News

Galle Fort Shine again

The Galle Fort is the most significant Cultural Tourist City in Southern Sri Lanka. Particularly declaration of Galle Fort as one of the seven ( 07) World Heritages in Sri Lanka in 1998 has enhanced and enriched the value of this premises nationally as well as internationally.

Although the Galle Fort went more than ten centuries down in the annals of history, it dates back to the former part of colonial era as revealed by the archaeological evidence found in the Fort, With the arrival of Lorenso De Almeda, son of Fransisco De Almeda, the Portuguese ship-owner, in 1505 A.D. Portuguese settled down along the coast with a view to taking the control of trade into their hands. Accordingly, preliminary construction of the Galle Fort was initiated. The first fortress built by them was cited as the Black Fort and remains of it can still be identified at the premises of DIG’s office housed in the Fort.

The Dutch who were roaming in the Indian Ocean to take the control of trade in South Asia landed in Sri Lanka in 1638 A.D. The king Rajasinghe – II who had waged a war against the Portuguese at that time reached agreement with the Dutch to defeat the Portuguese through which the Dutch had chance to pave the way for acquisition of the coastal belt of Sri Lanka. The Portuguese who were dominating at that time were swept away with the support and assistance of the Dutch and the Fortress set up by them were fortified. Accordingly, the Galle Fort which so far stood as a primary Fort was further enhanced and developed to be a significant and magnificent fortress with twelve watch-towers stretched over ninety acres of land since 1640 A.D. The Dutch who were concerned about security, sanitation, economy and administrative structure designed and constructed buildings to meet those requirements. They had adopted and were guided by plans of cities endemic to the Netherlands and designed a highway system in the form of a square net, a very complex sewerage and edifices with thick walls and large windows within the Galle Fort. They completed constructions of a great portion of the Galle Fort by 1669 and the English who overpowered them commenced various constructions there. Having closed the front-moat they added a new entrance to the Galle Fort which had only one entrance. The Galle Fort which was constructed and fortified as a fortress by the Dutch was converted into their Administrative Centre by the English.

A host of ancient constructions belong to various periods since 1505 A.D. still exist. Furthermore the adjoining coastal belt of the Galle Fort where approximately 25 identifiable places that content of shipwrecks are deposited is still under exploration. Particularly during the period of the Dutch, Galle was the centre which had ties with Bathaviya, a leading colonial trade centre in the Southern Asia. Commodities collected from various parts of Sri Lanka were exported even to Western Countries via Bathaviya. The sea belt around Galle is so far an area where a history which has not yet entirely been unearthned is buried.

Due to the sole fact that it contains such a distinctive cultural value, the Galle Fort was elevated to the status of a world heritage in 1988. In order to entrust the responsibility of maintaining it as a World Heritage, a body called Galle Heritage Foundation was established by the Parliamentary Act No. 07. of 1994 under the purview of the Ministry of Cultural Affairs and National Heritage. It is governed by a Board of Management which is represented by many institutions such as the Department of Archaeology, the Central Cultural Fund, the Urban Council, the Urban Development Authority etc..

It is a matter for pleasures that the Government of the Netherlands has come forward to grant donations for several projects which are aimed at developing and uplifting the Galle Fort to the status of a Cultural Tourist city under the Netherlands – Sri Lanka Cultural Co-operation Programme which is underway in 2006.

Plans are already afoot to change the appearance of a few selected ancient houses into their earlier look again and to conserve them. Old appearance of a large number of houses in the Galle Fort have already been changed. Some buildings are on the verge of collapse. The object of this project is to preserve and conserve the Galle Fort as a World Heritage by giving the owners a hand with conservation of old private houses which are on the verge of collapse and alterations to be carried to bring back the old appearance of houses of which it was changed. Arrangements have already been made to conduct a comprehensive survey in the Galle Fort in collaboration with the Archaeological Faculty of the Ruhunu University as the preliminary step of the project. Buildings and houses which deserve assistance for conservation are identified under this survey. Likewise, the Galle Fort will be maintained as a World Heritage while conducting various cultural and educational programmes and exhibitions to attract domestic and foreign tourists.

Under the Netherlands –Sri Lanka Cultural Co-operation programme many projects such as conservation of the rampart and ancient warehouses and restoration of ancient sewerage and system of highways are to be set in motion during this year.

 National Literacy Art Festival - 2006

  • The National Literary Arts Festival was preceded by the religious observances conducted the historic Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi; Anuradhapura had a glamorous and elegant commencement at the Public Ground Anuradhapura on 15th September 2006.

