IDP children to be part of Uthuru Mithuru art exhibition

Harshini Perera

A war in any country would draw painful memories in the tender minds of children. Thus, it will obstruct their progress towards the development of the country said Deputy Minister of Social Services and Social Welfare, Lionel Premasiri declaring open the “Uthuru Mithuru” art exhibition scheduled to be held on May18 and 19 at the National Art Gallery, Colombo. A hundred students living in IDP camps in Settikulum, Vavuniya will form part of the invitees.

Over 350 paintings will be featured at the exhibition. Some of the paintings were earlier published in the Daily News. There will be 40 girls and 60 boys from different areas such as Mannar, Pooneryn, Mullaitivu and Kilinochchi would visit Colombo.

It will also give them the opportunity to mix with students in the South thereby providing an opportunity to forget their unhappy past, the Deputy Minister said.

Devi Balika Vidyalaya, Colombo and Ananda Vidyalaya has taken measures to accommodate them in their hostels together with students who can communicate in Tamil. Principals of the two schools said that they had taken this opportunity willingly to show affection towards the children.

Most of the paintings are on different themes such as Mother, Freedom and Honesty. They will make their appearance at the Art Gallery calling out for their lost freedom.