 work rooms at Leeliambe village.(Estimated
cost- Rs. 6.3)
� Kuragala, Veligalla – Erection of a building for industrial activities and sales.
2. Direction of craftsmen in craft villages for necessary trainings.
Allocation for
2014 Rs.2.5mn
Expenditure as
at 30 Sep 2014
Rs. 0.62 mn
Financial
Progress 25%
35
Progress 2014
� A sum of Rs2.7mn has been allocated to Construct a showroom and sales outlet at Alu
Vihara, Matale
� Funds were provided to erect 10 work rooms in Leeliambe and Dehideniya Villages in
Ukuwela Divisional Secretary’s Division.Erection has been completed.
� A training programme was conducted to train 46 craftsmen of Yatawatta, Matale in the
following fields on 11 and 12 of March 2014.
• To create miniaturized products of ornamental objects such as sesath for the
memento market to attract tourists.
• Packaging techniques applicable to the international market.
Financial Progress
New Projects
V. Constrction of Performing Arts theatres in Kandy and Anuradhapura
These two projects were proposed to be launched under a 2014 Budgetary Proposal
� Anuradhapura
A four-acre block of land belonging to the Department of Prision has been taken
over by the District Secretary. The model Plan has also been designed.
� Kandy
Measures are in place to take over a eight acre block of land belonging to the
University of Peradeniya at Getambe in Gannoruwa.
The estimated cost for each of thses Performing Art Theatres amounts to Rs.2000million and the
two projects have been planned to implement under medium-term budgetary frame incurring
funds from the Government Consolidated Fund.
Proposed Projects for 2015
V. Construction of Mahawa ‘Shilpa Kala Gammanaya’
Preliminary activities of the Project for the construction of ‘Shilpa Kala Gammanaya’ in
Mahawa in the district of Kurunegala, North Western Province were intiated. This
project was launched for the conservation and promotion of indigenous arts and crafts
along with the traditional knowledge entailed with such creations.
Objective – The prime objective of this project is martial arts such as Angam fighting style
which disappearing rapidly and other arts and crafts along with the traditional knowledge
associated with them through conservation and promotion. It is also expected to use thses arts
and crafts to expedite present development initiatives.
Total estimated cost - Rs. 57.12 million
Allocation2014
Rs. 8 mn
Expenditure as at
30 Sep 2014
Rs.0.39 mn
Financial
Progress 5%
36
2.3.4. Implementation of Other Special Programmes
I. National Secretariat of Heroes
Objective
The prime objective of establishing this secretariat is to identify national heroes who fought
against foreign invasions from 1505 to 1948, commemorate them at divisional and national
level, hold programmes to admire national heroes and to maintain a collection of information to
focus attention of the youth towards these great characters.
Progress – 2014
A series of lectures has been organized in honour of selected heroes since 2014 and the
ceremonies are held bimonthly. The lectures are delivered by resource persons in the field.
Date and Venue Hero/es
commemorated
Lecturer Participants
2014.02.10 - National
Library and
Documentary Services
Board
Ven. Migettuwatte
Gunanda Thera
Dr. K.D.G.
Wimalaratna, Retired
Director, Department
of National Archives
Students
2014.03.03 - National
Library and
Documentary Services
Board
Cumarathunga
Munidasa
Veteran Journalist
Sunil Sarath Perera
Students
2014.05.27 - National
Library and
Documentary Services
Board
Tibetan S. Mahinda
Thera
Ven. Battaramulle Sri
Subuthi Thera
Prof. Samanchandra
Ranasingha,
University of Sri
Jayawardenapura
Prof. Ananda Tissa
Kumara, University of
Colombo
Students
2014.07.31 - National
Library and
Documentary Services
Board
Ven. Saranankara
Thera
Prof. K.D.
Paranavithana,
Advisor, Department
of National Archives
Students
Captain Edward Henry
Pedris
Dr. K.D.G.
Wimalaratna, Retired
Director, Department
of National Archives
School children and
university students
2014.10.02 National
Library and
Documentary Services
Board
Anagarika
Dharmapala
Prof. Anura
Manathunga
Students
Walisingha
Harischandra
Prof. U. B.
Karunananda
Students
37
Programme for the 4th
Quarter of 2014
� Commemoration of National Heroes’ Day
The ceremony is to be held at the Tourism Development Complex, Matale on 26
November 2014. The main feature of the ceremony will be the presentation of awards
to villages of 30 heroes who made the supreme sacrifice at the struggle for
independence during the period from 1818 to 1848.
� Launch of book containing commemorative lectures delivered bimonthly.
II. Research Project for the Management of Sigiri Heritage
� Preliminary discussions were held on the Project for the management of Sigiri Heritage
on 28 May 2014 at the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau. The Secretary, members of
the Advisory Board of the , project for the management of Sigiri Heritage, officers from
the Central Cultural Fund and officers of SLAITO attended the meeting.
� Further discussions were held among the officers of SLAITO, officers of the Department
of Archaeology and the officers of the ministry on 18 July 2014 on the premises of Sigiri
to consider future activities of the project. At the discussion, unprotected places were
identified to display safety sign boards as to be noticed easily by visitors and the colour,
shape and size of the boards were also discussed.
� Most suitable places for displaying safety sign boards were identified by the CCF and a
report containing details of boards required for each place has already been submitted
to the SLAITO. Further action on the report is being taken by the SLAITO.
III. Implementation of Official Languages Policy
Measures are in place to obtain information on the language proficiency of officers in the
ministry and other institutions functioning under its purview and to refer summarized details
to the Ministry of National Languages and Social Integrity.
IV. Productivity Reform Programme
Objective
To introduce the concept of productivity to the Ministry, all institutions functioning under its
purview and all Cultural Centers, thereby raising the efficiency and productivity of such
institutions
Activities Carried Out in 2014
• Displayed the Staff Name and Location Board
• Put up boards displaying names, designations and divisions
38
1.3.6 Dissemination of Cultural Information
I. Development of the Website
The Ministry of Culture and the Arts maintains a trilingual website which is equipped with audio
visual technological facilities, and it will be further expanded by linking web portals to upload
information of 160 cultural centres located on divisional basis. Ninety percent of the activities
related to web portals had been completed by 30 September 2014, and it will be released to the
internet within next three months of the year.
II. Quarterly Newsletter “Sanskruthika Puwath”
The Media Division of the Ministry publishes a quarterly newsletter titled “Sanskruthika
Puwath”.
The objective of this publication is to make the community aware of the cultural programmes,
information and incidents of news worthy carried out by the Ministry, Department of Cultural
Affairs, Central Cultural Fund, Tower Hall Theatre Foundation and the Public Performance Board
which are functioning within its ambit.
39
2. Department of Cultural Affairs
Vision
Uplift the Sri Lankan culture with the sole aim of making the Sri Lankans spiritually
perspective.
Mission
Preparation and implementation of programs for preservation, propagation and
expansion of Literary Arts and Cultural Activities maintaining the Sri Lankan identity.
Objectives
• Preparation and implementation of plans for the efficient and productive implementation of
cultural activities of Sri Lanka.
• Implementation of projects in respect of conservation, promotion and propagation of
literature and arts of Sri Lanka.
• Assisting the Sri Lankan writers and artistes assuming them as the members of the Sri Lankan
culture and giving them aid needed in creative exercises.
• Recognizing that the Sri Lankan languages, literature and history are the foundation of the
culture, preparation of encyclopedias, dictionaries and Mahawamsa and compilation of
books, purchasing books, conducting manuscript competitions for the encouragement of
writers and organizing programs for reprinting rare books.
• Recognizing the fact that Sri Lanka is a multi-cultural country, taking steps to implement
programs for the conservation, promotion and propagation of the arts and crafts of the sub-
cultures on a reasonable basis.
• Building a society rich in value through the formulation and implementation of programs
encapsulating all the sectors of the society having regenerate the tangible and intangible
aspects of the culture.
2.1 Allocation and Financial Progress - 2014
Programme Allocation for 2014
(Rs.Mn)
Financial Progress as
at 30.09.2014
(Rs.Mn)
Recurrent General Administration 77.49 59.95 Literary and publication
activities
45.86 31.38
Arts and sculpture
development
233.71 202.26
Sub Total 357.06 293.59
Capital General Administration 5.02 3.37
Literary and publication
activities
0.15 0.15
Arts and sculpture
development
50.38 44.06
Sub Total 55.55 47.58
Total 412.61 341.17
40
0
20
40
60
80
100
120
General
Administration
Literary and
publication
activities
Arts and
sculpture
development
General
Administration
Literary and
publication
activities
Arts and
sculpture
development
Financial Progress as at 30.09.2014
Recurrent Capital
Fin
an
cia
l Pro
gre
ss%
2.2 Office Staff - 2014
2.3 Progress of the programmes and the projects - 2014
2.3.1 Promotion of art activities
I. Assistance for Artistes and Writers to purchase Motor cars
Necessary Arrangements were made in the year of 2012 to implement the Budget Proposal “an
interest free car loan scheme to enable senior artistes, writers and journalists who have made an
uninterrupted contribution of over 25 years, to purchase a motor car”. The loan scheme
commenced initially on November 03, 2012, and 1120 artistes were qualified to obtain loan
facilities in the first round.
By 30th
September 2014, 369 artistes were given loan facilities and this value for 2014 alone is
112.
Further 359 artistes were recommended to obtain this loan facility in the year 2014 and they
were forwarded to the Ministry of Finance and other state and financial organizations.
Approved Cadre Current Staff
Senior Level - 25 11
Secondary Level - 524 459
Tertiary Level - 03 01
Primary Level - 89 51
Contract Basis - 82 70
41
II. Saraswathie Pension Scheme
This project was launched on August 11, 2008 under the joint sponsorship of the Social Security
Board of Sri Lanka, Ministry of Cultural Affairs and National Heritage and the Department of
Cultural Affairs. At the conclusion of the annual Sri Dalada Perahera, His Excellency the
President awarded titles to the first five beneficiaries under the pension scheme. Artistes whose
age fall between 18 and 59 years may seek cover under this pension scheme. Ninety Five
artistes have already been provided with loan facilities under this scheme.
The number of beneficiaries in this scheme in the year 2014 is 16 and they have been provided
with a total sum of Rs.168, 426.00
III. Artistes Insurance Scheme
This insurance scheme is maintained with the intension of safeguarding the future of the artistes
who render yeoman services to the field of Arts. Under this scheme, the Department of Cultural
Affairs makes a contribution of 60% for the insurance and the artiste has to bear 40% of the
contribution. In the year 2014, 68 artistes received insurance cover under this programme and
the amount of money given was Rs. 209,000.00
IV. Assistance to Needy Artistes
This project is being maintained with a view to helping the aged and needy artistes in the
twilight years of their lives. Under this programme, applications are invited on Divisional
Secretariat basis, from artistes in diverse fields who are over the age of 60 years but not retired
from their occupations and paid Rs.3000/= per annum.
The number of artistes who received assistance under this programme from 2009 to 2014.
Year Number of artistes received
assistance
Total amount granted
Rs.(mn.)
2009 1005 3.015
2010 982 2.933
2011 806 2.408
2012 882 3.080
2013 857 2.92
2014 950 4.72
V. ‘ Kala Bhushana’ Honors Award Ceremony
This felicitation ceremony was initiated in 1984 by the then Prime Minister with the main
objective of appreciating and admiring the services of the pioneer artistes who have rendered
yeoman services for the preservation of cultural trails devoting their time, wealth had labor but
not felicitated adequately. Under this programme, honors were conferred on them by awarding
five (5) gold medals and 48 fixed deposits worth Rs.50, 000 each. Thereafter, the number of
artistes who received honors were increased annually and they were awarded silver medals and
fixed deposits worth Rs.10,000/- each in addition to Kala Bhushana Certificates. In order to
appreciate the artistes, December 15th
of every year has been declared as the Artistes Day.
42
The number of artistes who were bestowed with ‘Kala Bhushana’Honours from 2008 to 2014.
Year Number of kala Bhushana Awardees Total value of fixed
Deposits (Rs.)
Sinhala Tamil Muslim Total
2008 87 44 16 147 1,470,000.00
2009 100 50 25 175 1,750,000.00
2010 125 50 25 200 2,000,000.00
2011 187 50 25 262 2,620,000.00
2012 175 60 25 260 2,600,000.00
2013 180 70 25 275 2,750,000.00
2014 205 70 25 300 30,000,000.00
This year’s Kala Bhushana Honours Award Ceremony is to be held on the 15th
of December
2014 for the 3oth consecutive year.
VI. Assistance to Kalayathana (Arts Schools)
Active Kalayathana, which have been registered under the Department of Cultural Affairs, may
claim this assistance by submitting survey reports annually with the recommendation of the
Divisional Secretary concerned. On completion of one year of registration annually, a sum of
Rs.1500/= is paid to a registered Kalayathana, while a Kalayathana of general grade is paid Rs.3,
500/= and a special grade Kalayathana is paid Rs.6000/=.
Progress – 2014
By 30th
September 2014, a sum of Rs. 3,777,500.00 has been paid for 1013 Kalayathana.
Provision of dancing and musical instruments to Kalayathana.
Steps are being taken to provide the instruments requested by the Kalayathana which have been
registered under the Department of Cultural Affairs with a view to maintain the Kalayathana by
providing requisite facilities.
� 174 Kalayathana in Puttalam,Kureunegala and Kegalle districts were provided with
instruments worth of Rs. 2.04 million concurrently with “ Deyata Kirula 2014”.
Registration of Kalayathana
With a view to promoting the culture when private Institutes are registered under the
Department of Cultural Affairs, action is being taken to register such institutes which meet
constitutional requirements. After registration, a Certificate of Registration is issued along with
a syllabus for teaching process. As at September 30th
2014, the total number of registered
Kalayathana amounts to 1524. Out of which the number registered in 2014 is 78.