    Milk rice brought in a traditional procession was offered to the Sri Maha Bodhi and religious observances were conducted by the incumbent of Bomaluwa, Ven Rawaela Piyatissa Thera.

    Prior to the commencement of opening ceremony an appealing Colorful “Perehara” procession with the participation of 500 drummers was started off at the Central College, Anuradhapura and reached the Public Ground.

    The ceremony was inaugurated by hosting the National Flag and lighting the traditional oil lamp by invitees. Subsequently, one minute silence was observed in hour of the deceased members of the Armed Forces.

    The welcome address was delivered by the Secretary to the Ministry of Cultural Affairs and National Heritage, Mr. G.L.W.Samarasinghe. it was followed by the theme song of National Literary Arts Festival presented with an appealing dance performance. Then, the splendor of the ceremony was enhanced by a dance performance presented by 500 Ves Dancers.

    Delivering a lecture on Literary Arts, Prof. Vinee Witharana explained the value of literature.

    The Minister of Cultural Affairs and National Heritage, Hon. M.Y.A. extended his best wishes in his speech. Awards and certificates for winners of Literary Competition organized by the Minister of Cultural Affairs and National Heritage were given away. The festival was climaxed with the conferring of honor, “Rajaratthabhidhana” which is presented in recognition of the service rendered for the furtherance and prosperity of Sri Lanka., on ten artistes who rendered a yeoman service to the fields of Literature and Art.

    The honor was conferred on Ven Pallegama Nandaratana thera, Mr. Mahinda Disanayaka, Somapala Muwaetagama, Vijjage Ranga, Kolila Bandara Thennakoon, Ratna B. Ekanayake, Milton Ratnasiri, Herath Eppawela, D.M. Wijepala and E. Amaris.

    The most coveted honor of “Deshanetroo” was presented to five literary figures that extended an excellent service to the field of Literary Art at this glittering festival. The “Deshanetroo” awardees are Prof. Wimal G. Balagalle, Prof. Hemapala Wijewardana, Vernon Saldeen, Eva Ranaweera and Arundathi Ranganadan.

    The Chief Minister of North Central Province, Hon. Berty Premalal Dissanayake also aired his views. A large number of people including literary figures and artistes attended on this occasion. The curtain call was marked by a “Noorthi songs” show presented by the Tower Hall Theatre Foundation,

    		•

    Pre Publicity Campaign

    bullet Lecture delivered by Prof. Nandasena Ratnapala on “Duties and Responsibilities of a Family” for External Degree Holders of the Youth Centre at the Technical College, Anuradhapura.
    bullet Cultural Pageant staged by the “Miranda Hemalatha Kala Ashramaya” for the children of S.O.S. Children’s Village, Anuradhapura and donated books by the Ministry.

    .                                

                                                      

                              

    Traditional Dance Items

                                                    

    Folk Dance Items

    Traditional “Kap” Planting Ceremony National Literary Arts Festival  2006

    The traditional “Kap” Planting Ceremony to officiate the commencement of the National Literary Arts Festival – 2006, organized by the Ministry of Cultural Affairs and National Heritage took place on September 01st at the auspicious time, at 11.06 a.m, under the distinguished patronage of the Minister of Cultural Affairs and National Heritage Hon. Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena, and the Chief Minister of North Central Province, Hon. Berty Premalal Dissanayake.

     In parallel with the “Kap” Planting Ceremony, religious observances were carried out making a vow before the historical Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi on the same morning to pray for blessing to make this festival a success and on the staff who work by the sweat of their brows and all Sri Lankans who participate in this festival.

    This year’s National Literary Arts Festival is scheduled to be held on a grand scale on 15th, 16th, 17th, and 18th of September at the Public Ground, Anuradhapura.

     The North Central Provincial Council and the District Secretariat, Anuradhapura work in close liaison with the Ministry of Cultural Affairs and National Heritage to ensure a smooth continuation of activities related with the Festival.

     

    "Jana Gee Mihira" for the Promotion of Traditional Folksongs.

    The Ministry of Cultural affairs & National Heritage, with the objective of preservation, promotion and propagation of Sri Lankan cultural values nurtured and fostered by the national heritage, launch a host of programmes at divisional, provincial and national levels. accordingly, a series of performing programmes "Jana Gee Mihira" replete with folksongs and folk music showcasing the Sri Lankan cultural identity and folk consciousness has been organized under the special weeks programmes: "Probodoni". The inaugural pageant will be displayed at a ceremony held under the patronage of Hon. Minister of Cultural affairs and National Heritage, Mahinda Yapa Abeywardana at the John De Silva Memorial Theatre on 29th June 2006 at 4.00 p.m.

