March 29, Colombo (LNW): President Ranil Wickremesinghe, on an inspection tour, visited the John de Silva Memorial Theatre and the National Art Gallery, both of which have faced prolonged delays despite construction starting in 2011.
During his visit, President Wickremesinghe instructed officials to accelerate the opening of the National Art Gallery by year’s end, stressing the importance of consensus among artists and architects. He pledged government support for necessary financial allocations and raised the question of providing high-standard, affordable theaters in Colombo once the John de Silva Theatre is completed.
The President emphasized the significance of consulting dramatists in decision-making regarding construction and maintenance projects. He directed the Ministry Secretary to explore options for reviving the Lumbini Theatre and the Nawarangahala, and instructed steps to construct a drama theatre at Colombo’s Sudarshi premises.
Furthermore, President Wickremesinghe highlighted the need to establish a national cultural zone encompassing Nelum Pokuna, Kalabhavana, John de Silva Memorial Theatre, Museum, and related areas. He tasked the Cultural Affairs Ministry with preparing a comprehensive report on this initiative. Additionally, he urged officials to elevate Sri Lanka’s museum system to international standards and identify a suitable country for mentorship in this regard.
Joining the event were Secretary of the Ministry of Buddha Sasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs Somaratne Vidanapathirana, Additional Secretary Thilak Hettiarachchi, Director General of the Department of Cultural Affairs Yasintha Gunawardena, the team of architects from the University of Moratuwa who designed the buildings, and Navy officers overseeing National Art Gallery renovations.
Notable figures such as Prof. Praneeth Abhayasundara, Prof. Chandragupta Thenuwara, Parakrama Niriella, Mohamed Safeer, and Saman Athaudahetti also shared their perspectives on behalf of the artists.