43
A Reserve of Artistes from Kalayathana
The prime objective of this initiative is to meet District and Divisional requirements. Accordingly,
action has been taken in the year 2012 to set up a reserve of fifty artistes (vocal/ instrumental/
dancing) selected from Kalayathana strewn across the island. Accordingly, the Inaugural Public
Performance (Kala eli mangalya) of Kalayathana was held on 30.01.2013 at John de Silva Theatre
under the patronage of Hon. Minister of Culture and the Arts.
Progress as at 30th
September 2014
Number of members – 60
Number of State festivals attended – 16
Other festivals - 20
VII. The Programme on Cultural Board of Authority (Balamandala)
This initiative was launched in 2011 with the intention of instigating a cultural renaissance in the
Sri Lankan society. Under this programme, following activities are undertaken.
• Rural Cultural Boards of Authority are established under every Divisional Secretariat combining
Samurdhi Zones.
• Divisional Cultural Boards of Authority are established under every Divisional Secretariat combining
Rural Cultural Associations.
• District Cultural Boards of Authority are established under every District Secretariat combining
Divisional Cultural Associations.
i. The programme on promoting of local food culture
Many of our valuable foods and beverages are no more in vogue at present and the food
consumption in Sri Lanka has undergone various changes. Since these foods and beverages are
no more available to us, there is a tendency of all types of chronic diseases spreading among the
people. Old methods of preparation and preservation of foods in Sri Lanka have surprised the
world. This programme was initiated through Cultural Boards of Authority from 2013.with the
intention of popularizing our old and traditional food culture.
The book titled “Kethai Bathai Apekamai” has been launched for the distribution among people
in the implementation of promotion of our food culture. It illustrates our traditional food
patterns in a lucid and simple style.
The programme on promoting of Sri Lankan food culture has been held during the week of
Sinhala and Hindu New year festival on island wide basis. This book was distributed among the
people in all the programmes held during the above season.
New programmes launched
• A series of competitions to promote local food culture – Plans are underway to
conduct a series of competitions on national basis and about 500 applications
have been received under several categories by now.
• An integrated model farm – Preliminary plans to commence an integrated model
farm to promote local food habits are afoot and the discussions are being held to
obtain assistance from the Ministry of Agriculture.
44
VIII. Medical and Funeral Aid for Artistes
The Department of Cultural Affairs has been extending medical and funeral aid to artistes for
years. Under this programme, artistes who reach the zenith of their field such as literature or
divers arts but face dire financial straits in the twilight years of their lives are provided with
medical assistance. Funeral Aid is provided to meet expenses at their funerals.
In 2014, a sum of Rs. 591,606/= has been paid to 09 artistes as medical assistance while a sum
of Rs 397,450/= as funeral aid in respect of 12 artistes.
IX. Assistance for various festivals
Under this program financial assistance is extended to cultural festivals held in various places of
the country. Events such as Kavi Madu organized by various associations, entertainment
programmes, and ceremonies to entertain foreign delegations, anniversaries of Art Associations,
Commemoration ceremonies of various artistes and various annual art festivals are covered
under this program.
By September 2014, a sum of Rs. 1,744,815/= has been paid as assistance for 60 festivals.
X. Assistance for Perahera (processions)
Sri Lankans organize perahera (processions) during the months of Vesak, Poson and Esala all
over the country. Most of these peraheras are organized annually and conducted giving pride of
place to due customs and practices.
Accordingly, a sum of Rs. 94,000/= has been paid as assistance for 06 processions, by
September 2014.
XI. Registration of Cultural Associations
Cultural Association may be defined as an organization established under a standard structure
by a collection of volunteers, composed of a formal organizational pattern, centered on a
cultural mission and organized on all island or divisional or rural level in Sri Lanka. These
Associations have been established with the objective of promoting culture.
09 associations have been registered in the year 2014. The total number of registered
institutions up to date is 523.
2.3.2. Development in Literary and Publication Activities
I. Sinhala Dictionary Office The Sinhala Dictionary office was established in 1927 with state patronage, recognizing at the
same time the need of a Sinhala - English Dictionary by the scholars who are pioneering in a
compiling a Sinhala Dictionary in alphabetical order. In comply with the changes in government
policies, constitutional changes and various decisions taken by the Executive and in accordance
with the timely requirements the number of projects launched by the office at the present has
increased by 07.
(i) Sinhala –Sinhala Dictionary
(ii) Sinhala – English Dictionary
(iii) Sinhala concise Dictionary
(iv) Sinhala – Tamil- English Dictionary
45
(v) Release of Sinhala concise Dictionary to the Internet.
(vi) Release of volumes that were completed to the internet.
(vii) Provision of correct usage of the language for the media through online.
Progress as at 30th
September 2014
i. Sinhala –Sinhala Dictionary
• Quotations have been called for the printing of Volume VII of Sinhala Dictionary and
printing work has been assigned to Amila Printers in terms of the approval given by the
procurement committee. Printing and editing are in progress. Proof reading of first
round has been completed.
ii. Sinhala – English Dictionary
This project was commenced in 1927 and 28 volumes have been completed to date. It contains
letters අ - හ and 671,000 head words. The numbers of pages is 4690.
The number of volumes to be completed concurrently with the Sinhala- Sinhala Dictionary is 18.
This is an important document for the international researchers on languages who understand
the perfectibility of the Sinhala language. As such University of Chicago shows a keen interest on
completion of this project.
• Printing of volume 28 of the Sinhala - English Dictionary has been completed. Proof
reading of volume 29 of the dictionary has been completed and handed over for
printing. As a large sum of money will be needed for the printing of 2000 copies
approval of the Procurement Committee of the Department for the printing of only 750
copies is pending.
• Volume 30 of the dictionary has been handed over for printing.
iii. Sinhala Concise Dictionary
It has been decided to compile a concise dictionary in 2 volumes with 1000 pages in view of the
difficulty of referring a bulky volume containing 46 volumes. It commenced in the year 1999 and
published in two volumes containing 1200 pages by the year 2009.
• Volume 7 has been handed over for printing.
• Editing with regard to printing is being attended to.
iv. Sinhala- Tamil- English Dictionary
Due to the amendments made to the constitution in 1987 Sinhala and Tamil languages have
been considered as national languages while English as a link language. As such, compilation
work of the trilingual dictionary has been expedited in line with the concept “Building up a
trilingual Sri Lanka” in Mahinda Chinthana Policy Statement.
• Printing of Volume 1 has successfully completed. Printing of volume 2 has been handed
over to the State Printing Corporation and the editing as well as proof reading is in
progress.
46
v. Releasing the Sinhala concise dictionary to the Internet
Steps have been taken to release the Sinhala dictionary to the world of Technology under the
theme “ towards an e- Sri Lanka”. A website on Sinhala dictionary has been launched on 20th
February 2013 for the usage of Internet browsers under the programme on Reorganization of
the state sector by the Information and Communication Technology Agency (ICTA) in Sri Lanka.
Revised volume I of the Sinhala concise dictionary has been released to the internet.
Accordingly, the rest and the Volume 2 has been revised and steps are being taken to released
to the Internet with the assistance of the ICTA.
vi. Releasing completed volumes of the Dictionary to the internet.
The dictionary has been complied for nearly 7-8 decades. As such releasing it to the internet
could not be achieved in short period of time. Accordingly plans are underway to scan the
following dictionaries and prepare an index for the purpose of releasing it to the Internet.
(1) Sinhala revised volumes -06
(අ-ඖෂ්ටා34)
(2) Sinhala- English volume -28
(අ-ඟ)
vii. Provision of correct usage of the language for the media.
The tendency of corrupt usage of Sinhala language by the media institutions has grown,
suppressing the media institutions that have safeguarded the classical usage in the Sinhala
language. To prevent it will he is a national mission and will lead to the development of the
Sinhala language. A concourse should be held in this regard with the participation of the learned.
II. Encyclopedia office The Sinhala encyclopedia is published with the objective of providing universal knowledge in the
Sinhala language. It is being compiled in alphabetical order on various topics in volumes. 12
volumes have been issued up to now. The number of volumes targeted is 20. Volume 13 is now
in print and expected to be issued in next two months’ time. Volumes issued in accordance with
the year are 1963, 1965, 1967, 1974, 1978, 1988, 1991, 1994, 1998, 2001, 2006 and 2010.
Progress as at 30th
September 2014
a) Insertion of the photographs, notes, documents etc requisite for the volume 13,
preparation of the index and proof reading with necessary corrections have been
completed and printing is to be done.
b) 60%of the work with regard to the compilation of documents required for the volume 14
has been completed and computerized, and the articles that were not yet completed are
now being attended to.
c) 13000 topics have been recognized for the volumes 15- 20 and they have been formally
included in a list.
d) Approximately 1000 articles have already been compiled and computerized for the volumes
starting from 15 and subsequent volumes.
47
Releasing of Encyclopedia to the Internet
The information of the Encyclopedia office has been released to the Internet under the e-
governors concept.
The guidance for the web page is given by the ICTA. The Web page of the Department of Cultural
Affairs has been included in the list of 14 institutes which has been selected from among state
institutions for the purpose of development of web pages which disseminate important
information to general public.
III. Printing of the Mahawamsa (Great Cronicle)
Chronicles are a unique feature in the Sri Lankan civilization. These chronicles had been
compiled on Buddhist sacred objects such as stup (Thupawamsa), Bodhi (Bodhiwamsa) relics
(Dhathuwamsa) etc. It is the Mahawamsa that provides an uninterrupted record on the growth
and evolution of civilization of the people who moulded their living style according to Buddhist
teaching over a period of 2600 years.
There was an era where this great work was rejected without conducting proper studies on
inscriptions and other sources available in Sri Lanka. However, after reading inscriptions written
in Brahmi letters, it has been revealed that certain problem not only in the Sri Lankan history but
also in the Indian history could have been resolved with the assistance of information recorded
in the Mahawamsa. Many oriental and western erudite scholars have elaborated on the
Mahawamsa and its historical value. The western foremost scholars such as George Turnour,
James Prinsep, Herman Oldenburg, Wilhelm Geiger etc. as well as Sri Lankan literati Dr. Ananda,
W.P. Guruge are prominent among them.
In addition to the 3 parts of the Mahawansa which cover up to the year 1935, part IV which
covers the period of 1935-1956 has now been printed and published.
Update of Mahawansa to cover the period 1956- 1978 commenced in the year 2008. It has been
divided into 5 chapters according to the period of administration of the Prime Ministers.
Complication has been carried out using the information gathered with regard to each period of
ruling such as politics, economy, religion, law, western medicine, arts, science, technology etc
from the scholars who are specialized on the respective field, reviewed and approved by a Board
of consultants. Translating the above information into Pali, computerizing in Sinhala/ Pali
languages and handing over for printing to the government press have also been carried out
during this year.
Parts of the Mahawansa that have already been published.
Part 1 - History of the Nation from its inception to 301 A.D
Part 2- From 301 A.D to 1815 A.D
Part 3- From 1815 A.D to 1936 A.D
Part 4- From 1936 A.D to 1956 A.D
Part 5- From 1956 A.D to 1978 A.D
48
Progress up to 30th
September 2014
� Work on the compilation of Part 6 has commenced in December 2010, and meetings of
compilation board have been held to make decisions on slection of scholors, writers,
editors and Pali translatiors who can take part in this task.
� Collection of information from the Ministries, Departments and various institutions is in
progress and the relevent information has been filed.
� 03 seminars have been conducted for the co-ordinating officers and writers of the
institutions which have been entrusted to provide relevent information for the Part
6 of Mahawamsa. Seminars have successfully been completed with the assistance of
Rev. Ellawala Medananda,Rev. Dr. Akuretiye Nanda,Professor. Wimal. G. Balgalle,
Professor.K.N.O.Dharmadasa and Professor Malani Andagama on the direction of the
Secretary of the Minstry of Culture and the Arts and the Director of Cultural Affairs.
� Though the scholors were given adequate amount of time to compile articles, there was a
delay in obtaining the Cabinet decision and finance. Therefore only the preliminary work
has been carried out during this period.
� Collection of paper articles,Hansard reports and gazets (During 1978-2010)relevent to Part
6 of Mahawamsa is being concluded.
Three chapters of Part 6 of Mahawamsa have been completed with the articles collected
from the writers,information from relevent institutions and Research Assistants and the
editing of Chapter 4 has commenced.
Proposed Activities in the 4th
quarter of 2014
� Work with regard to compilation of Pali stanzas on the ruling period of President R.
Premadasa and President D.B. Wijethunga from 1989 to 1994.
� Conclusion of second editing on the ruling period of President Chandrika Bandaranaike
from 1994 to 2005.
� Commencement of first editing on the ruling period of President Mahinda Rajapaksa
from 2005 to 2010.
� Commencement of Pali translation on the ruling period of President Chandrika
Bandaranaike from 1994 to 2005.
� Commencement of second editing work on the ruling period of President Mahinda
Rajapaksa from 2005 to 2010.
Proposed activites 2015
� Commencement of the compilation in Pali stanzas on the ruling period of President
Mahinda Rajapaksa from 2005 to 2010.
� Preparation of printing copies after conclusion of the revisions with regard to the ruling
period of President J.R.Jayawardene from 1978 to 1989.
49
� Preparation of printing copies after conclusion of the revisions with regard to the ruling
period of President R. Premadasa and President D.B.Wijethunga from 1989 to 1994.
� Preparation of printing copies after conclusion of the revisions with regard to the ruling
period of President Chandrika Bandaranaike from 1994 to 2005.
� onclusion of first and second editing of compilation in Pali stanzas on the ruling period of
President Mahinda Rajapaksa from 2005 to 2010.
� Preparation of printing copies after conclusion of the revisions with regard to the ruling
period of President Mahinda Rajapaksa from 2005 to 2010.
� Editing and compilation in Pali is to be completed by June 2015 and will be ready for
printing after proof reading.
