SAARC Cultural Center observed the 36th SAARC Charter Day on the 8th of December 2020 at the Centre premises in a very charming, yet in an elegant manner to embrace the decisive steps taken by the Heads of Eight Member States to develop South Asia’s unique identity through its Cooperation towards each member state. This day marks the adoption of SAARC Charter which reckoned the establishment of South Asia’s Regional Cooperation (SAARC) at its very first Summit meeting held in Dhaka in 1985 with the inaugural participation of all the Heads of States.
As we celebrate the 36th year of commemoration, Member States of the SAARC show cased the re-affirmation of their strong commitment towards fostering the mutual connectivity within the region and stabilizing the regional ties. It recognizes the determination and commitment of the Member States of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka in furthering the acceleration of socio economic and cultural development in the region.
Through out the past decade, with the establishment of SAARC Cultural Centre in Colombo, Sri Lanka in 2009, with the gracious imagination and the Great Vision and Mission of the former President His Excellency Mahinda Rajapaksha (presently the Honourable Prime Minister and the Honourable Minister of Buddha Sasana and Cultural Affairs) it has been functioning as the Centre par Excellence in restoring, developing and promoting the culture and its distinctive aspects of the region through a variety of activities and Research to facilitate the cultural development within the region. The Centre has paved the path for many cultural programmes intending to cultivate the mutuality in cultural cooperation. SAARC Charter Day, one of the highlights in the Calendar of Activities of the Centre, marks and symbolizes the utmost commitment and the accomplishment of the Member States in pursuing and attaining its goals.
However, the year 2020 witnessed a reception attended by a limited number of officials representing the SAARC Cultural Centre, due to the prevailing COVID-19 Pandemic situation as it affected the activities of proposed by the Center as well. Therefore, the 36th SAARC Charter Day was not grandeur as it was before, and held keeping the health guidelines issued by the respective authorities of the host country and the instructions given by the SAARC Secretariat.
Thus, the reception commenced with the Director’s welcome of the officials of the SAARC Cultural Centre, and a brief of the History and significance of the SAARC Charter Day. Thereafter, she orated the Message of His Excellency the President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, Mr. Gotabaya Rajapaksa (Click here) The President has made a special reference to the recent efforts taken in establishing and moderating SAARC COVID-19 emergency fund and its operationalization. Further he has reaffirmed the continuous support and firm commitment to the SAARC process and progress.
Following the oration of the His Excellency the President, she orated the message sent by the Honourable Prime Minister and the Minister of Buddha Sasana and Cultural Affairs of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, Mr. Mahinda Rajapaksa. The speech made the point of placing utmost commitment to make the regional mechanism dynamic and result oriented for the benefit of common progress of the region. Further the message noted Sri Lanka’s full and firm commitment to taking forward the organisation and its principles (Click here).She further orated the message sent by His Excellency the Secretary General of the SAARC. Mr. Esala Ruwan Weerakoon. His message marked the appreciation towards the initiative of SAARC Covid-19 emergency fund and commended the continuous efforts of the Member States in mitigating the Covid-19 pandemic (Click here).
Later, the Director invited the Deputy Director for Programmes to read out the message sent by the Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr. Dinesh Gunawardena of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka. He made a special reference highlighting Sri Lanka’s cooperation and firm determination in achieving shared vision of achieving prosperity for the people of the region (Click here).
Following the oration of the felicitation messages, the reception concluded with serving of refreshments to the officials present.
i. Date: 8th March 2020
ii. Venue: Bangladesh
iii. Programme: Non-Participatory
iv. Theme: “Women in Handicraft sector of Bangladesh”
8th of March is observed as the SAARC International women’s Day coinciding with the International Women’s Day celebrations held around the globe. This year, the Centre organizes this programme in association with the Ministry of Women and Child affairs of Bangladesh. The 2020 programme aims at recognising “Women in Handicraft sector of Bangladesh”.
Handicrafts of Bangladesh can be traced back to the time immemorial and it includes textile, metal works, jewelry, woodworks, clay, pottery and jute products. Over the time, the handicrafts of Bangladesh have gained much attention and still in the momentum of acquiring recognition around the globe. Women play a predominant role in the handicraft sector of Bangladesh comprising of self-employed & home-based workers. As this year’s celebrations are taking place in Bangladesh, the role of women in Handicrafts sector of Bangladesh will be highlighted.
