Lankan children shine at int'l art contest

Three Sri Lankan children were awarded two prizes and Honourable Mention at the XVI International Artistic Contest of Children and Youth "Always Green, Always Blue" held in Poland this year. Presentation of awards of this biennial event was held recently in Torun.

On behalf of the Sri Lankan children and institutions, Ambassador Pamela J. Deen, Sri Lanka's envoy to Poland received the prizes and the certificates awarded to them. Director of the Children's Creative Art Centre and Gallery Mr. Darlusz Delik praised the talent of Sri Lankan children and mentioned that entries from Sri Lanka could be easily identified as they have been using vibrant colours. Sri Lanka has been taking part in the competition since its induction.

Jayath Wattewewa of Sampath Rekha International Art Academy in Gothatuwa New Town and Umedya Saruwa Bandara Thesarani of Sigithi Kala Padanama in Galle have been awarded prizes and work of Kavishi Samadi Gammage of Sampath Rekha International Art Academy in Gothatuwa New Town received Honourable Mention.

In addition to that eight Sri Lankan Academies and Art Galleries who sent entries were recognised for their work for encouraging children to participate in the competition.

International Artistic Contest of Children and Youth "Always Green, Always Blue" was organised by the Children's Creative Art Centre and Gallery in Torun in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture and National Heritage, the office of the Governor of the Kujawsko - Pomorskie Voivodeship in Torun, The City office of Torun and the Kujawsko - Pomorskie branch of the Association 'the Polish Commonwealth' in Torun. 22,940 works from 51 countries have been sent for the competition this year.

Out of that 1251 works from 48 countries have been qualified for the exhibition. 52 prizes, 48 honourable mentions and 2 prizes for institutions for collections of works have been awarded. Among them, 15 entries from Sri Lanka have been displayed.