� Printed copies are to be submitted to the Board of Editors and the Board of Compilation
for final proof reading by October 2015.
� Part 6 is to be entrusted for printing by November 2015.
� Launching of Mahawamsa Part 6 under the aegis of H.E. Mahinda Rajapaksa, President
of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka by December 2015.
V Assistance to authors.
02 books each purchased on 20% discount from each writer within a given year are distributed
among schools, pirivenas and other libraries free of charge to encourage amateur writers.
Progress up to 30th
September 2014
Accordingly 5555 books worth of Rs.687,222 were purchased from 177 writers in the year 2014
and distributed free of charge to divisional Public Libraries.
VI Divisional literary activities
Each Divisional secretanat was provided with provision amounting to a sum of Rs.8500.00 until
2011 for the expenditure on literary activities carried out on divisional basis by the Department
of Cultural Affairs. However from the year 2012 onwards, each Divisional Secretariat is provided
with Rs.10, 000 while allocating Rs.25000 in respect of each District Secretariat.
Accordingly, 331 Divisional Secretariats and 25 District Secretariats were provided with
provision in the year 2014. A sum of Rs.3.9 million has been provided under the budget
allocation as Rs.10, 000 each for every Divisional Secretariat and Rs.25000 each for every District
Secretariat.
50
VII Measures Taken for the Encouragement of Publishing High Standard
Publications under the Mahinda Chinthana Programme
2.3.3 Institutions coming under the purview of the Department of Cultural
Affairs
I. The National Art Gallery and the John De Silva Memorial Theatre
The National Art Gallery and the John De Silva Memorial Theatre which project national
recognition are fine abodes for artistes. These institutions are governed by the Department of
Cultural Affairs and can be hired for exhibitions or various festivals conducted by the
government or any other external party.
* Since the project on “ Renovation of John De Silva Theatre and the National Art Gallery
equipped with modern technology” is in progress reservations for programmes are not
accepted.
Activity Description Amount (as at
30th
September
2014)
Purchase of books from writers and distribution
among libraries.
Writers 135
Books 3212
Number of
Libraries
42
Workshops for apprentice writers Workshops 02
Number of
Beneficiaries
450
Payments to external authors Number of Authors 06
Amount Rs. 700,124
Literary Competitions ( Competitions are
conducted on Divisional, District and
National basis and certificates are presented
to winners at a glittering Award Ceremony )
Division 14
Media Sinhala, Tamil,
English
Participation in
Competitions
Regionally at least
1000 to 1500
participants
51
II. State Dance Ensemble and the State Music Ensemble
The State Dance Ensemble and the State Music Ensemble being administered by the Department
of Cultural Affairs function at the John De Silva Theatre and make their contribution for various
state functions locally as well as abroad. These artistes are employed on a five year contract.
Progress as at September 2014
State Dancing Ensemble State Music Ensemble
Number of members 26 22
Number of foreign tours 08 03
Number of state festivals 58 25
III. Independence Hall
The maintenance and administration of this magnificient building created to make the
independence gained by Sri Lanka on 4th of February 1948 memorable are carried out by the
Department of Cultrual Affairs. The building constructed similar to the model of the Ceremonial
Hall in Kandy could be reserved only for national ceremonies and certain other functions which
project national pride.
This place was developed for tourist attraction in the year 2014 spending about Rs. 0.75
million. Maintaining of the premises and the surrounding is carried out in more tourist friendly
manner catering the need of the tourists.
IV. Book Store and Sales Centre
All the books printed by the Department are stored in the departmental building
situated at Veyangoda until they are distributed. The Sales Centre is housed in the
ground floor of the Sinhala Encyclopedia Office and all the books published by the
Department are available in this Sales Centre at reasonable prices.
V. Walisinghe Harischandra Museum and Cultural Centre, Maha Hunupitiya, Katana
The ownership of the residence and the land 0.2118 Hectares in extent, belonged to
Brahmachchari Walisinghe Harischandra was transferred to the Department of Cultural Affairs
with effect from June 24, 2011. The premises was decided to be develop as a Cultural Centre and
used for the promotion of Culture in Sri Lanka. Accordingly, measures are in place to uplift these
premises to the level of world recognized Centre with a view to heightening awareness of Sri
Lankans as well as foreigners on Sri Lankan cultural trails along with the residence and
belongings.
Progress as at September 2014
� National Independence Day celebration.
� Children Programme in commemoration of birth of Walisingha Harischandra.
� Children’s New Year Celebration.
� Poson Dansala.
� Cultural workshop on music and dancing for children
� Commemoration of Walisingha Harischandra on 13.09.2014.
52
2.3.4 Implementation of development projects for the promotion of art activities
Construction of the National Arts Centre in Kundasale, Kandy
In January 2008, steps were taken to establish a National Arts Centre fully – equipped with
physical, technical and intellectual resources, with the objective of disseminating knowledge on
creation of arts, new experiments and research, reference of local and foreign works of art,
study and education of arts, creation of new performing arts productions and handicrafts,
exhibition and sale of such art works with a view to getting international publicity.
Total estimated Expenditure – Rs. 465 million.
Proposed constructions
� Open Theatre and the Dressing Room
� Holiday Bungalows (01)for the elite and for artiste(01)s
� Training Halls( 01)
� Male (01) and Female (01) hostels.
� Toilet system.
� Garden plan
Physical Progress as at 30 September 2014
Activities completed
� Open Theatre
� Toilet System
� Access road, walls, side walls, and the draining system
� Holiday Bungalows for the elites and the artistes
� Main Electricity room and the security post.
Activities which are being implemented
Activity Progress as at 30th
September 2014
Construction of training hall 01 and 02 90% completed
Main Water Tank 85% completed
02 Hostels 5%
Dressing Room 25%
Garden Plan
Activities proposed in the year 2015
Activity Estimated cost Rs. million
Construction of male hostels. 40.25
Construction of female hostels 40.25
Planning of ground work 44.75
Renovation of Toilet system 9.60
Construction of Dressing Room 7.70
Construction of Training Hall 1 and 2 50.09
53
Cumulative Expenditure as at 30th
September 2014 Rs. 159.2 mn
Financial Progress - 2014
Open Art Theatre
Holiday Bungalows for the elites Holiday Bungalow for the artistes
Training Halls Side walls
Toilet system
Main water Tank
Allocation for
2014
Rs.25 Mn
Expenditure as at
30th
September 2014
Rs. 24.21 Mn
Financial
progress 99%
54
II. Uthuru -Dakunu Mithuru Sewana
This Centre is established with the objective of providing opportunity for Sinhalese and Tamil
artistes living in North and South and to meet at one place and create new works of art while
making contribution towards consolidating peace and unity.
Construction work of this center commenced to coincide with “Deyata Kirula” Exhibition in 2012
and the estimated expenditure is amounting to Rs.10 million. This project includes the following.
• Open air theatre.
• Main hall
• Hostel
Progress up to 30th
Sep. 2014
Construction work has been concluded and the finishing is in progress.
In progress Progress as at 30th
September 2014
Estimated cost for conclusion
of the work
Ground Floor 95% 4.30
First Floor 85% 8.50
Purchasing of internal
decorative/equipment
Preliminary work
has commenced
4.00
Ground planning and
construction of security walls.
5.00
Cumulative expenditure as at 30th
Sep.2014 is Rs.10 Mn.
Financial Progress - 2014
Allocation for
2014 Rs.5 Mn Expenditure as at 30
th
September 2014
Rs. 4.96 Mn
Financial
progress 99%
55
III. Renovation and development of the buildings belonging to the John De
Silva Memorial Hall and the National Art Gallery. The objective is to provide facilities for the spectators to suit the present day requirements. The
total estimated cost for this project is Rs.322.7 million.
Proposed activities
• John De Silva Memorial Gallery.
• Auditorium (with 800 seats) and the small auditorium
• 04 art halls
• Accommodation facilities
• Office
• Sanitary facilities
• Stores
• Book stall
Physical Progress up to 30th
Sep. 2014
• The old building has been removed for new constructions.
• The procurement activities carried out in accordance with the specifications have been
submitted for approval.
Financial Progress as at 30th
Sep.2014
Cumulative expenditure as at 30th
Sep.2014 is Rs.19.09mln.
IV. Ediriweera Sarachchandra Drama Research and Training Centre
This project was launched with a view to appreciate the invaluable service rendered by Professor
Ediriweera Sarachchandra towards the drama field in Sri Lanka and to give the opportunity for all
to study the art of drama formally by providing a centre of training in drama. Further it
enhances national amity by promoting Sinhala and Tamil cultural bonds in drama training and
researches.
The plot of land with an extent of 31.1 perches, located at Koswatte, in Kaduwela Divisional
Secretariat in the district of Colombo, the place where Sri Sumeda School was earlier located,
has been acquired to the Department of Cultural Affairs to renovate the old school building as a
drama training centre. The estimated cost is Rs. 24 million.
Physical progress as at 30th
September 2014
About 80% of renovation work has been completed and the finishing work is in progress.
Financial progress – as at 30th
September 2014 - Rs. 7 million
Proposed activities – 2015
� Completion of construction work of the building.
� Landscaping.
� Purchasing of office equipment.
� Establishing staff.
Allocation for
2014 Rs.13 Mn Expenditure as at 30
th
September 2014
Rs. 10.11 Mn
Financial
progress 78%
56
2.3.6. Other special programmes and Festivals
I. State Arts Festival for differently abled persons – 2014
Nearly 7% of the total population of Sri Lanka is considered, the persons with special
requirements. There are large numbers of individuals among them who are talented in
arts. However they have less or no access to exhibit or develop their abilities due to
many reasons.
Therefore, plans are underway to hold a State Arts Festival for differently abled persons
from the year 2014 jointly by the Department of Cultural Affairs and the Department of
Social Services with the objective of promoting the artistic skills of the people with
special requirements, to exhibit their talents and to give social recognition to them.
This festival is held at district and national levels and the individuals who secured the
first place at district level will qualify for State Arts festival. The State Arts Festival for
differently abled persons will be held on international day for differently abled persons
falling on 03rd
December 2014.
The competitions are held under 3 categories.
1. Limited (Persons with inborn disabilities)
2. Open (Due to diseases and accidents).
3. Wheel Chair bound.
The competitions are held under dancing, instrument playing, singing, drumming,
drawings and drama creation. The district competitions are being held by now and each
district is provided a sum of Rs. 50,000.00 for this purpose.
II. Issuing identity cards for the artistes.
The ceremony to present identity cards for the artistes held on 29.08.2013 at the Tower Hall
Theatre under the auspices of Hon.T.B.Ekanayaka, Minister of Culture and the Arts. 750 artistes
were presented with identity cards.
1355 artistes were given identity cards as at 30th
September 2014
III. SAHANA - Artistes’ Housing Scheme
The objective is to provide preliminary financial assistance to construct a house for the artistes.
Financial assistance will be given to one artiste in one divisional secretariat in one round.
Accordingly, laying of foundation stone for the first house in Kalakaru Nivasnaya project was
carried out under the patronage of Hon.T.B.Ekanayake Minister of Culture and the Arts on
19.04.2013 at Mahawa,Uggalla, Balalle. Two artistes from Polpitigama and Mahawa were
provided a sum of Rs. 100,000.00 and Rs. 180,000.00 under this project.
57
2.4. Sri Lanka Arts Council
Vision
Uplift the dignity of the nation through generating our own group of artistes by
preservation and nourishment of the country’s heritage of domestic arts.
The Sri Lanka Arts Council was established under the Parliamentary Act of No.18 in 1952.
There are five panels in operation in order to implement the activities focused on
different five subject areas. 1. State Panel of Literature.
2. State Panel of Dancing.
3. State Panel of Music.
4. State Panel of Art and Sculpture.
5. State Panel of Drama.
Another 06 panels have been established in the year 2014 broadening the subject scope of the
Sri Lanka Arts Council. 6. State Panel of Angam Martial Artistes.
7. State Panel of Puppetry.
8. State Panel of Photography.
9. State Panel of Folklore and Folk music.
10. State Panel of Ballet.
11. State Panel of Rupavahini Arts.
Major Functions
• Appointing of panels required for promotion, preservation and development of arts and
providing leadership and direction for them.
• Organizing island-wide activities by the panels of Literature, Dancing, Music, Arts and
Sculpture and Drama.
• Bringing artists to the national level appreciation and introducing them to the highest level
of related fields.
• Improving the arts within the overall context of development based on the theme of “Kala
Ketha Asweddeema (Seeding the Field of Arts) stated in Mahinda Chinthana Vision.”
• Improving the status of fine arts.
• Upgrading the industry of arts skills, especially possessed by Sri Lanka.
• Working in collaboration with other arts-related departments, agencies, institutes and
voluntary organizations.
• Building an appropriate environment for creating a society with values.
The above panels are appointed by the Sri Lanka Arts Council and, the related state-
sponsored award ceremonies and festivals are held in consultation with these panels.
The provisions for the activities conducted by the panels are made by the Department
of Cultural Affairs.
