We must develop arts - PM

Authorities should strive to clear the injustice caused to art if they are to develop and promote the arts sector in the country, said Prime Minister Ratnasiri Wickramanayaka when he attended a ceremony at the Kalutara District Secretariat to mark the opening of a workshop for Kalayathanayas on August 14.

He said that although the Kandy Esala Pageant was the foremost cultural event in the country the Sabaragamuwa, Raigam and Bentara traditions were not represented in it. That is why the 'Yak bera' had never been featured in this pageant. Officials should step in to clear such injustice.

Referring to terrorism which hindered the country's progress for nearly three decades, the Prime Minister said terrorism thrived due to lack of discipline and cultural values among society.

We could avoid this situation by creating a disciplined set of art enthusiasts through workshops of this nature, the Prime Minister said.

He said children attending Kalayatanayas could be disciplined and transformed into self reliant individuals who would not be a burden on the state.

The Prime Minister referring to a statement made by the Director of Cultural Affairs that they had to depend on state allocations to organise cultural events of that nature, said they should be able to muster wider support and sponsorship for art and culture by promoting wider contact and co-ordination with other sectors.

Kalutara District Secretary S. Hapuarachchi also spoke.