Fifty years of cultural bondage
Goethe Institute celebrates 50th Anniversary:
by Keerthi Bandara
The German Cultural and Educational Institute along with the Goethe
in Sri Lanka will celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2007. The theme for
this year for Goethe in Sri Lanka is "Buddhism and youthfulness". The
celebrations will take place throughout the year with film shows,
lectures, art exhibitions, workshops, discussions, music, dancing and
photographic presentations etc.
There are many other events too organized to popularise the exchange
of cultural and educational programmes among the Sri Lankans. In
addition to open discussions and workshops, facilities will be provided
for German language learners with the aim of instilling a deep
understanding of Germany and its people.
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Staff-Goethe Institut, Colombo |
Library facilities too will be provided and guidance will be given to
persons interested in doing their higher education in Germany.
Recently a special programme has been implemented in collaboration
with the Ministry of Education, Sri Lanka to teach German to English
teachers in public and private schools . Another programme sponsored by
the German Foreign Office is under way to distribute a booklet in German
language with places of tourist attractions in Sri Lanka.
According to the message given by the present Chancellor Dr. Jutta
Limbach there are lots to be done to improve the cultural ties between
Sri Lanka and Germany.
History has it that the cultural contacts between the two countries
go far beyond the 8th Century. The best evidence are the tourist notes
by "Marco Polo" and "Hermann Hasses", later on.
According to Richard Lang the Director of Goethe Sri Lanka though his
assignment in Sir Lanka is about 2 " years he has got to know many Sri
Lankans and is happy living and working here.
He appreciated the services rendered by the local and overseas staff
who have immensely contributed to the Goethe Institute for 50 years! He
promised to do his best for the institute. |