The focus of the programme is a Forum of discussion titled ‘Expression of Womanhood through Handicrafts’. This forum is expected to generate productive outcomes that would be instrumental in the development of Handicrafts sector. Significantly to discuss matters which are more relevant to the handicraft sector in the region of South Asia; like using online platform for marketing, highlighting sustainable materials of the handicrafts, relating crafts and folk-tales. The programme will acknowledge prominent women personalities from the Handicraft sector of Bangladesh. The key note address will focus on prospective aspects of crafts as the only alternative for sustainable life products. Through this Forum, speakers will be sharing their life journey as artisans: their challenges and successes. The SAARC Cultural Centre strongly believes that this interactive platform would facilitate the exchange of experiences and will spark the motivation and confidence among the women aspirants.
1. BACKGROUND
The “South Asian Cultural Trails” was approved by the 18th SAARC Summit in Kathmandu in November 2014. The Islamic Cultural Trails is the third Research Grant on South Asian Cultural Trails and was approved by the 10th Governing Board Meeting of the SAARC Cultural Centre and the 56th Session of the Programming Committee of SAARC. The Research Grants will provide an opportunity for the Member States to explore new research areas and sites along the Islamic Cultural Trails. This will also act as a precursor to the Cultural Trails proposed for the future and lay the ground work in research to look at Cultural Trails as connected routes where ideas, information and knowledge travelled in all directions. 8 Research Grants will be disbursed, one for each Member State.
2. OBJECTIVES OF THE RESEARCH GRANT
2.1 To encourage new research through the SAARC Research Grants on the Cultural Trails of the SAARC Region.
2.2 To encourage new research on identification of new sites, locations, cultural trails, tangible and intangible heritage associated with Islamic Cultural Trails.
2.3 To facilitate new research and new approaches to study the Islamic Cultural Trails as an integrated entity.
2.4 To study and analyse all different perspectives and areas which influenced the establishment, development and continuation of the Cultural Trails in the Region.
2.5 To present innovative measures for the conservation and preservation of tangible and intangible cultural heritage of the SAARC Region.
3. RESEARCH GRANT OVERVIEW
One research proposal will be selected from each Member State to be awarded the short-term Research Grant of US$ 1,000/=. The selection of Research Proposals will be carried out by a team of experts selected by the SAARC Cultural Centre.
The SAARC Cultural Centre invites Academics and Researchers from Member States to submit detailed Research Proposals (along with the detailed budget breakdown for US$ 1,000/=) for new and innovative short-term research projects on the Islamic Cultural Trails. The first instalment of the grant (US$ 500/=) will be made at the commencement of the Research Project. The final payment is subject to the review of the final presentation made to a team of experts via video conferencing and submission of the Final Research Report. Any suggestions / recommendations made by the SCC team of experts at this stage should be included in the research process by the respective researchers.
At the completion of the research project, each researcher will be required to submit a Research Report of academic quality to be published in the “South Asian Cultural Trails” publication series of the SAARC Cultural Centre in 2020. Academics and Researchers are encouraged to present the Research Project at a local or international forum within one year and to disseminate the knowledge gathered with the relevant stakeholders (academic discussion, tourism industry, sustainable development, etc.). Relevant documents with regard to the above dissemination of information should be sent to the SCC.
4. RESEARCH PROJECT THEMES
The following themes have been identified for the Research Seminar and Research Grant on Islamic Cultural Trails. However, research proposals based on different themes will also be accepted depending on their content and relevance to the Islamic Cultural Trails.
4.1 Islamic Cultural Trails – (Refer to Annexure 1 for Details).
4.2 Identification of New Sites and Locations along the Islamic Cultural Trails.
4.3 Comparative Studies of Islamic sites (monuments, mosques, minarets, tombs, etc.,) in the Region.
4.4 Comparative Research and interpretation of Landscape values of Islamic gardens.
4.5 Travels of Islamic Pilgrims.
4.6 Cultural Symbolism of Islam.
4.7 Art and Architecture of ICT.
4.8 Archaeology of ICT.
4.9 Intangible Heritage of ICT (Music, dance, folk art, folk stories, traditional healing, handicrafts, etc.).
4.10 Trade and Commerce of ICT.
4.11 Manuscripts, texts and inscriptions, languages and scripts of Islam.
4.12 Technology of ICT (Irrigation, engineering, agriculture, etc.)
4.13 Cultural Diffusion of Islam.
4.14 Heritage Management of ICT sites.
4.15 Tourism promotion of ICT.
5. ELIGIBILITY
5.1 Academics, Scholars and Researchers of the SAARC Member States.
5.2 Academics, Scholars and Researchers who have received Research Grants from the SAARC Cultural Centre previously will not be eligible.
