Govt appreciates artistes’ service

Artistes would be given all necessary support in ensuring them a decent livelihood, said Urban Development and Sacred Area Development Minister Dinesh Goonawardene.

The Minister made this promise at a special discussion he had with the artistes of Attidiya ‘Kalapuraya’ at Moratuwa recently.

Artistes play a big role for the progress of the country. President, Prime Minister and the Government appreciate their services. At a time like this, I take every step possible to solve their problems concerning the ownership of the lands they occupy, the Minister said.

The Minister also promised to speak to both the Prime Minister who is in charge of the Tower Hall Foundation and Land Minister Jeevan Kumaratunge to address their issues in this regard.

A special committee was formed by the Minister comprising Tower Hall Director General Douglas Siriwardene, officials attached to the Urban Development Authority and several artistes present there to look into their problems as a short term measure.

Urban Development Authority Working Director Tissa Yapa, prominent artistes including Henry Jayasena, Arisen Ahubudu, Siril Wickramage, Anoja Weerasinghe and Yasodha Wimaladharma were also present at the discussion.