President to open Performing Arts Theatre

President Mahinda Rajapaksa will open the country's first Performing Arts Theatre-Nelum Pokuna (Lotus Pond) Mahinda Rajapaksa theatre tomorrow. This Performing Arts Theatre donated by the People's Republic of China is a symbol of the centuries old friendship between the two countries closely interwind with Buddhism. A high level Chinese delegation will participate in the opening ceremony.

This theatre constructed according to a model of the historic Lotus Pond or Nelum Pokuna in Polonnaruwa has been built on the former Nomads grounds in Colombo 07.

It portrays an attempt made by the government to create opportunities for the people's entertainment at a time when the liberated country is steered towards the progress. The total expenditure incurred was Rs 3.08 billion with Chinese aid. The theatre consists of all modern amenities. It also consists of a movable stage and state-of-the-art sound control systems. The main auditorium has a seating capacity at 1,288 persons. It has a library, rehearsal halls and parking facility for 500 vehicles. The Theatre is a gift to the performing arts sector of the country and a valuable asset to the nation.