Host of prizes at National Youth Awards Festival

Wehelle Piyathilake Maharagama special correspondent

The 32nd National Youth Awards Festival 2010 and the annual aesthetic Tamasha of the National Youth Services Council will be held on December 29 at 6 pm at the National Youth Theatre, Maharagama.

This aesthetic program was started as a short drama festival in 1976. Only short dramas were included in the program. In 1980, this festival was extended to all the fields of the aesthetic sector.

It now includes drama, Udarata, Pahatarata, Sabaragamuwa and Bharatha Natyam dances, literature, photography wood carvings,art and sculpture competitions. More than 4,000 budding artists participate in the competitions in district, provincial and national levels.

A total of 310 short dramas and 34 lengthy dramas were received for the competition. Out of them 15 short plays and six lengthy dramas were selected for the national level finals. A total of 1,150 winners will receive awards at the festival. Youth Affairs and Skills Development Minister Dullas Alahapperuma will be the chief guest.

Winner will receive awards from veteran artists who are previous winners.

Deputy Minister Duminda Dissanayaka, Ministry Secretary SS Hewapathirana and Chairman and Director General Lalith Piyum Perera will also particpate.