Creations of writers, artists should benefit country - Prime Minister

Milton Dharmasinghe, Bulathsinhala Spl. Corr.

HORANA: Prime Minister Ratnasiri Wickremanayake said in Horana that the time had come for writers and artists in Sri Lanka to make their creations for the benefit of their country.

He was speaking on the occasion of the presentation of awards to 32 literari who had rendered excellent services in the field of Sinhala, English and Tamil literature during the year 2006 on the final day of the National Literary Art Festival held on Sunday at Sri Palee Maha Vidyalaya, Horana. A large gathering of artists, literarati and writers attended the function.

The Prime Minister thanked the Minister of Cultural Affairs for having organised the 2007 National Literary Arts Festival in Horana and mentioned that if we work with the the interest of the country, people and language at heart, our rights would be protected.

Minister of Cultural Affairs Mahinda Yapa Abeywardhana said that during the past 50 years, a lot of benefits were granted to our literati, but they have been facing some difficulties in the past.

It has been the duty of our artists and writers to safeguard the arts of Sri Lanka. Everybody cannot become artists and writers other than a few. So these few should continue their writing for the sake of our country, people and language," he said.

He also added that there had been certain criticisms regarding the selection of literary works for State awards, but the Ministry has selected works of literature not by looking at the faces of the writers but by the contents of books and no other factors.

"Steps had been taken to encourage writers, young writers and specially schoolchildren to indulge in creative writing and they would be provided financial assistance.

The keynote address at this function was made by Speaker W. J. M. Lokubandara. Sahithyaratna awards worth Rs. 75,000 were presented to Prof. E. Murugiah, Prof. N. Ranasinghe and K. Jayathilaka respectively.