Services of Ministry

Services of Ministry

Divisional Cultural Centers	Foreign Cultural Relations Unit	Sri Lanka Art Council
Public Sector Cultural Activities	Grants to Cultural Organizations

DIVISIONAL CULTURAL CENTERS

Mission

Endow the sensitive and cultured people to the Sri Lanka society through preservation of culture. Promotion of Cultural enriched with novel features and propagation of cultural values among the common people under the cultural centers programmes.

Introduction -:

The island wide project was initiated in the latter part of the year 1998 at Divisional Secretarial level for the effective implementation of the cultural conservation, promotion and expansion with a view to making use of the culture for the purpose of a value based development.

Budget -:

The total expenditure for a centre is Rs. 2 Mn out of which Rs.0.5 Mn is to renovate and modify the building designate to the centre and the balance Rs. 1.5 Mn is for equipment and instruments. Each centre comprises a theatre, reading room, library, facilities for indoor games and audio-visual equipment.

Number of Cultural Centers established from the latter part of 1998 to 2008 is 144 and the provincial break-up of the amount is as follow.

Western Province

North-East Province

Southern Province

Sabaragamuwa Province

Uva Province

North-West Province

Central Province

North-Central Province

At the outset the following programmes may be implemented at these centers. These may be taken up, considering the accommodation available at the centre and needs of the area.

	Music Training Classes
	Dancing Training Classes
	Training in Dramas
	Organize training classes and seminars on photography
	Film and video shows
	Painting and Sculpture
	Readers Clubs and Connoisseur Group
	Research Activities
	Cultural Heritage
	Exhibition and Sales Centre
	Sports

Board of Management -:

The Members of the committee are :-

1. Divisional Secretary
2. A principal of a school in the area.
3. Officer in-charge of the local Police Station.
4. Religious leaders.
5. The Chairman of the Divisional Cultural Council.
6. Two Committee Members of the District Cultural Organization.

Not more than five members from among the residents of the Divisional Secretary's division who are interested in activities relating to arts. The number of members in the Board of Management shall not exceed 11 and at least two of them should be females.

Training Activities -:

Training courses may be arranged so as to improve the artistic talents of the people of the area.

Equipment and Materials -:

The Ministry will supply Audio and Video equipment; sports goods, musical instruments, library books and furniture.

This centers should also provide wholesome entertainment and leisure time to senior citizens.

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FOREIGN CULTURAL RELATIONS UNIT.

Mission

To promote, foster and strengthen cultural relations between Sri Lanka and rest of the world.

Introduction -:

Foreign Relations Unit has been established in the Ministry with the approved of the Cabinet granted vide Cabinet Memorandum No 97/14 dated May 07 1997.

Objectives -:

The main objective of Foreign Relations Unit in the Ministry is to initiate and enter into bilateral cultural agreements, enhancement of the sphere of activities under existing cultural agreements, promotion of cultural relations with SAARC countries and predominantly Buddhist countries catering to the needs of expatriate Sri Lankan liaise with foreign mission etc.

Other objectives are -:

	To participate in the formulation and implementation of policies and programmes relating to Sri Lanka's external cultural relations.
	To foster and strengthen cultural relations and mutual understanding between Sri Lanka and other countries.
	To promote cultural exchange with other countries and people.
	To establish and develop relations with national and international organizations in the field of culture.

Major Activities -:

	To establish cultural agreements with foreign countries.
	To organize specific activities under the terms and conditions spelt out in the cultural agreements.
	To establish Sri Lankan cultural centers in countries of importance.
	To promote cultural relations specially with the SAARC countries.
	To establish more meaningful cultural relations with countries where Buddhism predominates particularly the Theravada Buddhist Principles etc.
	To maintain better and meaningful linkages with the Cultural Centers established in Sri Lanka by the foreign countries.
	To establish better and meaningful cultural relations with the UN organization such as UNESCO.
	To organize programmes in association with Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Tourist Board to promote cultural tourism in the country.
	To organize cultural programmes to promote cultural and aesthetic awareness of the expatriate Sri Lankans.
	To liaise with Foreign missions through Ministry of Foreign Affairs, for the promotion of cultural activities.

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SRI LANKA ARTS COUNCIL

The Sri Lanka Arts Council with its panels is a pool of resources representing different aspects of culture including literature, drama, dance and music. There are 05 panels as at present :

	National Literature Panel
	National Drama Panel
	National Dance, Ballet Dance and Puppetry Panel
	National Music Panel
	National Arts and Sculpture Panel

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GRANTS TO CULTURAL ORGANIZATIONS

There are many organizations engaged in various cultural activities such as dramas, dance, music, literature etc.. Funding these organizations to make them have active and vibrant is considered the test cause of action for the Ministry rather than the government agencies themselves engaging in cultural activities.

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PUBLIC SECTOR CULTURAL ACTIVITIES

Public Sector Comprising about 700,000 people has a large number of persons active in various fields of culture and in fact has been breeding ground of many talented artists in the country. It is considered appropriate to encourage them by giving opportunities to participate and there presence in cultural activities.

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