CULTURAL DIARY

Transformation of Emperor Ashoka

By Chelvatamby Maniccavasagar

The centre for Performing Arts (CPA) presented "Ashoka", the story of the warrior king of India who experienced conversion in his later life to Buddhism at the New Kathiresan Hall, Bambalapitiya, Colombo 4 recently. The outreach officer of the American Embassy, Colombo, Ms. Sina Jones was the chief guest.

The mimed performance was presented by a group of 60 youth selected from 20 CPA centers from the North, East, South and West of Sri Lanka and was supported by the Cultural and Educational Affairs of the US Department of State in Colombo.

From ancient times was and the devastation it brings, has always been a significant part of the history of mankind. Interestingly enough the twentieth century stands out as mankind's most violent period with the two World Wars and the recent conflicts that have plagued world consciousness, though it also boasts of a myriad civilising advancement in science and technology. It would seem that from history, we learn that was springing from a need to conquer, to invade, to expand by force has always been the strategy the leaders resort to in times of conflict and misfired negotiations.

But, there is yet another way to conquer. It is the way of the great sages and teachers of mankind. It is the conquest of the hearts of men through love and compassion which brings us to our story of Dharma Asoka, the Emperor of Peace.

More than two thousand years ago, when Orissa was known by the name of Kalinga, Emperor Ashoka launched a savage and merciless campaign against this small but hardy nation. So complete was the devastation that the River Mahanadi which flow past the battlefield turned red with the steaming blood of the slain. However, surveying the gruesome fruits of his victory Ashoka became filled with revulsion and remorse. This was a great moment. Remembering the pleas of his wife Vidishadevi, for him to turn from the way of violence to the path of peace and compassion, Ashoka embraced the doctrines of Buddhism.

It was at this moment of Ashoka's deepest, darkest despair, when his soul was crying out for illuminations of love which he once knew, that divine grace planted the seed of his transformation and brought new light into his life, and thence to the world. Such is the miraculars mystery of divine grace.

As his devotion of Buddhist ideals grew, he used his power and position as Emperor to spread the Law of Righteousness throughout his empire. His edicts and inscriptions on rocks and pillars found all over India are testimony to the extent of the spread of Buddhism during his region. It was Ashoka who first made Buddhism into a world religion. And he stands out in history as a rare individual of his stature to experience this miraculous transformation which brought the illuminating light of love, compassion and righteousness to the hearts of man. He was indeed Dharmashoka, the Emperor of Peace.

In the first Act Emperor Ashoka and his subjects are celebrating the vastness of his Empire (Pataliputra) which almost covers the entire continent of India, but there is still are Kingdom that is holding out against Ashoka's might.

In his arrogance, Ashoka sends a declaration of war to Kalinga. At the border, the messenger meets a cousin who belongs to Kalinga's army. Sadly they muse over the fact that soon they will have to cross swards.

At Kalingaraja's beautiful court, he is seen as a peace-loving and civilized king who will not bow down to Ashoka's tyrannical arrogance. He receives the message of war and accepts the challenge.

Semage's paintings at Sri Lankan Festival in Japan

Kalasuri Jayasiri Semage participated in the Sri Lanka Festival head at Yoyogi Park, Tokyo, Japan recently. As on previous occasion he held an exhibition of his paintings at the invitation of the Sri Lankan Embassy in Japan.

The impressive pandal put up by Semage at the entrance to the festival was a special attraction. The pandal depicted traditional Sri Lankan artistic symbols such as "Punkalas", guardstones, lion images and 'Liyavel'. Japanese art lovers rarely get an opportunity to see such beautiful creations.

Semage's paintings are unique in that they stand out from creation turned out by other Sri Lankan painters. His creations have followed the world famous Sigiri and Ajantha frescoes.

The festival was meticulously organised by the Sri Lankan Embassy in Japan under the direction of Ambassador Asala Weerakoon. It's usual the festival was put together by Minister Counsellor, Commercial D. M. Ratnayake who has four years of experience in doing such activities.

