Buoyant Bunka

Tribute to Lanka's culture and arts:

That evening was too mesmerizing to forget! It was the blend of music and drama with its occident and oriental elements, when five Sri Lankan artistes were honoured. Abdul Rahim Noorul Ameerkhan (music), Prasannajith Abeysuriya (drama), Lakshman Joseph de Saram (music), Kasun Kalhara Jayawardhana (music) and Jayani Senanayake (drama) made the evening memorable following the award ceremony.

Abdul Rahim, Joseph de Saram and Kasun Kalhara had their indigenous Tamil, English and Sinhala touch respectively. Their music journeyed from slow rhythm to the fast beat. Prasannajith Abeysuriya and Jayani Senanayaka acted out different moments and modes in their theatre career. Arun Dias Bandaranaike amazed the audience with his bilingual moderation.

The last performance was by Sri Lanka-Japan Joint String Quartet. They included Ananda Dabare (1st Violin), Satish Casie Chetty (2nd Violin), Shogo Kanamori (Viola) and Shinichi Murata (Violencello). Japanese Embassy Charge d'Affaires Kaoru Shimazaki and Cultural Affairs and National Heritage Minister Mahinda Yapa Abeywardana were chief guests. They both insisted on the importance of cross cultural understanding in the process of peace development.

Japan and Sri Lanka are nations that share ancient historical and cultural affinities. Their links could well be traced back through the centuries. In recent years, this relationship has grown from strength to strength, particularly in economic areas.

There is yet more to be learnt on both cultures and nations. This was the driving force behind the Japan-Sri Lanka Friendship Cultural Fund.

The Fund was established in 1993 on the initiative of the Japanese Association and the Japanese Commerce and Industry Association in Sri Lanka, in collaboration with the Embassy of Japan.

Over 850 Japanese nationals resident in Sri Lanka and approximately 50 Japanese corporations with offices in this country comprise these two organizations which have financed the activities of the Fund. The Fund has also received donations from Japanese individuals and groups in Japan, all of which are placed in a trust account. For over fifteen years the Fund has presented annual Bunka (Cultural) awards to mid-career individuals and organizations on the basis of their ongoing creative activities in culture and arts, to encourage individual talent in the field of art in Sri Lanka.

The selections are made by a Joint Committee consisting of eminent Sri Lankans and representatives of the Japanese Association and the Japanese Commerce and Industry Association. -SM

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