6. APPLICATION PROCESS
6.1 Format for the Application is attached herewith as Annexure 2
6.2 Each Member State can forward any number of Research Proposals for consideration.
6.3 Research Proposals should be for an innovative and new research based on the themes mentioned above (No. 4 of this document).
6.4 New themes related to Islamic Cultural Trails.
6.5 All sections of the application should be completed (Part A, B and C).
6.6 Incomplete applications will not be considered.
6.7 Applications must be forwarded to the SAARC Secretariat in Kathmandu, Nepal through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs/Ministry of External Affairs of the Member State.
6.8 An advance copy can be emailed to the SAARC Cultural Centre – scc@saarcculture.org with copy to dd-research@saarcculture.org
6.9 All Research Proposals must reach the SAARC Cultural Centre by 31st October 2019.
6.10 The Research Grant will be distributed in 2 instalments – The first instalment (US$ 500/=) at the commencement of the project and final instalment (US$ 500/=) after the submission of the final report with reviewers’ comments.
6.11 Each recipient of the SAARC Research Grant must submit a research report of academic quality.
6.12 The final payment is subject to the review of the final presentation made to a team of reviewers via video conferencing. Any suggestions/recommendations made by the SCC team of reviewers at this stage should be included in the research process by the respective researchers.
7. TIME SCHEDULE
7.1 Deadline for accepting research proposals – 31st October 2019
7.2 Selection of research proposals – 30th November 2019
7.3 Commencement of the research -10th December 2019
7.4 Submission of final report – 31st March 2020
7.5 Presentation of the research to the team of reviewers – May 2020
7.6 Resubmitting the research report with reviewers’ comments – June 2020
1) INTRODUCTION
SAARC Cultural Centre will be holding the SAARC Film Festival for the 9th consecutive year in 2019 in Sri Lanka. The SAARC Film Festival has built a reputation as being a very important platform and focal point for the promotion, celebration and enjoyment of some of the best films from the SAARC Region. A reputed panel of international judges will select the best films and recognise the individuals who are at the very core of this creativity as a form of encouragement and respect to continue producing quality, thought provoking and representational films for the Region.
The SAARC Film Festival 2019 will focus on films created in South Asia and first screened after 1st May 2017. Directors and artistes of these films will be invited to participate in the workshop, which is conducted to encourage and improve future productions.
Please send in nominations and benefit from the exposure this magnificent event will bring to the industry, artistes, vision and creativity of the directors and movie makers of each valued SAARC Member State. Most importantly, be present as we showcase a very special part of culture and art within our varying and wonderfully diverse Member States.
As such, the SAARC Cultural Centre looks forward to receiving the valued nominations of Member States at the earliest convenience and no later than the deadlines specified below. We warmly invite the Member States to join us, as we resume our journey in 2019 to bring South Asian film to the forefront of the international film world.
2) FILM CATEGORIES FOR NOMINATIONS
There will be three film categories open for nominations at the SAARC Film Festival 2019:
3) SAARC FILM FESTIVAL RULES AND REGULATIONS (CATEGORY A & CATEGORY B)
4) MASTER FILMS
5) DATES AND VENUE
Dates: 2nd – 7th July 2019, including the following:
Venue: The Cinema Hall, National Film Corporation, Sri Lanka
6) SAARC FILM AWARDS 2019
The following 12 Awards will be presented at the SAARC Film Awards 2019 on the 7th July 2019, selected by a panel of jury members from non-SAARC Member States. The decision of the panel will be final.
7) PARTICIPATION OF FILM DIRECTORS AND OTHER FILM ARTISTES
8) OTHER TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS
1. All films submitted for the Festival (Feature Films, Short Films and Master Films) should be submitted in DCP in 2K/4K (D Cinema) format or Blu – ray format and downloadable data format.
2. Downloadable data format specifications:
If the film is available in a different file format or on DVD, a conversion to H.264 is recommended. File conversion is offered by the software “HandBrake”, which is free of charge and available for all popular computer operating systems.
3. Please ensure that the films submitted are not defective, are in the required format as stated above in Section 8, and are individually labelled, including the running time of each film.
4. As the aim of the Festival is to promote culture, new trends and ideas, there are no restrictions on themes and topics subject to section 3 (IV) above.
