Belwood upgraded

by Anushka Nanayakkara

The Belwood Aesthetic Arts Institute has been converted to an International Performing Arts Institute.

Belwood Institute was founded in 1980. During the last couple of years the institute had to face many difficulties such as lack of funds and instructors. The training programmes which were offered did not have proper standard to compete with other institutions in the field of aesthetic arts, said Minister of Youth Affairs, Pavithra Wanniarachchi when she inspected the institute recently.

She said that the main objective of the institute should be to correct previous mistakes and combine the distinctive aspects of performing arts and the individuality of Sri Lankan artistes; taking them to international level. The Minister said the funds for the institute will be provided by the Ministry.

The first Head of the Belwood Institute Shirley Vyjayantha has taken over as the new Principal of the institute.