58
2.4.1. Progress of State Panels 2014
I. State Panel of Literature
The objective of this Panel is to implement national level programmes, aimed at improving and
promoting literary activities in Sinhala, Tamil and English media.
i. National Literary Award Ceremony
The Literary Award ceremony, commenced in 1956, has contributed remarkably for the
progress of the literary arts during over a half century. In selecting the works for the
awards, the works published from 1st
of January to 31st
December in the previous year
are taken into consideration. The selected works are broadly evaluated in three rounds
after initial consideration, and suggest the appropriate works for award ceremony. The
literary works in Sinhala, Tamil and English are evaluated, separately
2008 @ට 2013 දCවා රාජH සාJතH
ii. Presentation of Creations for State Literary Awards 2008 - 2014
0
200
400
600
800
1000
1200
1400
1600
1800
2000
2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014
No. of creations
presented to
state literary
award – 2014
Number that won
awards
Sinhala -1513 Sinhala - 20
Tamil - 165 Tamil - 10
English - 107 English - 07
Sahithya Ratna Award
03
Total Creations
1785
Total Awards
40
Nu
mb
er
of
lite
ral
cre
ati
on
s su
bm
itte
d
Year
Professor. Wimal Dissanayake wins the
award “Sahitya Ratna – 2014”
59
iii.
iv. State Literary Festival – 2014 - Award winners (For the creations published in 2013)
• Sinhala literary creations that won awards
Subject Area Name of the Work Author
01 Translated Novel Dheemathi Ananda Amarasiri
02 Translated Short Story Maga Veradunu Gehaniya Samarasingha Gunasekera
03 Translated Drama Hamotama Veradila Bandula Vithanage
04 Translated Poetry Ratu Rosa Nil Rosa Parakrama Kodituwakku
05 Translated work (varied
subjects)
Lankawe Gemi Janakatha Chandra Sri Ranasingha
06 Children’s literature I Kalpanawa Nethiwela Samarakoon Pathiraja
07 Children’s literature II Muhuda saha Doni Tanuja N Ayagama
08 Sinhala Novel Kala Nadee Gala Basee Norbet Ayagamage
09 Science Literature Migum saha thawath vidya
prabandha katha
Premachanadra Rupasingha
10 Youth Literature Satanak mada satanak Gunasekara Gunasoma
11 Drama self creation Sellan Nirindu Jayalath Manorathne
12 Lyrics Issara viduyata samaga
kopara kopara pipinna
Amarasekara Kankanamge
13 Short Story Collection Kiyanu mana divi arutha Dr.Gunadasa Amarasekara
14 Poetry Hate waththe magdalena Saumya sandaruwan
liyanage
15 Special Evaluation of
Songs
Sakvithi kith resa Arisen
Ahubudu gee saraniya
Srinath Ganewaththa
16 Varied Subjects - Self Vishwa niyaya vidyawa B.Amarasiri Peiris
17 Classical and Research
Work
Therawadi Bauddha
Darshanaya Dharmawadee
Pariksha
Aruna K Gamage
18 Cover Page S.G.Punchihewa liu “Purawasi
pethsama”
K.W. Janaranjana
19 Page layout and finishing Siri Ipalawaththa liu “Word
Heritage Sites in Sri Lanka”
Ajith Kumara Jayamanna
20 The agency that published highest number of books on
literature and related subjects
S.Godage and Brothers
Winners of Sahitya Ratna Award - 2014
� Professor. Wimal Dissanayaka.
� Mr. Theriwatte Jhosap.
� Mr. Carl Muller.
60
• Tamil literary creations won awards
Subject Area Name of the Work Author
01 Novel Kudimaika Theniyan K.Nadesu
02 Short Story I Poi Solla Vendam Dikwelle Kamal
03 Short Story II Paalam Madulukiriye Wijeratna
04 Research and Classical Tamil Literature on
Indigenous Medicine in sri
Lanka
Dr.Kanagasabapathi
Nageshwaran
05 Short Stories - Self Venthu Thaninthathu
Kaalam
M.Siwalingam
06 Poetry- Self Aankorny T.Uruthir
07 Youth Literary - Self Addathutti Dr.O.K.Kunanandan
08 Varied Subjects “Ankor Ulaka Perungkoil” G.Balachandran
09 Varies Subjects -
(Translation)
An Historical Relation Of the
Island Ceylon
S.Thirivenisangamam
10 Children’s Literature Amaithipoonga J.Jhonsan Rajkumara
• English creations won awards
Subject Area Name of the Work Author
01 Novel Thus,She Grew M.T. I. Abel
02 Clasical and
Researchl Works Parliament in Sri Lanka W.A.Wishwa warnapala
03 Novel ( Translation) Kaliyugaya – The Age Of The Kali Adhit Wickramasingha
04 Poetry Lines Drawn On Water Jin Arsanaygam
05 Short Stories -
Translation
Tamil Short Stories From Sri lanka S.Padmanadan
06 Varied Works The Yaal Players Memories Of Old Jaffa Vimal Ganeshanadan
07 Best Youth Literature Zimba Badraji jayathilaka
V. Sahithyaya Vishesa Kalapaya (Literature – Special Volume)
Literature – Special Volume is a compendium of
classical writings published by the Department of
Cultural Affairs in parallel to State Literary Festival and
award ceremony. The volume of this year consists of
46 research oriented articles on different subjects
related to literature and 11 creative essays. The
contributors were famous professionals and writers of
Sri Lanka.
This classical compendium was edited by Samantha
Herath, Percy Jayamana, Praneeth Abeysundara and
Thilakaratna Kuruwita bandara.
61
II. State Panel of Drama
The major task of this panel is to take necessary measures for planning the programmes and
implementing them for the sake of progress of the drama and drama related artists. It is
expected to promote, preserve and spread the art of drama in the country through these
activities.
i. State Children’s Drama Festival (Sinhala, Tamil and English)
Awards for Limited and Open Children’s Drama
For the first, second and third places of production, child actor, child actress, supporting child
actor, supporting child actress, music composer, costumes, stage setting, stage management
and stage lighting, monetary gifts and certificates are awarded.
State Children’s Drama Festival – 2014
Medium Sector Creations
Presented
Total
Creations
Sinhala Limited 105 181
Open 76
Tamil Limited 25 40
Open 15
English Limited 15 17
Open 02
� The State Children’s Drama Festival – 2014 was held from 15st
September 2014 to 30th
September 2014 on grand scale at the New Town Hall, Colombo 07. 27 Sinhala, 10 Tamil
and 10 English Dramas selected for the final round were staged during this period.
� The Award Ceremony of the State children’s Drama Festival – 2014 was held under the
patronage of Hon. T.B Ekanayake, Minister of Culture and the Arts on 20th
October 2014
at Sri lanka Youth Stadium.
Occasions of State
Children’s Drama
Festival
62
ii. State Drama Festival -2014 iii. Short – Drama Festival - 2014
Medium No. of Creations Medium No. of Creations
Sinhala 28 Sinhala 74
Tamil 07 Tamil 28
Total 35 Total 102
State Drama Festival 2014 was held on 21st March 2014 at the Bandaranayke Memorial
International Conference Hall, under the patronage of Hon. T.B.Ekanayaka, Minister of Culture
and the Arts.68 awards have been presented for short and length dramas (Sinhala, Tamil) at this
occasion.
Two veteran dramatists who have rendered an incomparable service to the advancement of the
drama field have been awarded “Natya Keerthi” award
III. State Panel of Music
Based on the background emerged from the state music festival of which Prof. Walter
Marasinghe was the first Chairman in 1994, the Music Panel was established.
Appreciation Programmes (held up to 30.09.2014)
Date Venue Participation
1. 2014.02.07,08 TholangamuwaMaha
Vidyalaya
School Children , students from Arts
Schools and Daham Schools
2. 2014.02.24 Divisional Secretariat,
Attanagalle
School Children and officers of the
Divisional Secretariat
3. 2014.03.08 Botanical Gardens,
Gampaha
Female organizations in the district
pregnant mothers and teachers.
4. 2014.05.23 Senarath Paranavitana
College, Udugampola.
students, teachers
5. 2014.05.31 Yoyun Nikethanaya,
Meerigama
Students, teachers
6. 2014.06.05,06 Sarvodaya Training
Centre, Bandaragama
Cultural Officers
7. 2014.06.10 University of Kelaniya University students and the staff
8. 2014.07.22 Pasdunrata Teacher
Training School
Public officers
9. 2014.08.31 Education Office,
Kuliyapitiya
Students, teachers
10. 2014.09.04 Pradeysheeya Saba,
Gampaha
Students, teachers
11. 2014.09.30 Divisional Secretariat,
Mahaoya
Students, Teachers and the people in the
area.
In addition to the above main programmes another 10 programmes have been organized.
� Mrs. Mercy Edirisingha
� Professor. Mawunaguru
63
� The commemoration ceremony of veteran lyricist Artigala Sarathchandra was held on 20-
02-2014 under the patronage of the Secretary of the Ministry of Culture and the Arts at Sri
Lanka Broadcasting Corporation.
State Music Festival 2014
Awards are presented to the winners annually by calling for music creations of the previous year.
Music creations have been called under 21 categories such as best vocalist male/female, lyrics,
music creation, visual, etc. in Sinhala/Tamil and a total of 560 creations were presented.
The evaluations of these are in progress. The State Music Festival is due to be held in 14.11.2014
at the BMICH.
IV. State Panel of Arts and Sculppture
The Panel of Arts and Sculpture is in operation with the objective of promoting and propagating
the arts in Sri Lanka, while maintaining its identity in proper manner.
i. State Children’s Arts Festival
Every year a state children’s arts festival is held and it conductss in 03 rounds.
1st
Round: - Calling for the drawings under 05 age groups.
2nd
Round: - After selecting the winners at district level, get them participated in arts
workshops to improve their skills. Then the winners at provincial level are
selected by a second arts competition. They are allowed to make drawings at
the workshop itself.
3rd
Round: - For those who won at provincial level, the arts workshops are held in the same
manner and completions are undertaken to select the winners, at national level.
All the drawings presented are classified on district basis first, and then classified
under the 05 age groups. At the end, 150 winners from each district will be
selected.
State Children’s Arts Festival – 2014
• Total number of drawings presented - 105,000
• Number qualified for the second round - 3,750
(150 from each district )
Special Programmes held concurrently with the State children’s Arts Festival – 2014
� Competitions in 16 districts have been concluded as at 30th
September 2014 and special
lectures on the subject of art and a workshop and a special programme for teachers
have been held in almost all the districts before commencing the drawing competition in
the morning.
64
District Venue Date
1. Anuradapura Mahinda Model School 18.08.2014
2. Polonnaruwa Pulathisi National Teacher Training
School
19.08.2014
3. Puttalam Buddhist Mandiraya 23.08.2014
4. Kurunegala Atkanda Raja Maha Viharaya 23.08.2014
5. Galle International Buddhist Centre,
Kaluwella
29.08.2014
6. Matara Nilwala National Teacher Training
School
30.08.2014
7. Hambantota Sri Rahula College 31.08.2014
8. Matale Christ Church College 13.09.2014
9. Kandy Variyapola Sumangala College, 14.09.2014
10. Vavunia Tamil College 18.09.2014
11. Mullativu Mullativu maha Vidyalaya 19.09.2014
12. Kilinochchi Murugananda Tamil College 20.09.2014
13. Jaffna Vembady Ladies College 21.09.2014
14. Mannar Sittivineyagar Hindu College 22.09.2014
15. Nuwaraeliya Gamini Maha Vidyalaya 28.09.2014
16. Ratnapura Batugedara Maha Vidyalaya 04.10.2014
Steps to conserve valuable paintings in the National Art Gallery
The project to conserve valuable paintings which were fast deteriorating in the National Art
Gallery has commenced in the year 2013.
Progress in 2014
Conservation work with regard to 12 paintings has been concluded as at 30th
September 2014.
The total amount spent is Rs.458,000/=.The gross estimated cost for the 24 paintings which are
now in progress is Rs.1,018,500/=.
149 paintings are to be subjected to conserve and the funds for this purpose will be given by the
Central Cultural Fund.
ii. State Art and Sculpture Festival
Deviating from the methodology so far adopted in the State Art and Sculpture Festival which is
annually held, it has been decided to conduct workshops for the veteran artists throughout the
island. As its first phase 04 programmes in Jaffna and Kilinochchi districts in the Northern
Province, (02 in each district) have been held while 02 programmes in Batticaloe in the Eastern
province have been held.
Moreover, preliminary plans are afoot to hold an exhibition of the artists of the SAARC countries
in Colombo with objective of exposing the veteran and armature artists in our country to
international arena.
65
V. State Panel of Dancing
The main objective of this panel is to plan and implement programmes for the preservation and
promotion of dancing in Sri Lanka. This panel has undertaken the following activities during
2013.
i. State Dancing Festival – 2014
Applications have been called for the State Dancing Festival 2014 and the arrangements are in
place to conduct district level competitions.
Applications for the State Dancing Festival 2014
Sinhala – 866
Tamil – 417
The final round of State Dancing Festival 2014, Sinhala medium, has been held on 09.09.2014
and 161 dancing groups have participated in the final round (2800 artistes)
World Dance Day – 29th
April 2014
The ceremony to mark the World Dance Day was held on 29.04.2014 at the Weerasingham Hall,
Jaffna under the patronage of Hon. T.B.Ekanayake, Minister of Culture and the Arts and the
Secretary of the Ministry. 03 veterans of the dancing field who have rendered a yeoman service
for the upliftment of this art were conferred with honorary awards.
iii. Birth celebration of Paneebharatha was held on 26.02.2014 at the University of
Aesthetic Arts.
iv. 2014 – Colombo Dance Festival
It has been proposed to hold a dancing festival called Colombo Dance Festival with the
participation of SAARC countries in Colombo, Kandy, Galle and Jaffna districts.
Veterans of the field of dancing were honored
� Mr. Wiimal Nayanananda
� Mr. Wairamuttu Shivaramalingam
� Mrs. Krishanthi Ravindra
66
VI. State Panel of Martial Arts (Angam pora)
This Panel was set up in the year 2014 to promote, conserve and extension of this secret
martial art which claims a long history of nearly 5000 years since the era of King Ravana.
Programmes conducted in the year 2014
� One day workshop of angam arts schools
A one day workshop has been held on 15.03.2014 for angam arts schools which have been
registered under the Department of Cultural Affairs. Nearly 350 angam martial artistes have
participated in the event.
� Special Angam pora show for Chinese delegates
A special Angam pora show was conducted for the Chinese delegates including the President of
China on 12.07.2014 at “Ape Gama” premises.