    It is intended to develop and uplift the Cultural life of the public in a meaningful manner and widen & deepen their ability of appreciation through these programmes which encompass folksongs and folk music endemic to various parts of Sri Lanka.

    An effective and comprehensive programme containing the activities such as collection of folk songs, lectures on folksongs, folksong competitions, dissemination of folksongs among students workshops on folksongs and the programme "Gam Medde Kalalaya" which links all the cultural centers has been designed to popularized folksongs.

    This series of programmes "Jana Gee Mihira" which is to be launched island wide from 24th to 30th June targeting the students, the youth and the elderly of the society. Accordingly, conducting of folksongs competitions and presentation of awards for winners will be performed by the cultural centers in the Western Province. A lecture on "Apen Aeth Vee Yana Jana Gee" has been organized by the cultural centers, Yatinuwara, Central Province. Apart from these items, cultural centers at Noope, Matara will actively participate in this programme by presenting a show of folksongs and organizing workshops with the participation of eminent lectures, researches and vocalist.

    Simultaneously measures are afoot to compile and publish a book on folksongs endemic to North-Central Province and produce a CD containing folksongs and folk music performed by eminent elderly artistes of the area with the intention of conserving and preserving the folk songs endemic to Pattuwa, Bintenna.

     

    Saradharma Perahara from Matara to Anuradhapura offering of

    "Pin Potha" ( A book to write meritorious deeds) to Sri Lankan Children

    Saradharma Perahara organized by the Ministry of Cultural Affairs and National Heritage in collaboration with divisional Cultural Centers with the intention of obtaining active contribution of the community towards building a disciplined society started off from the historical Bodhi premises, Matara, Southern Province, on 25th May and concluded at the historical holy ground of Sri Maha Bodhi premises, Anuradhapura on 28th May covering four provinces for 4 days.

    The significant feature of this precession was its attractive floats. Themes such as "Conservation of the Environment, Fertility, Respect for Adults, Let's give the best to our children" were depicted by those floats.

    Conducting of special programmes in Buddhist, Hindu, Christian and Muslim religious places which stand on the perahara route was another prominent feature. The perahara could achieve a wide participation at respective cities since it consisted of particular activities representing all the nationalities and ethnic groups.
    Conducted special cultural programmes at places where the perahara stay for the night on respective days. Artistes of cultural centers and art institutions were participated in these activities.

    The conclusion was marked by offering "Pin Potha" to children from Dharma Schools, Schools and children's societies. This book contains a column for children to enter good deeds performed by them in their day-to-day activities and another column for teacher to check those activities monthly.

    "Pin Potha" was officially distributed by the Hon. Cultural Affairs and National Heritage Mahinda Yapa Abeywardana

    The chief incumbent of eight great places Buddhist worship situated in Anuradhapura, Ven. Dr. Pallegama Sirinivasa There participated on this occasion. In addition a large number of children including District Secretary of Anuradhapura, U.D. Yapa, Secretary to the Ministry of Cultural Affairs and National Heritage, G.L.W. Samarasinghe, Addl. Secretary, Vijitha Ekanayake, Consultant KK.W. Thilakasiri, Senior Asst. Secretary, H.D.S.Malkanthi, Chief Accountant, P.M.Rathnapala and members of Cultural Centers were also present on this occasions.

    National New Year Festival at Uyanwatta Ground, Matara

                  On the instructions of the Hon. Minister of Cultural Affairs and National Heritage, Mahinda Yapa Abeywardana , arrangements have been made to hold the National New Year Festival annually on an island-wide scale. Accordingly the inaugural ceremony of this year’s festival will commence at 9.30 a.m on 16th April at the Uyanwatta Esplanade, Matara under the distinguished patronage of the Hon. Minister of Ports, Civil Aviation and Foreign Affairs, Mangala Samaraweera and the Hon. Minister of Cultural Affairs and National Heritage, Mahinda Yapa Abeywardana and other distinguished personages of the district. At the culmination of this festival, on the evening of 17th April, H.E. The President , Mahinda Rajapakse,will grace the occasion.

    With a view to uphold our cultural values customs and manners, the agenda of the festival will be replete with a host of traditional games, dances and musical shows presented at district and national levels and thus popularize among our people the fast deteriorating national festivals, customs and traditions.

