Nalaka bags Aryabhata International Award

Nalaka Swarnathilake has been honored with the coveted Aryabhata Award in recognition of his exceptional contribution towards children's talent development.

Nalaka receiving the Aryabhata International Award on stage

Nalaka with some of the other recipients

The 37th Aryabhata International Awards were held on April 28 in Bangalore, India.

The Aryabhata organization confers the awards on noted achievers for their outstanding accomplishments in their respective fields of expertise. This year's recipients include 34 individuals from UK, USA, Malaysia, Baharain, Dubai, Sri Lanka and India.

Aryabhatta Cultural Organisation came into existence in the 1975, in memory of launching of the First Indian Indigenious Artificial Satellite 'Aryabhata'.

The organization has instituted an award in memory of Aryabhata, the great astronomer, mathematician and also the name of the first Indian satellite to recognize the achievers of India and abroad across the fields of science, law, arts, literature, music, dance, film, media, theatre and education.

Nalaka has been selected for his work in creating children's programs and drama in radio, television and stage with educational value, and also identifying and developing the hidden talents of many children involved in his creations. His work includes television and stage dramas like 'Dangamalla', 'Anne' and 'Mama Wenama Malak' which gained a huge popularity across the country. He is also the author of 'Obe Vatinakama Wadi Kara Ganna' (Improving your self worth).

A journalist by profession, Nalaka functioned as the Chief News Editor at Swarnavahini during his career.

He established the Institute of Media and Performing Arts (IMAP) last year with the objective of developing young children's artistic talents.

During the last few years, Nalaka has been instrumental in organizing and conducting workshops in many schools around the island, aimed at developing and strengthening the knowledge, talent and skill of school children.

Nalaka was also honored with the Bunka award presented by the Japanese government.