� King Ravana Felicitation Ceremony
A felicitation ceremony was held on 01st
August 2014 at the Auditorium of the National Museium
under the aegis of Mr. T.B. Ekanayake, the Minister of Culture and the Arts in honor of King
Ravana who was said to be the founder of the Angam Martial arts in Sri Lanka. The key note
address on King Ravana was delivered by Dr. Sooriya Goonasekera and a performance show on
Angam pora was also held. Dr. Mirando Obeysekera, Dr. Sooriya Goonasekera and Mr. Palita
Galapaththi were conferred honors for their valuable service for researches on King Ravana.
VII. State Panel of Puppetry
A Panel of Puppetry had been established since 1994 and it was defunct due to financial
difficulties. However, on the instructions of H.E. President and the request made by the artistes
in this field State Panel of Puppetry has been established since 2014.
Commemoration of World Puppetry Day on 21st
of March
World Puppetry Day Celebration was held at the Auditorium of the University of Kelaniya on
21.03.2014.
Mr. Maxwel Cruise and Mrs. Yuvoni Cruise who have rendered a great service for the
advancement of the field of puppetry was facilitated on this occasion.
67
Programmes implemented in the year 2014
Programme and the venue Date
Two day inhouse training workshop, Cultural Centre,
Veyangoda
2014.09.10 , 11
Pupperty show was held for “Kala Asapuwa” in Kala
prasadini festival, Mahanama College, Kandy.
2014.09.10
A puppetry show was held for the Literary festival of
Giribawa, Divisional Secretariat, Giribawa
2014.09.14,15
A puppetry show at Kawudulla Sri wardanaramaya at
Polonnaruwa.
2014.10.01-04
03 puppetry shows were held at Bandaranayake
College, Gampaha.
2014 June
Puppetry show at the University of Peradeniya. 2014 July
A puppetry show is to be held at Divisional Secretariat
Anuradapura.
2014.10.09
A puppetry show is to be held at Divisional Secretariat
Beliatta.
2014.10.31
VIII. State Panel of Photography
This panel was established for the purpose of promotion, conservation and extension of
the art of photography. As a preliminary step, a discussion was held with regard to the
ethics of photographers and at present compilation of a vocabulary on the field of
photography is in progress.
Programmes implemented in 2014
Programme and the venue Date
Divisional photography workshop, Royal College, Monaragala. 2014.04.03
Divisional Photography workshop, Kumbukkana College,
Monaragala
2014.04.04
Awareness workshop for photographers, Divisional Secretariat,
Nattandiya
2014.07.30
Divisional Photography workshop, Variyapola town council 2014.07.31
Programmes to be implemented in the 4th
quarter of 2014
Photography workshops in Anuradapura and Polonnaruwa
districts
2014 October
Photography workshop in Jaffna district 2014 Novamber
68
Proposed programmes in the year 2015
� Divisional workshop of the State Panel of Photography.
� Commemoration of World Photography Day on 19th August.
� State Photography Arts Festival 2014.
� Establishment of National Centre of Photography.
IX. State Panel of Folklore and Folk music
The folklore and folk music is an exquisite intangible art that depicts our own culture and
heritage which dates back to more than 2500 years. The State Panel of Folklore and Folk music
has been established in the year 2014 to preserve, promote and for the extension of this field
which is fast deteriorating with the so called popular culture and to bequeath the legacy to the
future generation. Implementation of programmes at provincial, district and regional level is
being undertaken to showcase our unique symbol to international arena.
Programmes implemented in 2014
Programme and the venue Date
1. Awareness programme for the Cultural Officers of the North-
western province on the collection of data of folklore and
folkmusic
2014.06.09
2. Folkmusic programme at Pujapitiya Central College. 2014.06.26
3. Folk songs and Folk lore programme concurrently with the
Sahithya Kala Prasadini Festival
2014.09.09
4. Folk songs performance show, Royal College, Polonnaruwa. 2014.09.23
5. Folk songs performance show and Folk lore programme-
Divisional Secretariat, Padiyatalawa.
2014.09.29
6. Mahaoya Folk songs and Folk lore programme- Divisional
Secretariat, Mahaoya.
2014.09.30
X. State Panel of Ballet
The Panel was established with several objectives in view such as implementation of wide
spread programmes for the art of ballet and to give wide publicity on this art for the
advancement of it locally and globally.
Programmes implemented in 2014
Programme and the Venue Date
1. Commemoration of World Ballet Day - Attanagalla
Divisional Secretariat
2014.01.26
2. Ballet Workshop at Jaffna - Jaffna 2014
69
State Ballet Festival – 2014
Applications for the State Ballet Festival 2014
Sinhala -38
Tamil – 64
First round of National Ballet Competition has been held on 31.08.2014 and the second round at
district level in Sinhala has been concluded. Competitions of the North and the eastern provinces
are to be concluded in October, 2014. The awards ceremony of State Ballet Festival is to be held
in December, 2014.
XI. State Rupavahini Arts Panel
The State Rupavahini Arts Panel was established in 2014 to encourage the artistes to produce
tele creations of high caliber and to discourage productions of inferior level that affect the
degradation of our unique culture.
State Rupavahini Awards Ceremony
In keeping with public policies and goals and with the intention of discharging duties and
responsibilities entrusted with the government towards the society, the Department of Cultural
Affairs has decided to hold a Rupavahini state award Ceremony every year in order to evaluate
programs telecast by the television in the previous year.
Progress 2014
� Evaluations in the first round have been completed.
� Evaluations in the second round will commence on 01st
October.
� Plans are underway to hold the awards ceremony for the winners of the all island essay
competition held concurrently with the World Television Day on 21st
November 2014 at
Sri Lanka Foundation under the auspices of Hon. T.B. Ekanayake Minister of Culture and
the Arts.
� Workshops on short films.
� State Rupavahini Awards Festival will be held on 16th
December 2014 at BMICH under
the patronage of H.E. the President.
The Volume 8 of “Rupavahini Sameeksha” which is an issue on rupavahini media will also be
launched concurrently with the occasion.
70
3. The Central Cultural Fund
Vision
Bringing Sri Lankan heritage to a global miracle.
Objective
The main objective of the Central Cultural Fund (CCF) is to provide funds for excavation and
conservation of archaeological monuments located in world heritage areas which are important
internationally and locally and promotion of tourism in archaeologically attractive places. The
Central Cultural Fund was established by parliament Act No. 57 of 1980 for raising funds for this
purpose.
Major Functions
To meet the above objectives and to conduct archaeological excavation and conservation in
selected areas in the island, and provide infrastructure facilities and landscaping for the visitors.
Additionaly museums and Tourists Information Centers which can be used
to provide and explanin new knowledge and functions of Central Cultural Fund are being
maintained . Workshops and lectures are organized for University students and researches who
come for searching knowledge.
In order to undertake these activities,10 major projects and the School of Replica are in
operation under the CCF.
Ten Major Projects :-
1. Abhayagiriya
2. Jethawana
3. Polonnaruwa
4. Sigiriya / Dambulla
5. Kandy (Mahanuwara)
6. Ramba Viharaya
7. Tissamaharamaya and Kataragama
8. Galle Fort
9. Vayamba Cultural Quadrangle (Yapahuwa, Dambadeniya, Kurunegala and
Panduwasnuwara)
10. Ruhunu Cultural Circle (Covering the districts of Hambantota, Matara, Galle and
Monaragala)
3.1 Staff - 2014
Permanent Casual Contract basis Living cadre
Senior Level 26 - - -
Secondary Level 314 - 01 08
Primary Level 1392 02 01 11
Trained Graduates - 73
Trained Undergraduates - 44
Practical Trainees - 25
71
1.2 Progress in 2014
During the year 2014, 302 archaeological excavations and conservation activities have been
initiated, and 14 work sites have been completed by end of September.
Programme Allocated Amount
(CCF) Rs.Mn.
Financial Progress
as at 31th
August
2014 Rs.Mn.
Physical Progress %
Ten major projects (302
Excavation & Conservation
activities)
924.06 265.44 45.3
3.3. Progress of major projects (As at 31st
August 2014)
1. Abhayagiriya project, Anuradhapura
This includes conservation of Abhayagiri Stupa, maintenance of the work sites, maintenance
of monuments and classification of historic entrances.
The conservation work of the Abhayagiri project is carried out in line with the Aunuradhapura
Sacred City Development Plan. The project activities consist of construction of a new circular
road, improvement of foot paths within the complex, development of tourism based
infrastructure, landscaping in Abhayagiri and Lankarama complexes, 500 areas in extent,
improvement of lighting systems and parking places.
Excavation and Research Activities
• Completion of three small models in the
eastern side of Ruwanmali Hospital and
buildings of Tuparama Complex (No. 59).
• Excavation is in progress in “Kaparamula”
Joss House (No.36), landscaping in Kuttam
Pokunu, pond in the Northern side of
Abhayagiriya, brick wall in the Northern
side of Ruwanmali Seya and Pethmaga
Vijayarama Complex at Tuparama.
• Work is in progress in routing activities
such as provision of facilities for visitors to
museum, awareness programmes and
maintenance of studios and preparation of
reports on excavations and researches.
Physical Progress :- 69%
Expenditure :- Rs. 11.66 mn.
Conservation Activities
• Buildings at Kutton Pokunu (No. 1) and Tuparama
Hospital Complex (No. 2).
• Ruwanmali Hospital Complex.
• Renovation and provision of facilities for
identified buildings.
• Maintenance of parks, scientific maintenance,
maintenance of sthupa premises, renovation of
main laboratory, construction of drainage system
at southern outer wall of Ruwanmaliseya and
landscaping are being undertaken.
Physical Progress :- 61%
Expenditure :- Rs. 36.44 mn.
72
Abhayagiriya Stupa after completion of all conservation activities
Conserved pathway to Thuparama
73
2. Jethawana Project Anuradhapura
This project includes the activities namely preservation of Jethawana Sthupa, studying the
monuments in project area and defining them, studying pre-historic evidences according soil
strata and maintaining monuments and project site.
Excavation and Research Activities
• Excavation and research activities in Mahinda
Pirivena and Malwathuoya Bank.
• Day to day activities of research and analysis,
preparation of research reports, conducting
monthly lectures, laboratory services and
functioning of the museum are in progress.
• Under research and analysis, classification of
artefacts, and conservation and storing of them
are being undertaken.
Physical Progress :- 57%
Expenditure :- Rs. 4.2 mn.
Conservation Activities
• Peacock Pavilion
• Mahinda Pirivena.
• Ancient plastering of Stupas.
• Wall of Sri Maha Bodhi (Prakaraya).
• Renovation and provision of facilities in
identified site buildings.
• Conservation of ancient plastering of the
Pesawa of Sthupa and scientific maintenance
of park continue
Physical Progress :- 73%
Expenditure :- Rs. 10.33 mn.
3. Polonnaruwa Project
The main objective of this project is to update the knowledge of medieval history in Sri Lanka
through studying artefacts, inscriptions and monumental ruins found in excavated areas under
the archaeological exploration. The project activities include :
• Exploration in outer city, analysis of artefacts and storing archaeological data.
• Publications based on monthly lecture series delivered using findings of the scientific
researches.
• Administrative functions of the museum.
Excavation and Research
Activities
• Research studies and excavation
in Demala Maha Seya are being
undertaken.
• Library, monthly lecture series
and workshops, related
magazine, laboratory, research
and promotional work,
maintenance of studios of the
museum, provision of facilities
for visitors and conducting of
awareness programmes continue
without smoothly.
Physical Progress :- 57%
Expenditure :- Rs. 6.78 mn.
Conservation Activities
• Outer wall in the Southern side of Ethulu Nuwara (Inner City).
• Lankathilaka image House.
• Inner City Eastern and Northern boundary walls.
• Ancient Plastering of palace of the King Parakramabahu.
• Lime plastering at Kiri Vehera.
• Physical infrastructure (Eg. Manpeth).
• Laying rubbles on the main access road of the archaeological site,
undertaken by the Road Development Authority has been
completed (90%). Foot paths of both sides have been graveled
(1Km).
• Renovation of roofs of the statues at Gal Viharaya is being done by
the State Engineering Corporation and 30% of the work has been
completed.
• Renovation of Awasa (residence of the Sangha), maintenance of
parks and preparation of conservation reports continue further.
Physical Progress :- 53%
Expenditure :- Rs. 27.81 mn.
74
4.1. Sigiriya Project
The activities of the project include studying and reporting about findings such as artefacts, inscriptions
and fresco after doing the excavations. In addition, proper maintenance of archaeologically conserved
reservations through landscaping, rehabilitation of old brick walls and improvement of tourism based
infrastructure under JBIC assisted programme are the functions of the project.
Activities such as maintenance of artefacts, regulation, conservation and exhibition, cultural pageants
and monthly seminars of the newly opened Sigiriya museum are carried out smoothly.
Excavation and Research Activities
i. Completed activities
• Excavation near Western boundary wall of the
Lion’s paw .
ii. Ongoing Activities
• Excavation in the Northern part of inner Moat.
• Excavation and Surveying of the Nothern part
of outer moat.
• Laboratory, earthenware and special artefacts,
archaeological data storing cultural promotion
activities under museum, archives, temporary
exhibition cells and regulation and
maintenance of artefacts are in progress.
Physical Progress :- 63%
Expenditure :- Rs. 12.99 mn.
Conservation Activities
i. Completed activities
• Conservation of Eastern slope of Lion’s paw.
ii. On-going Activities
• Northern stone wall of inner-moat.
• Pahangala
• Western slope of Lion paw.
• Cleaning and conservation of ponds in South-West
and South-East.
• Paintings conservation of Deraniyagala Cave.
• Renovation and provision of facilities in identified
site buildings.
• Improvements of pathways and site infrastructure
• Fixing of loosened boulders and removeing of
debris in the place where fresco pocket.
• Renovation of safety net and handrail of Sigiriya
Summit.
