Govt to propel art revival

Priyanka KURUGALA

Cultural and Arts Minister T B Ekanayake made an observation tour at the John de Silva Commemorative theatre and the National Art Gallery recently. Actor Shriyantha Mendis, Cultural and Arts Ministry Secretary Wimal Rubasinghe, Cultural Affairs Director Vijith Kanugala and Moratuwa University Construction Department officers also participated.

The government will develop the National Art Gallery and John de Silva Commemorative theatre to an international level, said Cultural and Arts Minister T B Ekanayake.

Modern equipment will be presented to the two centres, he said.

The minister made an observation tour of the John de Silva Commemorative theatre and National Art Gallery recently.

The government allocated Rs 323 million to develop the two centres on the instructions of President Mahinda Rajapaksa, he said. Permanent and special exhibition halls will be constructed attached to the National Art Gallery.

The exhibition halls can be used for art and sculpture exhibitions in national and international levels.

Artistes will be provided facilities to hold art and sculpture exhibitions. Art equipment conservation store, transmission hall, conference hall, new cafeteria, office complex and a vehicle park will also be constructed at the John de Silva Commemorative Hall under the programme.