Lotus Pond theatre opens a new era for the Arts

By L.S Ananda Wedaarachchi

Many leading Sri Lankan artistes underscored the importance of a theatre with ultramodern facilities such as “Lotus pond Mahinda Rajapaksa Theatre” as a national priority.

Internationally renowned operas such as “Swan Lake” could not be staged in Sri Lanka due to absence of a suitable theatre.

Presidential Advisor and leading Sinhala film actor Ravindra Randeniya said that “Lotus Pond” theatre is undoubtedly one of the ten best performing arts theatres in the world. It ranks with other national performing arts theatres in the world such as Sydney Opera house in Australia, and London Royal Albert Hall in U.K. Located in their respective capitals. Undoubtedly the theatre has filled a great void. This will certainly witness the beginning a new era in the native theatre industry.

The theatre is equipped with the latest digital sound, lighting and other requisite facilities. President Mahinda Rajapaksa deserves the nation’s encomiums for giving effect to the proposal performing art theatre in the capital. During president Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga’s term of office only the foundation stone was laid. The project could not get off the ground due to the Colombo Municipal Council refused to release the land.

President Mahinda Rajapaksa during his first official visit to China obtained the consent of the Chinese authorities to proceed with the theatre project in Colombo from the Chinese government. Chinese authorities initially agreed to finance only 60 percent of the project. President Rajapaksa succeeded in negotiating for an outright grant of Rs.300 million for the project.

Member of Parliament and veteran Sinhala film actress Malini Fonseka said she felt proud and happy when she visited the theatre recently. We have seen great theatres in foreign capitals such as Sydney Opera House and London Royal Albert Hall. Our artistes performed with great difficulties in very often without the basic facilities, she said. As a lover of arts President Rajapaksa himself appreciated the difficulties the local artistes faced due to lack of a full pledged theatre, she said. The present day artistes could perform better in a theatre such as this. They get the opportunity enjoying internationally acclaimed operas and dramas, she said.

Leading Sinhala Film artiste Anoja Weerasinghe said that the theatre is an invaluable asset to the country. The local artistes should make the optimum use of the facilities available to improve their skills and talents, she said.

A self contained theatre is a must to develop arts and culture of any nation. Hence it is a fabulous gift by the government of China.

Film and Drama Director Jayantha Chandrasiri said that the theatre will certainly widen the scope of Sri Lankan performing arts. It will be the spring-board for our artistes to achieve excellence in their specialised disciplines, he said.Reputed dancing maestro Channa Wijewardena said that some Sri Lankan professional artistes who performed in Europe, USA and Hong Kong could now perform in Sri Lanka.

He said that the seating capacity of the main hall has limited for 1,288 seats due to the travel limit of human voice. The other facilities such as stages, changing rooms, sound and lights are built to conform to the international standards. It is a worthwhile experience to perform in a theatre such as this, he said.Theatre idol Jackson Antony said that our artistes are competent enough to make the best use of the sophisticated theatre facilities.

While being a great asset to Sri Lankan artistes, it has also fulfilled a long felt need, he said.

He said that the theatre has the most advanced digital systems for sound and lighting. Chief Executive Officer of the theatre Cornell Senerath Nivunhalla said that Lotus pond theatre conforms to all international standards. It consists of a main theatre open air theatre, two mini theatres, operational unit, 13 dressing rooms, meeting halls, a rehearsal hall, two car parks and a canteen.

The stage which is adjustable has an area of 690 meters. The main auditorium with three stairs has a seat capacity of 1,288. The close circuit T.V. Network can see the stage from the dressing rooms. The theatre was constructed by Yanhien Co-China at an estimated cost of Rs.3000 million. President Mahinda Rajapaksa will open the “Lotus pond Theatre” on December 15. An opera produced by artistes such as Jayantha Chandrasiri Rohana Weerasinghe, Channa Wijewardena will be staged at the “Lotus Pond Theatre” to mark its opening. A Chinese opera will also be staged. A high powered Chinese delegation led by a Deputy Prime Minister will attend the opening ceremony.

Pix: Sudath Nishantha