In a significant cultural event on Monday, June 10 2024, the Shri Hela Higher Education Academy, under the auspices of the International Human Rights Commission (IHRC) and the Shri Hela Cultural Collaboration Foundation, facilitated a spectacular showcase of dance talent at the “Wes and Pahimpath Kalaeli Festival.” This event, held at the Abhinawarama Maha Vihara in Padiyathalawa, spotlighted the talents of children from the Padiyathalawa Divisional Secretariat Division who have dedicated themselves to the study of dance.

A collective of notable organizations including the Lanka Human Rights Organization, All Christian Rights Protection Organization, Kuveni Woman and Children Rights Protection Foundation, and the Sri Lankan Youth Api Foundation, collaborated to award certificates to 42 deserving children. These awards recognized their achievements in dance, cultivated through rigorous training and dedication.

During the festival, three prominent community figures were honored with the Shri Hela Abhiman Award: Mr. Herath Mudianselage Dayarathna, Mr. Lt. Col. T.H. Ajith, and Mrs. G.A. Chandrani Anoma Karunarathne, for their exceptional contributions to the arts and society.

Dr. Chrishantha J.K.M. Dissanayake, the Sri Lankan Commissioner of the IHRC and a foundational Founder / Director General of both the Shri Hela Cultural Collaboration Foundation and the Shri Hela Higher Education Academy, highlighted the importance of free education in dance provided by the academy under the direction of Mr. Thilina Jayasinghe, Zonal Coordinating Director of Eastern Shri Hela Cultural Collaboration Foundation and Volunteer Coordinator for the IHRC. Dr. Dissanayake emphasized the academy’s role in encouraging the children to pursue a quality education and envision a prosperous future, supported by the foundations’ initiatives.

The event was attended by key figures including Mr. Amaradasa Delankarachchi, Mr. Subramaniyam Prabakar, and Mr. Dananjaya Pranando, coordinators for the IHRC. Esteemed dance instructors Mr. Ajith Bandara and Mr. Sarath Senanayake, along with the Mahiyangana Cultural Center officer and the O.I.C. of the Padiyathalawa Police Division, were also present, underscoring the broad community support for the arts.

The spiritual leader of the venue, Rev. Kehel ulla Nanda Rathana Thero, Vihadipathi of Padiyathalawa Abhinawarama Maha Vihara, blessed the event, offering words of encouragement and spiritual guidance to all attendees.

This annual festival not only celebrates the rich tapestry of local arts but also plays a crucial role in fostering community solidarity and the development of the next generation through cultural education.

Reported by:
Dr. Chrishantha J.K.M Dissanayake
Commissioner of Sri Lanka, International Human Rights Commission