• Landscaping in the archaeological reserve in Sigiriya,
scientific maintenance, Moragahamulla area and
maintenance of inner roads and pethman continue
without interruption.
Physical Progress :- 74%
Expenditure :- Rs. 36.63 mn.
4.2. Dambulla Project
The project activities focus on conducting public shows, daily operation and maintenance, quality
testing of the fresco and regulatory aspects of the Fresco Museum.
conservation Activities (Dambulla)
• Mural painting conservation of Wanasinharamaya Galkiriyagama is being conducted.
• Murals at Deraniyagala cave and Sangawasaya in Walagamba Pirivena are being conserved.
• Maintenance and landscaping at Fresco museum.
• Conducting monthly lecture series and renovation of technical studio.
• Regulation and quality control of Fresco store.
• Conservation of a stone wall between Uyanwatta temple and the museum (Including Sigiriya project).
75
5. Kandy Project
This project is to sustain all monuments located in the World Heritage City (Kandy) to the next
generation through conserving the architectural value of them while maintaining the cultural
and historical identity.
Excavation and Research
Activities
• Explorationat at
Bambaragala Raja Maha
Viharaya and excavation at
a selected cave are in
progress.
• Exploration and research
studies in Gonawatta
sacred place is being
undertaken.
• Measures are being taken
to exhibit dress,
ornaments, furniture and
rituals of the queen of
Kandy and other high-born
ladies.
• Educational and
promotional activities of
the International
Information Centre,
archaeological analysis
and preparation of reports
are being undertaken.
Physical Progress :- 60%
Expenditure :- Rs. 2.51 mn.
Conservation Activities (Architectural)
i. Completed activities
• Conservation of Avasageya of Rama Viharaya.
ii. On-going Activities
• Degaldoruwa Raja Maha Viharaya.
• Roof of the Avasageya in Pothuhera-Madugallawa (Asgiriya
Complex).
• Roof of Asgiriya Maha Vihara Pirivena.
• Conservation of protected monuments in the Colombo
Street.
• Preaching hall of Pilawala Raja Maha Viharaya.
• Ancient well at Asgiriya Complex.
• Asgiriya Middle Temple.
• Preaching hall of Wathupola Purana Viharaya.
• Mural painting conservation of Walala Raja Maha Viharaya.
• Mural painting conservation of Titta Pajjala Purana
Viharaya.
• Renovation of International Information Centre and
maintenance of World Heritage Unit and parks continue
smoothly.
Physical Progress :- 33 %
Expenditure :- Rs. 18.453 mn.
6. Ramba Viharaya
This project was started in 2001 with a view to expanding the activities of the cultural triangle
to the southern parts of the country. Under this, archaeological excavation, conducting
researches and conservation activities have commenced covering an area, 600 acres in extent,
believed to be belonged to ancient Manavulupura.
Excavation and
Archaeological Research
Activities
i. On going Activities
• Stupa Mound (No.23/11)
• Artifact Laboratory and special
Archaeological Unit are in
operation throughout the year.
Physical Progress :- 80%
Expenditure :- Rs. 1.83 mn
Conservation and Landscaping Activities
i. Completed activities
• Canopies for Buddha Statues.
ii. On-going Activities
• Outer wall of Monastry Complex (No. 15)
• Buildings (No. 10/01).
• Improvements and additions to the identified site buildings and
facilities.
• Improvement of path ways and site infrastructure facilities.
• Monitoring and conservation of ancient lime plastering.
• Scientific maintenance, park maintenance and conservation of
plastering continue smoothly.
Physical Progress :- 76%
Expenditure :- Rs. 8.355 mn.
76
7. Tissamaharama Viharaya
Major objective of this project is to undertake exploration, excavation and conservation
activities in order to establish the historical importance of the Magampura Kingdom. (The
main project component is conservation of Sandagiriya Stupa). Further, it is expected to
promote tourism in the area thus paving the way for social, economic and cultural
development.
Excavation and Archaeological
Research Activities
i. On-going Activities
• Wall of image house (No. 8).
• Analysis of data for the
compilation of final report on
Akuragoda.
• Exploration of ancient irrigation
work.
• Under the excavation section,
special artefacts units,
laboratory, report preparation,
promotional activities and
Kataragama museum are in
operation continuously.
Physical Progress :- 43%
Expenditure :- Rs. 1.83 mn.
Conservation and Landscaping Activities
i. On-going Activities
• Landscaping at Janatagara site.
• Chapter House
• Improvement /additions to site buildings in Kataragama
Museum.
• Improvement of path ways and site infrastructural
facilities.
• New kitchen for the Bhikkuni Aramaya.
• Conservation of ancient brick walls and monuments,
maintenance of parks, preparation of reports on
conservation and daily maintenance and activities of
tourist bungalow at Kataragama continue smoothly.
Physical Progress :- 42 %
Expenditure :- Rs. 8.355 mn.
8. Galle Project This project is to conserve the historical Fort and Fort Wall thereby promoting tourism. Through
tourism development, it is expected to increase the income and living status of the people in the area.
Excavation and Archaeological Research Activities
i. On-going Activities
• Exploration was made in the Northern, Eastern and North-
Western sea of the island by the Maritime Archaeological
Unit and several ship wrecks were found.
• An excavation and research unit in the Eastern coast.
• Awareness programmes for the visitors of Maritime
Archaeological Museum, conducting monthly lecture
series, maintenance of studios, and conducting temporary
exhibitions continue without interruption. 33rd
monthly
lecture was held at the museum and school children, army
officers and public servants attended for it.
• The laboratory of the Galle project continues its’ service.
Physical Progress :- 31%
Expenditure :- Rs. 3.665 mn.
Conservation and Landscaping
Activities
i. On-going Activities
• Repairs additions to
maritime archeology
building and gallaries
• Maintenance of Garumuni
Walawwa and daily
maintenance of the premises
are in progress.
• Renovation and maintenance
work of the Maritime
Archeological Unit are being
carried out.
Physical Progress :- 32 %
Expenditure :- Rs. 3.801 mn.
77
9. Progress of the Wayamba Cultural Quadrangle (As at 30th
September,
2014) This project commenced in 2011. Under this, conservation and development activities of
identified ancient kingdoms namely Yapahuwa, Dambadeniya, Panduwasnuwara and Kurenegala
are being undertaken.
1. Yapahuwa Project
After excavating historical ruins in Yapahuwa, conservation activities commenced in the first
quarter of 2011. The required funds are provided by the Treasury and the Central Cultural
Fund
Excavation and Archaeological Research Activities
i. Completed activities
• Megalithic cemetery at Gurugoda.
ii. On-going Activities
• Excavation of caves (D 36 & D 37).
• Research excavation at outer city.
• Research excavation at inner city.
• Excavation of caves.
• Outer moat
• Gurugoda Stupa.
• Excavation in valley of Mee Oya
� Undertaking activities relating to establishment of
earthen ware unit during the year.
Physical Progress :- 35%
Expenditure :- Rs. 8.114 mn.
Conservation and Landscaping Activities
i. Completed activities
• Painting conservation at Niyandavane Raja
Maha Viharaya.
ii. On-going Activities
• Negolla-Padangahara complex.
• Outer moat
• Painting conservation at Tampita temple in
Bulnewa and Gurugoda Raja Maha Viharaya.
• Improvement/renovation of identified site
buildings.
Physical Progress :- 74%
Expenditure :- Rs. 19.259 mn.
2. Dambadeniya Project
Excavation and
Archaeological Research
Activities
i. On-going Activities
• Exploration of Bihalpola
Raja Maha Viharaya.
• Exploration of Kalundewa
Purana Viharaya.
• Exploration of
Ruwangirikanda Raja Maha
Viharaya.
• Exploration of the rock
summit - Northern wall at
complex.
• Exploration of the moat and
earthen rampart.
• A survey was conducted on
tourism.
Physical Progress :- 50%
Expenditure :- Rs. 4.162 mn.
Conservation and Landscaping
i. On-going Activities
• Image house and preaching hall of Sirigala Raja Maha Viharaya.
• Sourthern boundary wall and adjoining structure of Vijesundarama
Viharaya.
• Outer rampart wall - maintenance of excavated section
• Avasaya in Kalundewa Purana Viharaya.
• Kalundewa Tampita Viharaya.
• Covering Sri Pathula (Sacred Foot Print).
• Conservation of Paintings at Sri Shaila Bimbarama Purana Viharaya.
• Conservation of paintings at Yataththawala Viharaya.
• Conservation of paintings at Naramwala Raja Maha Viharaya.
• Conservation of second floor of the Rest Hall of Wijesundaramaya.
Maintenance and development work of Vihara premises are being
undertaken.
Physical Progress :- 51 %
Expenditure :- Rs. 8.015
78
3. Panduwasnuwara Project
Excavation and Archaeological
Research Activities
i. On-going Activities
• Exploration at paduwasnuwara –
(anthro-archeology study).
• Nathagana Pokuna and other
excavation.
• Building at Panduwasnuwara Raja
Maha Vihara Pond (PNB 03).
• Second phase of Nathagana Stupa.
• Ancient ruined structure boundary
wall in Nikasala Nuwara.
Physical Progress :- 29%
Expenditure :- Rs. 3.959 mn.
Conservation and Landscaping Activities
i. Completed activities
• Panduwasnuwara Tampita Viharaya and Building
(PNB 03).
ii. On-going Activities
• NNB 01 and 02 buildings at Nikasala Nuwra.
• Stage 1 of Nathagana Stupa.
• Ancient ruins at entrance to the Panduwasnuwara
Viharaya (Nos. 01, 02 & 03).
• Wall and land around Pokuna at Nikasala Nuwara.
• Landscaping (PNB 01, 02 & 03).
• Cave Joss House at Nkiasala Nuwara.
• Conservation of paintings at Kumbalwala Raja Maha
Viharaya.
• Conservation of paintings at Bogoda Tampita
Viharaya.
• Conservation of paintings Baladora Tampita Vihara.
Development work and maintenance of identified
buildings are being undertaken.
Physical Progress :- 43%
Expenditure :- Rs. 9.741 mn
4. Kurunegala Project
Excavation and Archaeological
Research Activities
i. Completed activities
• Excavation in Serasumgala
Pond.
ii. On-going Activities
• Conservation laboratory is in
progress.
Physical Progress :- 21%
Expenditure :- Rs. 0.484 mn.
Conservation and Landscaping Activities
i. Completed activities
• Image House and drumming hall in Ridi Viharaya.
• Roof of the Paththini Devalaya (Abode of Goddess
Paththini).
ii. On-going Activities
• Stone paved terrace of Makulana Raja Maha Viharaya.
• Balance work at the tomb, roof and retaining wall.
• Conservation of ancient stairs faced to four directions
around Kurunegala Wewa.
• Preaching hall of Ja-Kadu Viharaya.
Maintenance and development work of identified buildings
are undertaken.
Physical Progress :- 79 %
Expenditure :- Rs. 8.09 mn.
79
Proposed Programmes - 2014
10. Ruhunu Cultural Circle Under the Ruhunu Cultural Circle, archeological conservation and development work in
the districts of Hambantota, Matara, Galle and Monaragala are to be conducted.
Hambantota District
On-going Activities
1. Preaching hall in Sittamgallena Raja Maha Viharaya.
2. Roof of the Shila Bimbarama at Galgamuwa.
3. Path entarance and other work at Nayigala Raja Maha Viharaya.
4. Avasaya in Gombaddala Raja Maha Viharaya.
5. Relocation of the statue of King Dutugemunu and stone pillars for Rohana Kalapaya.
Matara District
On-going Activities
1. Roof and Image House in Mirissa Raja Maha Viharaya.
2. Conservation of Paintings at Mirissa Raja Maha Viharaya.
Galle District
Completed Activites
1. Conservation of roof of the Garumuni Walawwa.
On-going Activities
1. Roof of the Kathaluwa Poorwarama Viharaya.
2. Roof and Image House of the Gauthamarama Viharaya at Walpola.
3. Conservation of Roof and Image House of the Shaila Bimbarama Viharaya at
Dodanduwa.
4. Preaching hall of Sri Sudharshanarama Viharaya at Balapitiya.
80
3.3.2. Arrivals of Tourists and Income Received to Cental Cultural Fund -2014
Month No. of tourist
arrivals to Sri
Lanka
No. of tourist
arrivals to CCF
Arrivals as a
percentage (%)
Income
Rs. (mn)
January 146,575 73,197 50% 253,463,085.64
February 141,878 77,170 54% 269,333,407.67
March 133,048 60,200 45% 210,856,538.11
April 112,631 45,803 41% 160,546,555.22
May 90,046 21,591 24% 76,497,801.28
June 103,175 22,865 22% 81,964,863.47
July 133,971 57,246 43% 198,217,110.11
August 140,319 67,882 48% 249,009,666.73
September 105,535 44,699 42% 159,799,210.37
Total 1,107,178 470,653 42% 1,659,688,238.60
Tourist Arrivals and Income Generated by the Central Cultural Fund
from 2006 to 2013
Year No. of tourist
arrivals to Sri
Lanka
No. of tourist
arrivals to CCF
Arrivals as a
percentage (%)
Income
Rs. (mn)
2006 559,603 147,135 26 400
2007 494,008 119,018 24 279
2008 438,475 135,882 31 307
2009 447,890 109,404 24 402
2010 654,476 197,947 30 743
2011 855,975 210,710 24 1,027
2012 1,005,605 420,091 42 1,349
2013 1,274,593 504,699 40 1,750
30th September 2014 1,107,178 470,653 42 1,660
Tourist Arrivals and Income Generated by the Central Cultural Fund
from 2006 to 30th
September 2014
0200400600800
100012001400160018002000
2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014
Sep
30
Year
Inco
me
Rs.
Mn
.
