Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that while a country develops its roads, buildings and economy, the inner lives of its people must also be enriched through aesthetics, culture and creativity. Development cannot be measured solely by improvements in physical resources, and the empathy and the appreciation of the arts is a key aspiration of the new era of renaissance.
The Prime Minister made these remarks while inaugurating the ’Aluth Wessa’ Cultural Festival and Exhibition, organised jointly by the Kandy District Secretariat, the Department of Cultural Affairs and the Kandyan Cultural Center on 15 October at the Kandy District Secretariat.
During the event, the Prime Minister also presented awards to artists from the Kandy District in recognition of their outstanding contributions to the arts.
Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister further stated: “Kandy is a place where we can best experience the value of our country’s historical, artistic and cultural heritage. The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, the wood carvings of Embekka, the murals of Degaldoruwa, the Kandyan dance tradition, and the contributions of renowned artists such as Pani Bharath, Dr. Ananda Coomaraswamy and Minnette de Silva have helped shape a distinctive cultural identity unique to Kandy.
During the recent disaster, when the people of Kandy faced immense difficulties, people from districts such as Galle, Matara and Kalutara voluntarily came forward to extend tremendous support. Their empathy and commitment deserve our sincere appreciation. Following the disaster, several initiatives are already progressing rapidly to help Kandy recover and rebuild. These include restoring the Upcountry railway line, repairing damaged houses and rehabilitating historic temples that were destroyed through the Central Cultural Fund. Through our education reforms, we aspire to nurture a generation that goes beyond professional knowledge and skills, developing artistic sensitivity alongside human values and compassion.”
The event was attended by the Most Venerable Naramapanawe Ananda Thero, Anunayake of the Asgiri Chapter of the Siyamopali Maha Nikaya and Chancellor of the University of Kelaniya, along with members of the Maha Sangha and other religious leaders. Also present were Central Province Governor Dr. Suranga Fernando, Members of Parliament Jagath Manuwarana, Thanura Dissanayake, Thushari Jayasinghe and E. M. Basnayake; the Mayor and local councillors, Kandy District Secretary Indika Udawatta, Divisional Secretaries, public officials, artists, parents, and children.
(Prime Minister’s Media Division)