5. All films will be subject to approval from the Sri Lankan Public Performance Board prior to screening at SAARC Film Festival 2019
6. Member States must deliver 3 COPIES (Public Performance Board, records and screening) of the final format to the SAARC Cultural Centre as detailed above in Section 8 for the Festival screening, NO LATER THAN 8th April 2019.
7. For publicity purposes, please include a standard Press Kit with the required information, giving special consideration to the following:
8. In addition to the Registration form, please email the information stated above in Section 8 (7) NO LATER THAN 8th APRIL 2019 to:
9) DATES FOR SUBMISSION, DEADLINES & NOMINATION PROCESS
10) SCREENING OF FILMS AFTER THE FESTIVAL
The SAARC Cultural Centre wishes to contact the Directors/Producers of the Feature Films and Short Films to obtain permission to screen their films at appropriate official SAARC Cultural Centre events. Please tick the appropriate box in the application form (attached) if the Directors/Producers are willing to be contacted for permission to screen their films. Films will only be screened with the prior written permission of the Directors/Producers of the films.
The SAARC Exhibition of Paintings organized by the SAARC Cultural Centre in collaboration with the University of Kelaniya will be held from the 22nd – 24th of January 2019, at the Senake Bandaranayake Hall, Faculty of Humanities, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka. The exhibition intends to promote regional unity through the medium of Art, to provide an opportunity to showcase the heritage of Member States by displaying paintings of Artists from the South Asian Region and to preserve, Conserve and protect South Asia’s Culture through Art.
The Exhibition will feature the works of art created by artists of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka at the SAARC Artist Camp held in Sri Lanka in 2018 and also a selection of artworks produced at the SAARC Artist Camps during the preceding years.
With a view to encourage young children to explore the field of painting as a medium of self-expression, the exhibition will also feature lectures and discussions on Painting and Art and a workshop on art therapy titled “Creative and Expressive Art Therapy” for senior Art Students (O/L & A/L).
Workshop on “Creative and Expressive Art Therapy”
Date : Wednesday the 23rd of January 2019
Session i) 10.00 am – 11.00 am
Session ii) 12.00 pm – 1.00 pm
Session iii) 2.00 pm – 3.00 pm
Lecture & Discussion on Paintings and Art
Date : Thursday the 24th of January 2019
Session i) 11.00 am – 1.00 pm
Session ii) 2.00 pm – 4.00 pm
Admission to all events is free
For further details contact:
Mr. Mahinda Sumanasekara – Documentation Officer,
Mobile: 0771053008, e-mail: documentation@saarcculture.org
Mr. Harishnath Nadarajah – Programme Assistant,
Mobile: 0774997193, e-mail: programme-assistant@saarcculture.org
16th to 18th December 2018
Kabul, Afghanistan
Background
Tangible Cultural Heritage (TCH) of South Asia is not limited to World Heritage Sites and the landscape is dotted with archaeological sites indicating the long and eventful history of the Region. In many of these TCH sites there are associated Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) which are neglected due to lack of resources. There are sites in the Region which are yet to be identified, conserved, restored and managed for posterity. However, the biggest challenge the SAARC Region is facing now is the lack of human resources. This workshop hopes to lay the foundation in building the human resources of the region to face the challenges of Heritage Management for present and future.
Workshop Training Modules
This is a tentative module and will change according to the Resources Persons nominated by each Member State.
Resource Persons for the Workshop
Each Member State is kindly requested to nominate a minimum of 1 Resource Person from mid to senior level professionals. The field of expertise can be one from the list below but not limited to the fields identified below.
Target Participants for the Workshop
The Nominees for the Workshop may be selected from amongst diverse disciplines among Academics and Policy Makers. Priority should be for early to mid-career level professionals involved in heritage management, policy makers and persons associated with the World Heritage Sites in the Region. Resource Persons should be selected from mid to senior level professionals.
Academics and Scholars should include but not limited to:
Details for Participation at the Workshop
The Host Country can nominate a maximum of 15 Official Nominees and they will be provided with the Workshop material and the Cultural Tour but no accommodation during the Workshop.
Category B – Participants from the Host Country where the Workshop is held can participate.
Site Reports/Country Reports
All participants must prepare a Site Report/Country Reports of an archaeological or cultural heritage site which you are familiar with. These Reports will be used as case studies during the Workshop. Please use Annexure 2 to submit the Site Reports. The Report must contain the following information.
