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National Dance Festival 2002 in Colombo

by Nadira Gunatilleke

Arrangements have already been made to hold the National Dance Festival 2002 organised by the Cultural Affairs Division of the Human Resources Development, Education and Cultural Affairs Ministry. The festival is scheduled to be held from December 27 to 29 at Viharamahadevi Park, Colombo 7, Cultural Affairs Division sources said.

The sources said that the preparations have been completed and several foreign dancing troupes from countries such as India, Nepal and Pakistan will participate in this festival. National Dance Festival has been organised according to a concept of Human Resources Development, Education and Cultural Affairs Minister Dr. Karunasena Kodithuwakku.

In addition to the local artistes, about 1000 dancers from armed forces, North-East region, National Youth Council, schools, kalayathanayas and cultural centres will perform various dance items from 6.00 pm to 10.00 pm on each day during this festival. Transport, security and all other facilities will be made available for the general public during the festival.

The Ministry has also made arrangements to put up a local kitchen with all varieties of local indigenous food during the festival. Food will be prepared and served to the visitors at the same time. A cultural pageant will be held along circular road around the park with the participation of all dancers.

A cultural exhibition in parallel to this festival is also scheduled to be held at the National Art gallery and John De Silva Memorial Theatre, Colombo 7. Artistic instruments of veteran artistes and the artistic products manufactured by cultural centres will be displayed at this exhibition. There will be several trade stalls for selling various artistic products.

Special seminars participated by eminent professional dancers will also be held at the John De Silva Memorial Theatre.

A souvenir on the history of traditional dance in Sri Lanka will be released in respect of this festival. The first round of the district dancing festivals was conducted from December 15 to 25 in all the districts including in North and East with the participation of traditional and professional dancers in those areas.

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