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In order to
originate a virtuous and justified society and to uplift Art skills of
Divisional Children and with the objective to bring them to Local and
International status, the opening up of Cultural Centers island-wide is in
operation. In order to uplift the Art skills and talents of small children
youths (Male and Female) who show special interest and inspiration in the
field of Arts and Crafts, a series of different Courses are being conducted
free of charge by Cultural Centers situated island-wide. Dancing courses –
Up country, Low Country, Folk, Sabaragamuva and creative dances, local and
foreign music, Courses in Art and Sculpture, Pre-School training workshops
for physical and mental development, Courses in Drama and Ballet and
training of different language studies are in the fore- front conducted
by Cultural Centers.
In
addition to foster and enhance knowledge of the people, library
facilities, are provided of all Cultural Centers providing national
programmes to develop cultural pride island-wide with cultural patronage in
no small measure. Out of national programmes, National Literary Art
Festival, “Senehasa” Appreciative Clinics, Yavvanodaya
Programmes, Cultural Pageants, “Ketheka Varuna”, “Sith
Pahan Vewa”, programmes of devotional Songs for Vesak, Commemoration
of National Days and “Pradeepaloka” Meditation programmes receive
pride of place as main programmes. Programmes which receive correct
organization and patronage on divisional level from cultural centers are New
Year Festival, Folk poems programmes. Aluth Sahal Mangalya, Songs
appreciation programmes and ceremonial dance ritual and holding of Various
State Cultural Festivals and Arts Festivals can be named as specialties.
Additional and extra services,
providing dancing troupes, to recite Jayamangala Stanzas
supply of Astaka recital groups, supply Tom – Tom beating groups, Dancing
Costumes, drawing of banners in a creative manner, supply of Street Dancing
Troupes and Horoscope Services can be treated as extra programmes conducted
by Cultural centers. |
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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. |
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Number of Cultural Centers established from the latter
part of 1998 to 2009 is 151 and the provincial break-up of the amount is as
follow.
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Western Province |
22 |
North-East Province |
10 |
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Southern Province |
30 |
Sabaragamuwa Province |
12 |
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Uva Province |
15 |
North-West Province |
20 |
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Central Province |
27 |
North-Central Province |
15 |
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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.
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Music Training Classes
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Dancing Training Classes
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Training in Dramas
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Organize training classes and seminars on photography
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Film and video shows
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Painting and Sculpture
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Readers Clubs and Connoisseur Group
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Research
Activities
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Cultural Heritage
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Exhibition and Sales Centre
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Sports
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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. |
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Training Activities -: |
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Training courses may be arranged so as to improve the
artistic talents of the people of the area. |
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Equipment and Materials -: |
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The Ministry will supply Audio and Video equipment;
sports goods, musical instruments, library books and furniture. |
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This centers should also provide
wholesome entertainment and leisure time to senior citizens. |
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Photo Gallery |
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FOREIGN
CULTURAL RELATIONS UNIT. |
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Mission |
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Popularization of the Sri
Lankan Culture in the World. |
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Introduction -: |
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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. |
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Objectives -: |
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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. |
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Other objectives are -: |
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 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.
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Major Activities -: |
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Exchange of cultural troupes with foreign countries.
To arrange visits
of foreign experts in the field of tangible and intangible culture.
To hold cultural
shows in foreign counties.
To participate in
International Cultural Shows.
To arrange
International shows and seminars in Sri Lanka.
To send Officers
and Sri Lankan delegations, where necessary, for foreign courses, seminars
and workshops.
Conservation and
Preservation of archeological places with cultural value, upholding of
cultural values and to seek foreign aids through international agencies such
as UNESCO, SAARC, ICOMS, ICCROM, BIMSTEC for the promotion of culture in Sri
Lanka.
Direction and
monitoring of foreign funded projects.
To enter in to
bilateral agreements with foreign countries, to update such agreements and
preparation and implementation of programmes to meet the goal of those
agreements.
Coordinating
activities are performed to present Sri Lankans in to International
Competitions.
To take actions
to obtain valuable antiquities of Sri Lanka in foreign countries.
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SRI LANKA ARTS COUNCIL |
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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 :
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National Literature Panel |
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National Drama Panel |
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National Dance, Ballet Dance and Puppetry Panel |
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National Music Panel |
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National Arts and Sculpture Panel
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GRANTS TO CULTURAL
ORGANIZATIONS |
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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 |
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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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