81
3.3.3 Publication Section and Press
Functions of the publicity section are as follow:
1. Preparation of publications
2. Press
3. Publicity work
4. Photo documentation unit
5. Library and Archives
6. Bookshop
7. Exploration of ola leaf and indexing project
01. Preparation of publications
Various publications/documents on different topics relating to historical, archaeological and
cultural fields are published by the Central Cultural Fund (CCF). These publications/documents
include progress reports on conservations and excavations, research studies, documents on
fresco and sculpture, guidelines and hand books, English translations of ancient and classic
Sinhala works, handbills, posters, maps, pictorials, tickets for local and foreign tourists (Sigiriya,
Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Galle and Abhayagiriya) and all kinds of institutional
documents/papers (overtime vouchers, payment vouchers, travelling vouchers, gate passes,
invitations and applications for materials).
Progress as at 30.09.2014
� Publications finalized - 50.
� Books of which are being edited, made proofreading - 15.
� Books of which manuscripts are being typed - 03.
� Finalized manuscripts and posters - 08 and 05.
� Edited Posters for printing - 09.
As at 30th
September 2014, Rs. 6,433,318.55 has been earned by the main office and
Athapattu office of the CCF.
02. Press
The press of the CCF undertakes all printing work of the institute. Since printing work is not
given to outside places, it has been able to save a remarkable amount of money on printing.
As at 30th
September 2014, the total amount of money for printing tickets for foreigners (43,500)
was Rs. 1,926,585.69 and the amount for printing local tickets was Rs. 149,898.00.
The CCF has been able to earn a profit of Rs. 63.2 mn. from the printing of tickets by the fund
itself.
By Printing 56 items, it has been able to earn an income of Rs. 3.5 mn.
82
03. Publicity work
Awareness programmes for the people on archaeologically and historically important places,
conservation activities of such places, and protection of cultural values which come under
the purview of the CCF were held through media namely radio, television and news papers.
These programmes were conducted with the support of Director General, Project Directors,
Assistant Directors, Project Managers and Field Officers.
During the period concerned, the activities conducted by the publicity section are given
below.
� Uththama Lanka Programmes - 105.
� Press reports - 08.
� Photographs on folklore and cultural values in Kurunegala district - 15,000.
� Photographs on historically valuable places in the South - 9,000.
� Media discussion on popularizing electronic and print media in the South.
� Organization Perahera Mangallaya at Siththamgallena Raja Maha Viharaya and
“Lassana Hakmana” programme.
04. Photo Documentation Unit
The photo documentation unit was established by the CCF with the assistance of French
Government in 1998. In this unit, black and white celluloids, slides and photos have been stored
and conserved in safe manner.
The photos include a collection of the excavations, researches and other special events at work
sites. It also includes fresco of 45 Purana Viharayas (ancient temples) in Sri Lanka purchased
from Mr. Gamini Jayasinghe, a veteran photographer. During the period concerned, 16 CDs
which contained excavations, field plans, reports and photos of Galle Maritime Archeological
project and 10 CDs of Abhayagiriya project have been stored.
05. Library and Archive
In 2014, library books were indexed and classified for updating. In addition, the following
activities were performed.
• Recording the documents provided by the Ola Leaf Exploration Unit.
• Providing library facilities for outside readers (Especially for school children).
• Documentation of CDs (02).
• Co-ordination with outside writers and making their payments.
• Obtaining reports on sale of publications from projects and preparing the records.
06. Bookshop
During the period from 01.01.2014 to 30.09.2014, it was able to earn an income of Rs.
1,160,025.90 through sale of books by the bookshops of the CCF.
83
07. Exploration of ola leaf and indexing project
Identification of priceless Ola Leaf available in historical and cultural places in the country,
conservation of the knowledge and ancient information contained in them and make available
them (our ancient intangible heritage) to future generations are major and important tasks to be
fulfilled immediately.
Objectives
• Identification of places where ola leaf are available.
• Studying ola leaf.
• Indexing them with interpretations.
• Conservation of ola leaf.
Other Objectives
• Identification of nationally important ola leaf and reprinting them.
• Establishment of a data bank for the use of researchers.
• Preparation of an archaeological report on the places where ola leaf are available.
• Undertaking research studies on information on medical science contained in ola leaf.
• Undertaking research studies on Yanthara Manthara and ShanthiKarma contained in ola
leaf.
• Exploration of art skills contained in ola leaf.
• Scanning of important ola leaf and storing them in safe manner.
• Undertaking research studies on unrevealed ancient information in ola leaf and
documenting them.
The CCF allocates Rs. 5.0 mn. for this project annually.
Progress of conservation of Ola Leaf (01.01.2014 - 30.09.2014)
Temple
No. of ola
leaf
conserved
Pages
(Paththiru)
contained
01 Siri Nandaramaya, Panawala, Nitambuwa 29 1,650
02 Sri Nagendraramaya, Negambo Road, Veyangoda 20 2,145
03 Sri Ariyanandanarama Purana Viharaya, Katuwasgoda, Veyangoda 04 300
04 Sri Bodhirukkarama Purana Viharaya 84 3,224
05 Arahattha Raja Maha Viharaya (Pahala Pansala), Attanagalle 27 2,568
06 Pothgul Raja Maha Viharaya, Alawala 07 483
07 Sri Nivesarama Purana Viharaya, Yatawaka 23 2,983
08 Arahattha Raja Maha Viharaya, (Ihala Pansala), Attanagalle 84 16,758
09 Varana Raja Maha Viharaya, Mangalathiriya, Kalagedihena 202 27,870
10 Bodhimangalaramaya, Pathtalagedara, Veyangoda 25 4,111
11 Uruwala Sabhawe Pansala, Uruwala 38 3,140
84
12 Walagamba Raja Maha Viharaya 29 3,808
13 Sugatha Bimbarama Purana Viharaya, Puwakpitiya, Henagama 48 3,220
14 Sri Wardhanaramaya, Ginipenda, Kalugamuwa 200 Being
conserved
15 Sri Jayasekararamaya, Kinigama, Buthpitiya Being
conserved
Being
conserved
Total 820 80,195
This project commenced in October 2011, and by 30th
September 2014, 10 conservators were
trained, and 4,119 ola leaf were conserved.
3.3.5. The Replica School - Bataleeya
In 2002, this school was handed over to the CCF by the Ministry of Cultural Affairs. At present,
the school is conducting various courses while maintaining a high-standard replica sales centre.
The main objective of this school is to sell the high quality replica of excellent art works and
artefacts found in excavations made by the CCF, and the Department of Archaeology.
The Functions of the Replica school are carried out under two sectors.
• Academic Sector
• Production Sector
I. Academic Sector
This sector undertakes two-year course on creation of replica and artefacts. This course
contains three streams on painting, sculpture and carving. For these streams, different materials
like stone, clay, timber and fiber are used. Contribution of the service of two full-time
instructors and six external instructors are obtained to conduct these courses. Study visits on
archaeological sites are organized to study on archaeological ruins and related matters. For
those who successfully complete the course, diploma certificates are awarded and the diploma
holders are directed to engage in self-employment.
For one academic year, 50 students are enrolled. The progress of functions carried out as at 31st
August, 2014 are as follows:
• 75% of all syllabuses has been completed.
• 75% of one day study visits has been completed.
• 10% of six-month vocational training programmes has been completed.
I. Production Sector
Production process of replica in the production sector continues (on piece basis).
• 60% of replica on piece basis has been completed.
• 80% of external orders has been delivered.
• 80% of the orders by agencies, projects and the ministry has been delivered.
85
Special Programmes
� Decorations of the stall of the Ministry at Deyata Kirula.
� Decoration of vehicle for May Day - 2014.
� Exhibition stall in Isipathana College, Colombo for Vesak Ulela.
� Diyawanna Vesak Zone.
� Mahara Vesak Zone.
� Pandol in Polonnaruwa for Vesak Ulela.
� Exhibition stall of earthen wares found in Sigiriya.
� Decoration for the festival on arrival of the President and delegation from ADB (Vajra
Pradhana).
� Decoration of the stage for felicitation ceremony of Hon. Minister.
� Construction of the stage for third anniversary conference at Yapahuwa.
� Decoration of the stage for the felicitation ceremony for artists.
� Exhibition stall at Nelum Pokuna for Chinese Cultural Festival.
III. Earnings from Sales of Replicas (2006 - 30th
September 2014)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014
Sep 30
By 30th
September, 2014 the income of sales of the replicas
was Rs. 8.5 mn.
Ea
rnin
gs
Rs
.Mn
.
86
4. Tower Hall Theatre Foundation
Vision
Being the National Drama Centre in Sri Lanka, to be the pioneering body in creating a quality
drama and theatre culture
Mission
To persuade artistes who are engaged in the field of drama and performing arts to carry out
creative activities aiming at the development of the motherland as well as the interest of the
human kind providing them with required knowledge and infra-structure facilities along with
new ways and means required to undergo new experience and learn new techniques applied in
the sphere of drama and performing arts ensuring their contribution towards creating a quality
drama and theatre culture in Sri Lanka and its promotion
4.1. Allocation and Financial Progress - 2014
4.2 Office Staff - 2014
In addition, following 07 staff members are employed on personal basis to them.
• Computer Operator - 03
• Coordinator (Dance & Music) - 02
• Management Assistant - 02
4.3 Performance of Programmes and Projects - 2014
I. Admiration of creations by Veteran Artistes and Commemoration of
old Artistes
• Conservation and promotion of old foreign dramas by holding the Muhurath
Ulela (Debuct) for Muhudu Lihiniya of Anton Chekhove, a Russian Dramatist.
Allocation for 2014,
Rs. Mn.
Financial Progress as
at 30.09.2014
Recurrent 30.00 19.837
Capital 38.00 33.770
Total 68.00 53.607
Approved Cadre Current Staff
Senior Level - 07 06
Secondary Level - 10 02
Tertiary Level - 05 04
Primary Level - 64 46
87
II. Drama and Theatre School
Students who pass the G.C.E (A/L) Examination under any discipline may apply for the two- year
Higher Diploma which is conducted by the Drama and Theatre School on full time basis. Out of
these candidates, 20 or 24 students who have more qualifications in this field are selected to
follow the course annually. For the Diploma, they should study Drama and Theatre in the first
and second years on full time basis.
Students who pass the Higher Diploma in Drama and Theatre qualify for entering the Open
University of Sri Lanka for the third year and study these subjects in third and fourth years of the
degree course (Bachelor of Education) on part time basis. On successful completion of the
course, the degree in Drama and Theater is awarded to them.
This degree course is jointly conducted by the Drama and Theater School of the Tower Hall
Theater Foundation and the Open University of Sri Lanka. Since the University grants admission
for a maximum number of 20 students, the Drama and Theater School selects students with
maximum qualifications for its Higher Diploma Course.
The Number of Students Studying / Studied at the Drama and Theater School
Year Number of Registered
Students
2008 20
2009 24
2010 30
2011 23
2012 23
2013 23
2014 37
The best makeup artist and the supporting makeup artist of the Raigam Teledrama Award
Ceremony in 2014 were the students of 2007/08 and 2009/10 academic years of the Tower
Hall Drama and Theater School. In appreciation of their skills, awards were conferred to them
at the Tower Hall Theatre, Maradana, on 30th July 2014.
ii. Awarding of Diplomas – 2013
Awarding Diplomas for the students of the academic year 2013, was held with the participation
of professors who are members of the Management Board of the school, and academic staff of
the Open University, on 30th June, 2014. This event was graced by Hon. T.B.Ekanayaka, Minister
of Culture and the Arts. At this event, 16 students who completed two-year full-time higher
diploma course received the certificates. The key note address was delivered by Dr. Leel
Gunasekara, Chancellor of the University of Rajarata.
iii. Enrolment for 2014 / 2015
For the academic year of 2014/15, 38 new students have been recruited. A three-day
workshop was held for them at the Cultural Centre in Veyangoda.
The number of students reading
for the degree course (Bachelor of
Education) at the Open University
of Sri Lanka is 98.
88
Dramas Produced by the Drama and Theater School
Year Drama
2008 Godura Pulathisi Puranaya
2009 Unesco Vidura Nurthi
2010 Anthima Rathriya
2011 Sakkaya Ditti
Muhuda
Awasanay Meya Nowe
Sakkaya Ditti
Muhuda
Awasanay Meya Nowe
2012 Veeduru Gewal,
No. 144
Mayakarayo
Api Heluwen
Manusattu
Alu
Valasa
Savithri+Pabawa
thi
Musala Balala
Nivunnu
Thitta
Jathyalaya
Rainbow
Sanwathsaraya
2013 • The drama “Walaha” based on Anton Chekhov ‘s ‘The
Bear’
• “Mangala Sadaya” based on same author’s ‘The Wedding’.
• The drama “Katahaka” based on the Jataka Story
“Katahaka”. (This drama was directed by Mr. Saman
Soyza. Students in the Academic Year 2011 / 12 and
2012/13 portrayed the characters.)
• In memory of the 10th death anniversary of Mr. Bandula
Jayawardana, “Bera Handa” was re-produced as an
academic assignment.
2014 Rehearsals are being made for Muhudu Lihiniya of Anton
Chekhove as an academic assignment of the students of
the Drama and Theatre School after debut. Premiere of
the drama will be held on 25th
and 26th
October, 2014 at
the Tower Hall Theatre, Maradana.
iii. Bhathkanda Examination
205 students have already applied for the examinations of Preveshika, Pratama,
Madyama, Visharadha I and Visharadha II, conducted by the Bhathkande University in
India. The written and oral examinations are scheduled to be held in December and
January respectively.
89
III. All – Island Inter School Drama Competition
The All-island Inter School Drama competition is annually conducted by the Tower Hall
Theater Foundation in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture and the Arts and the
Ministry of Education. This year, the competition passes its twenty fourth milestone and it is
conducted under three sections.
� Episodes of Nurthi Dramas
� Short Plays
� Long Plays
i. All-Island Inter School Drama Competition - 2013
Number of schools applied for all-island drama competition - 2013.