    All the contests will be held on National, Provincial and District levels. The district level contests are already being held on Provincial Secretariat basis.

    The selection of the New Year Queen and the Raban Play contest will be held on a national level while the bicycle race (Male/ Female) and the marathon race (Male/ Female) will be at provincial level. Applications for these competitions will be entertained up to 17th April.

    Apart from these features, there will also be the following items of races and competitions.

    Boat Races, Folk Song Recital Competitions, Grease Pole Contest, Kabadi Contest, Hackery Races, KottaPora (Pillow Fight), Tug-o-War, Volley Ball Tournaments, Kana Muttiya Bindeema, Most Attractive Head of Hair, Cadjan Weaving, Coconut Scraping, Iri Peneema, Kotu Peneema, Search of the Secret Guest, Geta Bera Play, Selection of the most pleasant Grandmother, Wheel-Chair Race of the Handicapped and a host of other folk games have been arranged.

    In addition to all these items, poetical contests, puppet shows and an exhibition of traditional sweet meals have also been organized. There will also be workshops on handicrafts, preparation of sweet meals and “Dumbara” style mat weaving. The opera “Sooriya Udawa” recital of traditional songs associated with the cutting of Bambara Combs, Kaffir Music Show and Cinema Shows also will be available.

    This New Year Festival will be organized by the Ministry of Cultural Affairs and National Heritage in Collaboration with the District Secretariat, Urban Council. The police and the Sri Lanka Army in Matara and sponsored by the P.C., computer trading company, a leading company in the field of computer.

    New Year Festival which preserve the Traditional Heritage at Sathkorale

                   The National Rupavahini Corporation and the Ministry of Cultural Affairs and National Heritage with the view to preserve and protect the ancient heritage of Sri Lanka and re-establish the age-old traditions, customs and manners associated with Sinhala and Hindu New Year, have decided to hold this years celebrations under state patronage in Panduwasnuwara of Sathkoralaya, the very first kingdom of Sri Lanka and to telecast the same live for the good of the general public.

    As the initial step in this process, following the ancient traditions, the Avurudu Settuwa or the traditional leaflet including the auspicious times associated with the New Year Ceremony was presented to H.E. The President, Mahinda Rajapakse, on 04th of April, after proclaiming the occasion by beat of drums.

    Subsequently, on the 5th and the 6th the Avurudu Settuwa was distributed throughout the Island via Cultural Centers including Padukka, Kesbewa, Athurugiriya and Horana.

    Following this, it has also been scheduled to undertake a variety of community services such as to divulge the many folk-lore's of Sathkorale that have gone into oblivion and make the general public aware of the historical and cultural values embedded in them and provide aid and assistance to Tsunami victims on the concept “To Society from Us”.

    The inaugural ceremony of the New Year Festival will be on 12th April. On the same day, there will be a cultural procession comprising a symphony of drummers and 2500 dancers to commemorate the 255 Buddha Jayanthi.

    Apart from these items, the following activities also will be included in the agenda. Presenting Senior Citizenship Award to the eldest Male and Female Tsunami survivors, donation of learning materials to students who survived the Tsunami onslaught under the programme. “Akurata Diviyak”, donation of spectacles and conducting mobile health clinics to promote sanitation and health under the programme “Arogya Parama Labha”, donation of fishing gear to fishermen who lost their equipment in the Tsunami floods: and also other necessary equipment for self employment; and distribution of jack plants to the general public for planting at the auspicious hour for starting work for the New Year.

    14th of April is a day masked with several important moments such as Nonagathaya, Kindling of the hearth and partaking of food. The customs and ceremonies connected with all these will be performed within the premises where the festival is held. There will be a discussion by the academics of the area on local folk lore and customs. The New Year Festival will be a day-long affair consisting of traditional folk games and cultural items. It is scheduled to be held on 14th of April at the playground of the Technical College, Kuliyapitiya.

       Presentation of the Awrudu Settuwa - 2006 or the traditional leaflet including the auspicious times associated with the New Year Ceremony to H.E. The President Mahinda Rajapakse.

                     As the initial step of this process, presentation of the Awrudu Settuwa - 2006 to the H.E. The President, Mahinda Rajapakse, took place at Temple Trees on 04th of April, after proclaiming the occasion by beat of drums.

    Subsequently, on the 5th and the 6th the Awrudu Settuwa was distributes throughout the Island via Cultural Centers including Padukka, Kesbewa, Athurugiriya and Horana.