Awards for New Inventions in Arts

Kala Lowe Nava Nipayum Kirula 2010, an awards ceremony organised by the Sri Lanka Inventors Commission (SLIC) to introduce new inventions to the field of Arts was held at the Colombo Ananda College auditorium on January 8 under the patronage of Prime Minister Ratnasiri Wickramanayaka.

A press release by the SLIC Chairman Prof. Mahinda Pathegama said Pandit Amaradeva received the new inventors crown from the Prime Minister for his mando harp. Amaradeva also received a cash award of Rs. 100,000 and a Sannaspatra from the Prime Minister.

The winner of the all island new inventors competition H.M. Jagath Chandrakumara won the gold award for an instrument called 'tritar' produced by him.

An award made to late Dalton Alwis for his lyrics in the song Nivahal Nipeyum Mawana was received by his wife Mrs. Alwis and son Gaya Ramya Alwis from Prof. Mahinda Pathegama.

An award made to Somabandu Vidyapathi for planning Amaradeva's mando harp was received by his son Ravibandu Viyapathi.

A citation in memory of Tennyson Fernando who also assisted in turning out this harp was read by vocalist Edward Jayakody, while the award was received by Fernando's wife Rosanita Fernando and son Billie Fernando.

The 'Made in Sri Lanka' theme song of the SLIC was also introduced at this ceremony while Pandit Amaradeva entertained the audience with a series of songs assisted by a chorus.