Renaissance in art and culture

by Prof. Ariyarathna Kaluarachchi

Throughout the history of mankind it has become evident that for art to thrive in a country there should be peace and harmony. Similarly, soon after the eradication of terrorism, President Mahinda Rajapaksa embarked on his quest- the vision to make Sri Lanka the wonder of Asia.

As explicitly stated in the Mahinda Chinthana, his election manifesto, he has since focused on rapid development which not only considered strengthening our economy but also targeted its cultural development.

To ensure that the latter expectation is fulfilled, the President identified the right personnel who could assist in making his vision a reality. As a result, the former Minister of Cultural Affairs, Mahinda Yapa Abewardena and the present Minister T.B. Ekanayake have so far carried out the various tasks assigned by the President in a commendable manner.

Indeed, there is no argument with regard to the fact that the President and the government have provided their utmost services to uplift the standard of Sri Lankan culture, art and its creators-the community of artistes. The benefits of the endeavours have spread across a wide range of fields such as movies, teledramas, theatre, dance, music, visual arts, puppetry and oriental ballet.

Ranmini Thenna

Take for instance, the creation of the tele-village Ranmini Thenna in 2009 which has facilitated the filming of teledramas and films. The village was like a fresh water fountain for the directors and producers who as if lost in a desert were often in a desperate quest to find suitable locations for their productions.

In addition, the removal of import taxes from filming instruments and materials and the exemption of income tax payments for film productions that were within the budget of Rs. 35 million all contributed to the strengthening of the Sri Lankan film industry which was in a state of collapse.

It is no secret that these resulted in the qualitatively enhanced creative productions. In fact many such productions have already gained international recognition.

For example, director Prassanna Withanage's film Oba Netiwa Oba Ekka won wards at film festivals in France and Italy while also gaining popularity in India. Yet another significant achievement is the award won for Semige Kathava directed by Priyankara Withanachchige at the New York film festival. The main actor, Jagath Chamila was adjudged the Best Actor during the festival. To further encourage such achievements, the government donated a house to Jagath. Thanha Rathi Ranga directed by Nilendra Devapriya also won an award in New Delhi.

Apart from the cinematic milestones, box-office hits such as Abha, Siri Parakum, Kusa Pabha, Vijaya kuweni, Mahindaagamanaya and Siri Dalada Gamana are testimony that the audiences are now drawn to cinema halls free from the worry of possible terrorist attacks that prevented them from patronising cinema halls.

Initiative

Yet another initiative taken by the President is to recreate a typical Sri Lankan village populated with village folk who continue to engage in their authentic lifestyle although being centered in the city of Colombo. The Ape Gama is fully compatible with its literal meaning of being called 'Our Village' and exhibits village life as true to its context. The 'village' at the Battaramulla Folk Art Centre has a new administrative system to ensure its effective functioning.

The construction of the Mahinda Rajapaksa Nelum Pokuna Theatre which is on a par with the world's best theatres and the modernisation of the Bandaranaike theatre has provided local theatre lovers with the ultimate theatrical experience.

Apart from this, neglected theatres such as the Tower Hall and the Elphinstone were also refurbished and a new administrative structure was put in place to ensure quality service is sustained.

At present, one of the most popular theatres in the country, John de Silva, is being modernised by introducing the most up-to-date theatre technology. Can a performing artiste create art without a performance arena? Can the artiste successfully perform in front of an audience if the stage is poorly set? The President has thought of these fundamental issues and acted upon them, thus, doing a great service to the artistes.

Vision

Governments have been criticised for manipulating the artistes for political gain with false promises which were left unrealised. Also, critics have pointed out the favouritism given to Colombo based artistes as opposed to those who are living elsewhere. Having a farsighted vision, President Mahinda Rajapaksa built a National Art Institute in Kundasale, Kandy, where artistes can spend their leisure, engage in practising their art forms in fully equipped halls and open stalls that exhibit their art products. This huge art complex is only one of the many initiatives taken to promote art outside Colombo.

For artistes who do not have a personal mode of transportation, an interest- free loan scheme has been introduced and annually selections are made as to who would benefit from this loan scheme without any form of discrimination.

The following sub committees which came under the Art Council were further expanded to include several more to ensure that all art related subject areas are covered:

The Sub committee on Literature, Sub committee on Dance, Oriental Ballet and Puppetry, Sub committee on Visual Arts, Sub committee on Music, Sub committee on Drama.

Hence, separate sub committees on puppetry, oriental ballet, photography, television, Angampora, folklore, and research have been initiated. The main intention for these additions was to ensure that individual attention was given to each.

Exploring the possibility of promoting the artistic talents of the youth, the presidential initiative brought under the purview of the Ministry of Higher Education initiated the Kavitha talent show to provide a space for university students to demonstrate their artistic talents to the public. Similarly, talented students from various Cultural Centres have been identified and exposed to the international performing arts arena.

Tamil and Muslim artistes, who once shied away from the limelight, have ignited their creative spirit as a result of the peaceful environment prevailing in the country. For instance, the sub committee on dance celebrated the World Dance Day at the Weerasingham Hall in Jaffna by organising a colourful cultural dance festival.