A multi-ethnic drama troupe began on Thursday, a two-year journey across Sri Lanka in a mobile theatre complex constructed and equipped with support from the people of America, states a US Embassy press release.

The brainchild of two veteran Sri Lankan dramatists, Parakrama Niriella and H. A. Perera, this local initiative - called 'Jana Karaliya' - aims to promote community level peaceful co-existence and conflict mitigation through self-awareness developed through drama and theatre.

The project represents a partnership between local dramatists and the Ministry of Cultural Affairs and National Heritage; FLICT and HIVOS, which are covering operating costs for two or more years; and the US Agency for International Development (USAID), which provided support for the tent, stage, bleachers and other start-up costs.

From March 10 through 15 in Colombo, Jana Karaliya will stage 6.30 nightly performances at the Nomads ground, adjoining the John de Silva Memorial Theatre, on Green Path in Colombo 7. On March 17, the mobile theatre group will hold a 9 a.m. workshop at which the public can help improvise a novel play.

"The enthusiasm and camaraderie among these multi-ethnic dramatists is infectious and shows us how strong the bonds of common purpose and trust can be," Dr. Carol Becker, USAID Mission Director, said before the inaugural ceremony.

"The wide-ranging pathway of Jana Karaliya over the next two years - and its interaction with communities - will give these young Sri Lankans a unique opportunity to model what participation, collaboration and inclusiveness is all about. I think it's exciting, and USAID is privileged to be part of the partnership that helped make the initiative possible."

From Colombo Jana Karaliya will travel to Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Trincomalee and Jaffna, spending several weeks in each district, before returning to points South, East and West. Over the course of two years, the mobile theatre initiative is scheduled to stop at least twice in each province.

Community involvement in the project will be developed through outreach activities, drama workshops and use of the stage for locally developed performances and exhibitions with relevant themes.