One important incident that took place on this occasion was the handing over of an oil painting completed by Semage in a short time to Asala Weerakoon.

The painting depicted two damsels carrying "Kiripidu" (milk rice) to the Buddha.

Art auction to add colour to Kala Pola 2011

The sidewalks of Ananda Coomaraswamy Mawatha in Colombo 07, alongside and opposite the National Art Gallery, will come alive at 8.00 am on Sunday January 23 with Sri Lanka's popular open air art fair 'Kala Pola'.

This colourful event, once again, promises to offer visitors a myriad of artistic creations representing a kaleidoscope of talent and skill of the Island's artists and sculptors.

Presented by the George Keyt Foundation, Kala Pola has continued to enjoy the patronage of the John Keells Group for 17 consecutive years. Launched way back in 1993, Kala Pola drew inspiration from the open air summer art fairs in European capitals such as the legendary Montmartre in Paris. The deep rooted rationale for its existence goes beyond the mere search for fascinating colour, exuberance and camaraderie.

Kala Pola is a key platform for artists and sculptors to launch and build their careers. Not only does it help them build a steady clientele, but also promotes art as a lucrative and professional career. Because of Kala Pola, many artists have become successful professionals: some have even gone on to launch careers in the international arena.

The event will feature almost 300 artists and sculptors who will showcase their creativity to a rapidly growing Sri Lankan and expatriate clientele in an atmosphere filled with music, fun and contagious bonhomie.

This year's Kala Pola will also include the novel feature of an art auction, where some of the best creations of artists who have participated in Kala Pola over time will be on offer. This is possibly the first such art auction to be held in the country.

President of the George Keyt Foundation, Cedric de Silva said, "We're proud to note that Kala Pola which had a very humble beginning almost two decades ago, has now grown into a major national event.

Each year it attracts hundreds of artists and sculptors from all parts of the country and affords them the rare opportunity to display their work to a large number of buyers. This is undoubtedly a boon to these highly talented yet very simple men and women, some of whom may not be able to exhibit in Colombo's established art galleries."

Swarna Varna painting exhibition

One of the exhibits

Cyril Wickremasinghe will hold an exhibition of his paintings at the Lionel Wendt Art Gallery, Colombo 7 from January 21-23.

The exhibits include expression drawings, scenes from Jataka stories and temple murals.

The exhibition marks 50 years as an artist and art teacher.

Film screening

Three films Kadavuna Poronduwa (broken promis), Ashoka Mala and Kapati Arakshakaya will be screened on 21st January at the National Film Corporation to mark 64 years of Sinhala cinema and 38th anniversary of the NFC.

Course of Cinema in Tamil

National Film Corporation calls for applications for the Course of Cinema in Tamil medium conducted by the National Film Corporation. The prospective candidates can submit their applications from January 3 to 28.

The trains of dreams

The premier of the maiden teledrma by Niroshan Illeperuma, Sihina Aran Enna ( The trains of dreams) and the launch of the website will be held on January 20 at Hotel Taj Samudra.

Colambage's maiden exhibition opens today

An exhibition of paintings, titled `The Sinharaja' will be held at the Lionel Wendt Art Gallery, Colombo 7, today. Painter Jayasena Colambage's 'The Sinharaja' will be his maiden art exhibition where he will exhibit about 50 paintings on the world heritage rain forest the Sinharaja.

Colambage said the exhibition will be an educationally useful for all age groups, especially schoolchildren who study biodiversity and the environment as co-curricular subjects. The painter had visited the Sinharaja on many occasions to get a clear picture of the biodiversity, the environment, the fauna and the flora of the forest. He said, the value of human relationship and the biological importance with regard to the Sinharaja forest is very high.

The great biodiversity of the forest is the result of the high rainfall throughout the year.

Pradeepanjalee XVI

Various worlds of music will come together to bring out a sound that is at once international and Sri Lankan when Pradeep Ratnayake brings his new music to the Sri Lankan audience after an absence of two years when he presents Pradeepanjalee XVI at the Lionel Wendt on January 22 at 7 pm.