Time Schedule for the Workshop & Site Report Submissions
Call for Participation: 27th March 2018
Deadline for accepting Nominees & Participants: 25th November 2018
Submission of Site Reports/Country Reports: 25th November 2018
Workshop: 16th to 17th December 2018
Cultural Tour: 18th December 2018
Handicrafts are a part of the culture of the SAARC Region, the tangible representation of the intangible aspects of culture. The artisans create their products using traditional material and techniques which reflect the history of each Member State through handicraft. Many of these handicrafts, associated knowledge and techniques, specially the intangible aspects are fast disappearing from the Region due to the introduction of other man-made material. To revive these traditional crafts and to give the crafts and the artisans a recognition and value, the SAARC Cultural Centre established the Handicraft Exhibition and Workshop. The SAARC Cultural Centre further hopes to promote Cultural Industries within Region through the SAARC Handicraft Exhibition and Workshop. The First Handicraft Exhibition and Workshop was held in 2016 in Sri Lanka followed by the Second Handicraft Exhibition and Workshop held in Bangladesh in 2017. The Third Handicraft Exhibition and Workshop will be held in conjunction with the Culture Capital in Thimphu, Bhutan giving the artisans from the Region more prominence and an opportunity to display their artistry and to work together and learn from each other during the workshop.
Background
The Research Grants will provide an opportunity for the Member States to explore new research areas and sites along the Hindu Cultural Trails. This will also act as a precursor to the Cultural Trails proposed for the future and lay the ground work in research to look at Cultural Trails as connected routes where ideas, information and knowledge travelled in all directions.
Objectives of the Research Grant
To encourage new research through the SAARC Research Grants (8 Research Grants, one for each Member State)
Research Grant Overview
The SAARC Cultural Centre invites Academics and Researchers from Member States to submit detailed Research Proposals (along with the detailed budget breakdown for US$ 1,000/=) for new and innovative short-term research projects on the Hindu Cultural Trails. One research proposal will be selected from each Member State to be awarded the short-term research grant of US$ 1,000/=. The selection of Research Proposals will be carried out by a Team of Experts selected by the SAARC Cultural Centre. The first instalment of the grant (US$ 500/=) will be made at the commencement of the Research Project. The final payment is subject to the review of the final presentation made to a Team of Experts via Video Conferencing and submission of the Final Research Paper. Any suggestions / recommendations made by the SCC Team of Experts at this stage should be included in the research process by the respective researchers.
At the completion of the Research Project each Researcher will be required to submit a Research Report of Academic Research quality to be published in the “South Asian Cultural Trails” publication series of the SAARC Cultural Centre in 2019. The Research Project is to be presented at a local or international forum within 1 year and to disseminate the knowledge gathered with the relevant stakeholders (Academic discussion, Tourism industry, sustainable development, etc.) and to send SCC the relevant documents with regard to the above dissemination of information.
Research Project Themes
Eligibility
Application Process
Time Schedule
Deadline for Accepting Research Proposals: 31st August 2018
Approval for the Research Project: 10th October 2018
Commencement of the Project: 20th October 2018
Final Report: 31st January 2019
Presentation of the Research to the Team of Experts: March 2019
Background
The 18th SAARC Summit held in November 2014 in Kathmandu approved the proposal “South Asian Cultural Trails” which commenced with the Research Seminar on Buddhist Cultural Trails in 2017. The SAARC Seminar, Research Grant and Publications on Hindu Cultural Trails will be the second Seminar in the series of “South Asian Cultural Trails”.
The SAARC Region is bound together through the shared cultural traits which have evolved through the centuries. Hinduism is the oldest surviving living religion in South Asia dating back to more than three millennium BCE.
Hinduism is one of the shared cultural characteristics in the region, with art and architecture portraying “unity within diversity” as seen in the evolving styles and the embracing of new characteristics through the ages. This diversity was a result of interactions that took place along the trading routes criss-crossing east and west Asia, South and Central Asia, along with the exchange of merchandise, knowledge, concepts, designs, religions, technology and other sundry of objects and ideas were also exchanged. Although the ancient trade routes have long been abandoned, the legacy of those who travelled these routes can be found in the disseminated knowledge, ideas, religions and the diffusion of culture which persists. These routes can be aptly named “Cultural Trails”.
