The artistic talents of 30 young people were appreciated, when they were presented the ‘Vincent van Gogh’ award at the Mihira Brihaspathy Children’s Art Competition 2018 at a ceremony held recently, at the Public Library Auditorium, Colombo. They were also awarded Rs.25,000/= and one year’s subscription to Mihira newspaper, each.
Mihira, the oldest children’s weekly in the country and Brihaspathi Academy, a newly established school of performing arts in Colombo came together to provide opportunities to improve their aesthetic skills. Their effort was strengthened by the sole sponsorship of Ranpath Paper Pvt. Ltd.
The competition was held under three age categories; 7 to 10; 11 to 14; and 15 to 18. The long term objective of this joint effort is to help our future generations become holistic citizens through inculcating aesthetic values in young people, said the sponsor and organisers.
Follow up ‘art workshops’ will be held at district level, open for students interested in Art. Winners and participants will be followed up, encouraged and supported to develop their talents through these workshops where they would be given individual attention and instruction from famous artists of the country, they said.
Many veteran artists and academics were invited to grace the occasion with Nanda Malini, Thilakarathne Kuruwita Bandara, Bandula Harischandra, Harris Wijesinghe, H.K. Dayaseela, B.T. Mendis , Prof Raj Somadewa, Kumara Liyanage and Nishan Hewage being special invitees. Visharadha Nanda Malini and journalist Kuruwita Bandara delivered guest speeches, while students of Brihaspathi Academy presented a song and dance item.
Lake House Editorial Director Chandrasiri Senevirathne, Deputy General Manager Rasantha Chandrathileka, Managing Director of Ranpath Paper Pvt. Ltd. Niroon Buddhasiri, Director Brihaspathi Academy Harshadeep Walgoda and Mihira Editor Jagath Hewapanna were also present.
(VF)