National literary festival in A'pura next week

Rasika SOMARATHNA

ANURADHAPURA: The National Literary Arts Festival-2006 would take off the ground on September 15 in Anuradhapura, heralding an exponential revival of Sri Lankan Literature and Culture.

The festival is to be held from September 15-18 with a variety of events depicting the unique Sri Lankan literature and culture.

To coincide with the occasion the organisers have arranged a number of programmes aimed at strengthening the literary foundation in the country. The concluding awards ceremony is to be held on September 18 under the patronage of President Mahinda Rajapaksa.

Minister of Cultural Affairs and National Heritage Mahinda Yapa Abeywardene addressing a press gathering last Wednesday said, "A true literary man's aim should be to educate the masses through his creations. In fact he should be a flag-bearer in social development.

"A literary creation should not only be a source of entertainment, it should also be a instrument in awareness building and deciding the parameters of humanity," the Minister said.

According to the Minister the intention of holding this festival annually is to propagate these noble visions. "I don't like to sanction any artistic creation, but if the message portrayed through this creation is harmful to the society as a whole, then I have no option but to oppose it with the best interest of the masses in mind" the Minister added.

Cyril C. Perera (Sinhala Literature), K. Sachithanandan (Tamil Literature) and Prof. D.C.R.A. Gunethilake (English Literature) would receive the most prestigious "Sahithyarathna" award this year in recognition of their service to the Sri Lankan literature.

In addition awards are to be presented to other outstanding literary creations which were published during last year. The awardees have been selected by an eminent panel of Judges.

In a novel addition at this year's festival the Department of Cultural Affairs has taken steps to publish ten chosen creative literatures selected from this year's all-island competition for up and coming young creators. This effort has been taken with the view of encouraging the newcomers.

The Literary Magazine-2006 is also to be launched to coincide with the occasion. The organisers have taken steps to provide accommodation and travelling facilities to all the participants.

To coincide with the occasion the Ministry has planned to renovate 50 libraries in the Anuradhapura District.

These have been chosen from the conflict affected areas and the Minister appealed for public support to make this endeavour a success by providing books.

This year's festival has been organised by the Department of Cultural Affairs and National Literary Board affiliated to the Sri Lankan Arts Board.