The “Cultural Trails” display the material culture (Tangible Heritage) of our ancestors, their beliefs and ideologies, their life and culture. The Hindu Cultural Trails (HCT) will be the second in a series of research fora which aim at strengthening cultural ties in the region through a walk into the shared past of our ancestors, empowering us to work together as the custodians of a shared heritage. This will be an opportunity for the SAARC countries to revive a dialogue about inherited space through time. A dialogue which will address the issues of conserving and preserving the Cultural Trails on one hand and how we can utilize this space to understand of our past, to enhance our present and to be economically sustainable through tourism in the future.
Research on Hindu Cultural Trails for 2018 was approved by the Ninth Meeting of the Governing Board of the SAARC Cultural Centre held from 3rd to 4th October 2017 and at the Fifty Fourth Session of the Programming Committee held in Kathmandu from 12th to 13th December 2017. The Research Seminar on Hindu Cultural Trails is planned as a Regional Forum of discussion for Academics and Policy Makers to identify and develop the cultural, social, economic, religious, connections of the region.
Research Seminar Information
Policy Makers should include Professionals but not limited to:
Category B – Paper Presenters from the Host Country (India) where the Seminar is held can participate. (It is anticipated that Researchers, academics, etc., from the host city will present papers at the Seminar.)
Contact Information
Bindu Urugodawatte,
Deputy Director – Research,
SAARC Cultural Centre,
224, Bauddhaloka Mawatha, Colombo 07,
Sri Lanka.
Email: dd-research@saarcculture.org or binduling@gmail.com
Tel/Whatsapp: 0094-77-105-3007
In 2018, the SAARC Cultural Centre celebrated SAARC International Women’s Day, in collaboration with the Department of Cultural Affairs in Sri Lanka, on Thursday the 8th of March 2018, at the District Secretariat in Kalutara. The International Women’s Day was celebrated in collaboration with the Department of Culture of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Wayamba Development and Cultural Affairs and the District Secretariat of Kalutara.
The Chief Guest was Ms. Yasoja Gunasekara, Senior Director General of the SAARC Division of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Sri Lanka and the former Sri Lankan Ambassador to Bangladesh. Mr. Munir Ghiasy, the Charge d’Affairs from the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan in Sri Lanka and Mr. Intisar Sulehri, the Press Attaché from the High Commission of Pakistan in Sri Lanka participated as Guests of Honour. The celebration commenced with traditional Drummers and Dancers leading the Chief Guest and other dignitaries to the Auditorium which was followed by the lighting of the traditional oil lamp by all Honoured Guests and dignitaries, the Director and Professional Staff Members of the SAARC Cultural Centre. The Welcome Speech was made by Mr. U.D.C. Jayalal, District Secretary for Kalutara and the Director of SAARC Cultural Centre, Mr. Wasanthe Kotuwella addressed the enthusiastic audience with warm wishes for the celebration of Women’s Day and Women. The Chief Guest Ms. Yasoja Gunasekara, the Senior Director General of the SAARC Division of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Sri Lanka encouraged the women to embrace their role as peacemakers and the corner stone of a society in her address. The Vote of Thanks at the end of the Programme was presented by the Deputy Director for Programmes, Ms. Kishani Jayasinghe – Wijayasekara and concluded an enjoyable, informative and inspirational Programme. The auditorium (650 seats) was filled to its capacity with women of all ages, careers and lifestyles from the area joining us to celebrate the SAARC International Women’s Day.
This year the International Women’s Day was celebrated through an aesthetic journey and appreciation of South Asian music. The music was interspersed with educational and inspiring information on the changing roles of rural women and acknowledgement of their contributions to the national economy, building confidence and self-esteem of the women in society, creating awareness of the psychological factor that affect and influence women, to appreciate and acknowledge the beauty of women as depicted in poetry, songs, art and culture, to appreciate women as the corner stone of any society.
The theme of the International Women’s Day 2018 was “A Mother’s Song: An aesthetic journey through South Asia in search of the Rhythms of Love” and the programme was conducted by Mrs. Anusha Gokula Fernando, the Director of the Department of Cultural Affairs in Sri Lanka, with the accompaniment of live musicians illustrating her words. The Programme consisted of an aesthetic exploration and appreciation of rhythm, music, tone, language, song and many aspects of South Asian music, especially formulated for the womenfolk of the Kalutara District. The Programme further included identifying and understanding South Asian customs and the rhythms of daily life and circumstance, common to the Region. Most importantly it served to encourage and enhance the enjoyment and appreciation of culture through the music and song of the South Asian Region. The Programme was based on an International Programme titled “Time is Now: Rural and urban activists transforming women’s lives.”
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