Chinese grant for top Performing Arts Theatre

Rasika SOMARATHNA

Sri Lanka would soon own a fully-fledged Performing Arts Theatre meeting international standards. This will be built with a grant from China.

The theatre complex is to be completed in 26 months at a prime location in the city, got off the ground yesterday with both countries signing the construction agreement at the BMICH, under Prime Minister Rathnasiri Wickremanayake’s patronage.

This unique centre for artistes would be built in the former Nomads Ground premises and would include halls, pavilions, dressing rooms, a 1,288 seater theatre and would cater to recitals, dramas, symphonies etc. It will be managed by the Cultural Affairs Ministry.

The Prime Minister hailing the occasion as one which further strengthened Sri Lanka and China ties, added that the project which was agreed upon the two leaders about two years back would give a boost to the performing arts sector.

Cultural Affairs Minister Mahinda Yapa Abeywardene thanked the Chinese Government and described this as the gift of the century.

Chinese Ambassador Ye Dabo noted that this would provide ample space for performing arts, greatly enhancing people’s aesthetic conceptions and enriching their daily lives.

He added that China would remain committed to assisting the social and economic development of Sri Lanka, a true and time honoured friend of China.