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| Tuesday, 2 December 2003 |
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by Irangika Range A festival to celebrate Sri Lanka Artistes' Day and Vanamal Gee Sara, the final contest of the Sri Lanka State Amateur Singing Competition, organised by the Tower Hall Theatre Foundation, Cultural Affairs Department, Education, Human Resources and Cultural Affairs Ministry and the Sirasa FM, will be held on December 5 at 5 p.m. at the BMICH. Education, Human Resources and Cultural Affairs Minister Dr.Karunasena Kodithuwakku and the Power and Energy Minister Karu Jayasuriya will be the chief guests. The Tower Hall Theatre Foundation Director General Indika P. Chandrathilaka told a press briefing that the aim of the Vana Mal Gee Sara State Amateur Singing Competition was to celebrate Sri Lankan Artistes Day and to lend a helping hand to skilful beginners. She said it was one of the unique services of the Tower Hall Theatre Foundation since 1978. The late President Ranasinghe Premadasa established the Tower Hall Theatre Foundation and it has facilitated Sri Lankan artistes in various ways. She said the first Artistes Day was celebrated on December 6 last year. A total of 3,000 applications were received by the organising committee. Ten candidates were selected for the final contest. Minister Kodithuwakku appreciated the contestants' artistic talents. Participants from the urban and rural areas have displayed their abilities of singing old songs," he said. "Our children also have shown that they protect our cultural heritages. Qualified candidates will receive professional training". He said the program had been implemented by the Tower Hall Theatre to preserve the old songs. Under this program, two cassettes have already been launched. They are Yatagiya Bodhu Gee 1 and Hadha Bandhi Gee 2. More musical events including stage dramas, virudhu shows, Baila show, circus and puppet shows will also be held. Singers who contributed to the Hadha Bandhi Gee first cassette will receive donations from the National Lotteries Board. Gold medals will be awarded to officers who have completed 20 years of service at the Tower Hall Theatre. Twelve singers who have contributed more than 40 years of service to the art will be awarded. Besides the Sri Lanka Artistes Fund will give donations to artistes. |
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