� Nurthi Episodes - 58
� Short Plays - 152
� Long Plays - 41
Winners of School Drama Creations – 2013
Episodes of Nurthi Drama
Position School Drama
First Place Richmond College, Galle Wessanthara
Second Place Samudradevi Balika Vidyalaya Nugegoda Padmawathie
Third Place Fergunsion Vidyala, Rathnapura Vidura
Short Plays
Position School Drama
First Place Sri Naga Vidyalaya, Matale Sishyathwa
Second Place Nalanda College, Colombo Wardak Nethi
Wardakarayo
Third Place Hermon Myner Vidyalaya, Piliyandala Happy Wat
Long Plays
Position School Drama
First Place Ananda Vidyalaya, Elpitiya Ale Walige
Second Place Mahanama National School,
Monaragala
Thunweni Vedikawa
Third Place Sri Chandananda Buddhist College,
Kandy
Dwaidee
Final round of short play competition (Tamil Medium) in the Northern and Eastern provinces
were held on 28th
and 29th
of January, 2014 at Weerasingham Hall. For this event, 11 Tamil-
Medium schools from these two provinces participated.
90
ii. All-Island Inter School Drama Competition - 2014
The number of schools that have entered the All-island Inter School Drama
Competition - 2014
� Episodes of Nurthi Dramas - 74 Schools
� Short Plays - 151 Schools
� Long Plays - 57 Schools
IV. Programmes and Workshops Conducted with Drama and Theater
(01 January – 30 September 2014)
Workshop / Programme Date and Venue
01 Three day Drama and Theatre
workshop in parallel to Deyata Kirula
Exhibition.
692 students of 10-13 grades from the
schools of Mahawa Vijayaba, Balalla
Navodya, Kegalle Balika and St. Joseph
participated on 11th and 12th of
January, 2014.
02. Deyata Kirula National Exhibition. At the exhibition held in Technical
College at Kuliyapitiya, there were
exhibition cell, sales centre and Nurthi
Gee concert from 21st February to 01st
March.
03 Drama and Theatre programmes held in the Northern and Eastern
provinces.
3.1 Two-day workshop on Drama and
Theatre
Vavuniya Divisional Secretariat Office
2014/08/16 and 17
3.2 One-day Drama and Theatre workshop
(Sinhala) at Vavuniya.
At 03 schools on 20th June.
3.3 Three-day Drama and Theatre
workshop for Tamil students.
At Thelippilai Divisional Secretariat
Office in Jaffna (22nd, 23rd and 24th
June).
3.4 Three-day Drama and Theatre
workshop for Tamil students.
At Sri Koneshwaram Vidyalaya,
Trincomalee (22nd, 23rd and 24th
June).
3.5 Award ceremony for short plays in the
Northern and Eastern provinces (Tamil
Medium).
On 10th September, at Sawsiripaya
Auditorium.
The circular and applications have been sent with regard to holding a short play
competition (Tamil Medium) in schools in the Northern and Eastern provinces.
91
V. Conservation of Nurthi Songs
Conservation of Nurthi Songs was conducted in three ways.
• Print Media
• Electronic Media
• Visual Media
Method of Print Media
Electronic printing systems were applied to conserve the manuscripts of nurthi dramas
and songs.
Method of Electronic Media
Nurthi songs were categorized and conserved using electronic media.
• Conservation of old and popular nurthi songs.
• Selection of dramas and nurthis composed in accordance with drama and music curricula of
schools and universities.
• For new productions of old nurthis, songs sung by veteran artistes such as Victor Wickramage,
Chandrani Gunawardene portraying main characters were conserved in the voices of original
artistes.
• Conservation of nurthi songs and manuscripts were carried out giving priority to nurthi songs and
manuscripts of pioneering nurthi play-writers such as Don Bastian Jayaweera Bandara, John De
Silva and Charles Dias.
• Conservation of old nurthi songs was carried out while they were being sung by veteran vocalists
who have good memory on tunes and musical notations.
• Conservation of songs containing in printed manuscripts of nurthis in order to entertain
readership with accurate tunes and melodies.
Method of Visual Media
Having imparted the knowledge on nurthi songs for the students of Tower Drama and Theater
School, their active participation is obtained to perform the episodes of nurthi dramas.
i. Collection of Conserved Nurthi Songs
Name of Nurthi No. of
Songs
01. Nurthi Geetha 01 16
02. Nurthi Geetha 02 14
03. Tower Nurthi Geetha - 03 12
04. Tower Nurthi Geetha - 04 16
05. Tower Nurthi Geetha - 05 16
06. Nurthi Songs of Wessanthara by John De Silva (Attorney-at-Law) 22
07. Nurthi Songs of Wessanthara - 02 19
08. Sirisangabo - 01 by John De Silva (Attorney-at-Law) 24
09. Sirisangabo - 02 24
10. Songs of Nurthi Padmawathie by Charles Dias (Attorney-at-Law) 35
11. (Recording has been completed and production of duplicate copies is
in the progress.)
58
12. Measures are underway to conserve songs of nurthi Sri Wickrama by
John De Silva (Attorney-at-Law)
05
92
VI. Care for the Artistes
Presentation of New Year Hampers to Old Tower Hall Artistes
� The ceremony to present New Year hampers to Tower Hall artistes was held on 09th April
2014 at the Auditorium of Sawsiripaya under the patronage of Hon. Prime Minister, and Hon.
Minister of Culture and the Arts, with the participation of 70 artistes.
Assistance 2010 2011 2012 2013 30th
Sep. 2014
Pe
nsi
on
No. of
Artistes
295 302 260 260 245
Amount
Rs.
7,279,912 6,866,112 6,470,112 6,086,112 4,234,584
Fu
ne
ral
aid
No. of
Artistes
23 29 25 17 17
Amount
Rs.
170,145 209,604 150,213 85,000 85,000
Me
dic
al
Ass
ista
n No. of
Artistes
23 28 13 19 23
Amount
Rs.
439,000 442,000 440,000 436,000 361,000
Ra
ilw
ay
Wa
rre
nts
No. of
Artistes
35 29 12 12 10
Amount
Rs.
12,550 11,020 3,860 4,840 7,960
En
tert
ain
me
nt
No. of
Artistes
58 50 60 40 40
Amount
Rs.
15,162 15,275 15,175 14,445 9,330
Ne
w Y
ea
r
Gif
ts
No. of
Artistes
58 65 70 70 70
Amount
Rs.
236,217 361,177 414,115 492,585 347,005
Total assistance
(Rs.) 8,152,986 7,905,188 7,2493,475 7,118,982 5,044,879
93
VII. Development ActivitiesCarried out to uplift theters functioning
under the Tower Hall Thetre Foundation
i. Comprehensive Renovation to Elphinston Theatre
Modifications under the Renovation Process
• All basic activities of modernization of Elphinston Theatre such as renovation of walls,
plastering and fixing roof have been completed.
• Finishing work of dressing rooms, capataria, sanitary facilities and managers rooms are
being done. All welding work except ceiling has been completed. Activities in relation to
fixing ceiling has been started. Wiring is being done.
• Procument activities in relation to purchasing of seats, generator, fire extinguisher and
lighting rods for the Theatre have been started.
All these repairs and renovations are being carried out under extreme supervision of the
Department of Buildings and with the labour of Civil Security Force. The task is coordinated and
facilitated by the Tower Hall Theater Foundation.
Estimated cost is Rs. 286 mn.
Physical progress at 30th September, 2014:
� 85% of construction work completed.
� Work nearing completion
Accumulated Expenditure as at 30th
September 2014 is Re. 64.5 mn.
Financial Progress 2014
Allocation for
2014-
Rs. 28 mn
Expenditure as at
September 30th,
2014
Rs. 28.0mn.
Financial
Progress
100%
94
Renovation of Elphinston Theatre
Income Generated by Theaters from 2006 to 2013
Year Elphinston
Theatre,
Maradan Rs.
(mn.)
Rukmani Devi
Theatre
Rs.(mn)
Tower Hall
Studio
Rs.(mn)
Tower Hall
Theatre
,Maradana
Rs.(mn)
Sarasavipaya
2006 7.27 0.33 0.33 4.47 12.4
2007 6.93 0.74 0.29 3.96 11.92
2008 6.85 0.75 0.55 2.47 10.62
2009 8.00 0.60 0.47 0.01 9.08
2010 10.14 0.68 0.14 0.08 11.04
2011 4.06 0.49 0.16 2.98 7.69
2012 0.98 0.82 0.55 6.42 8.77
2013 0.40 0.47 0.77 7.98 10.26 30
th Sep.
2014 0.00 0.39 0.09 3.61 4.26
Inside of the Theatre Outside of the Theatre
95
4.4 Programs to be implemented in the 4th
quarter of 2014
October
i. A two-day workshop on drama and theater will be held in Akuressa and Matara.
ii. Commemoration Ceremony of creations of Rukmani Devi.
iii. Two three-day workshops on drama and theatre.
iv. Pre-discussion with zonal education directors in the Northern and Eastern
provinces on short play competitions in Tamil-Medium schools.
v. Staging “Bera Handa” at Piliyandala and Tower Hall Theatre.
• November
i. Attending the 34th
session of the International Theatre Institute at Armania (17-
22 November).
ii. Appreciation programme or three-day workshop on drama and theatre.
iii. Two three-day workshop on drama and theatre for Tamil students in the Northern
and Eastern provinces
• December
i. Examination in Bathkande.
ii. Tower Hall Theatre Commemoration Ceremony.
iii. Two three-day workshop on drama and theatre.
iv. Staying “Sakkaya Ditti” perfomed by the students of the Drama and Theatre
School at a drama festival in Odissa provice, India.
4.6 Special Programs to be Implemented in 2015
Educational Programs and Promotion of Dramas
i. The Drama and Theatre School.
ii. Projects implemented by the Drama and Theatre School.
iii. Exchange programmes with the International Theatre Institute.
iv. Examinations in Bathkande.
v. Three-day workshop on drama and theatre.
vi. Producing drama by the Drama and Theatre School.
vii. All-island drama competition - 2014 / 2015.
viii. Drama week.
ix. Part time / Short-term drama course.
x. Drama and Theatre Library.
xi. Printing of old drama works.
xii. Translation and printing of selected Sinhala drama manuscripts into Tamil / English.
xiii. Exchange of educational programme with the Indian Drama School.
xiv. Conservation of old drama and theatre.
xv. Inter-University short play competition.
xvi. Short play competition for Tamil medium students in the Northern and Eastern provinces - 2014.
xvii. Participation of officers for programmes on drama and theatre.
xviii. Three-day workshop on drama and theatre for Tamil students in the Northern and Eastern
province.
96
5. Public Performance Board Vision
For the sake of building a disciplined society, to govern the public performance in an
appropriate and comparative manner taking social responsibility to pave the way for a
better Art.
Mission
To encourage the production of shows and artistic creations meant for public exhibition in
compliance with the theme “Art and Social Responsibility” and to take necessary measures
to make the public aware of such aspects in order to build a disciplined society.
Objective To expedite previewing of films, dramas and shows and issue of permits to render an
efficient and effective service for the progress of the above industries.
Main Functions
Main functions that have been entrusted with the Public Performance Board have been
restricted to a limited area. Accordingly, public performances which can exert any influence
upon Sri Lankan Society have been categorized as locally produced and imported films,
dramatic performances and all other public shows. The above categories are previewed and
monitored under the Public Performance Act and according to the vision of the institution
and certified as to their suitability for public exhibition. As such the main functions of the
PPB are granting approval, refusal, classification of public performances, recommendation,
edition as and when necessary.
.5.1 Allocation and Financial Progress - 2014
5.2. Cadre - 2014
Allocation for 2014
Rs. Million.
Financial Progress as
at 2014.09.30
Rs.Mn.
Recurrent 4.00 3.55
Capital 0.60 0.23
Total 4.60 3.78
Approved Cadre Current Staff
Staff Grade - 01 01
Subordinate Staff - 04 03
Minor Staff - 02 01
97
5.3 Progress - 2014 5.3.1 Creations previewed by the Public Performance Board during the period
from 1st
Jan 2014 to 30th
September 2014 for Issuing Permits 1.
Films Number of Productions
Sinhala 23
Tamil 47
Hindi 14
English 39
Other foreign languages 01
Dramas/Shows/ D V D / C D
Approved Drama 150
Banned Drama 03
Approved Shows 203
DVD 165
Total 521
Classification of Films
For Unrestricted Public Performance (U) 90
More suitable for adults (A) 28
Adults only (X) 06
Banned from screening in Sri Lanka 01
Suitable for Public Performance 124
5.3.2. Total number of productions previewed by the Public Performance
Board in each year from 2007 – 2014
0
200
400
600
800
1000
1200
2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 Sep.30
Nu
mb
er
of
To
tal
Pro
du
ctio
ns
98
5.3.3 Income Generated from 2010 to 2014
The income generated by issuing permits for films, trailers, stage dramas, pageants and shows
forwarded to the Public Performance Board in 2010, 2011, 2012,2013 and 2014 is as follows.
.
Year Income (Rs.Mn)
2010 2.25
2011 2.73
2012 3.00
2013 3.15
2014 as at 30th Sep. 3.39
5.4 Regular Services
Apart from above functions, the Public Performance Board has made arrangements to provide
following services regularly for the convenience of producers as well as the general public.
• Issue permits for films forwarded for preview within one day in the event of absence of
any technical or practical fault.
• Stage play scripts are previewed on the date of receipt giving priority to its necessity and
issue permits with the most possible expedition.
• Issue permits for non-dramas, at least, within a day or two days.
• Educate artistes, producers and other persons who have links with the film and drama
industry on the existing condition.
5.5 2015 – Proposed Programmes
• DCP 2K Multimedia projector is to be purchased. By using this projector there will be a
posibility of viewing films such as DCP and 3D at the Mini Theatre of the Public
Performence Board.
