The SAARC Cultural Centre hosted the Tenth Meeting of its Governing Board from 30th to 31st October 2018 at the Mount Lavinia Hotel, Sri Lanka. The meeting was convened under the Chairmanship of Ms. Anoja Guruge (Additional Secretary, Ministry of Culture, Government of Sri Lanka). Other distinguished members who represented the SAARC Member States at the Governing Board Meeting were: Mr. Mohammad Shafiq Ahmadzai (Executive Secretary to the Minister of Information and Culture, Government of Afghanistan), Mr. Abdul Mannan Illias (Additional Secretary, Ministry of Cultural Affairs, Government of Bangladesh), Mrs. Rajashree Behera (Director, Indian Cultural Centre, High Commission of India for Sri Lanka), Ms. Dhana Kumari Joshi (Deputy Chief of Mission of the Embassy of Nepal in Sri Lanka), Mr. Intisar Ahmad Sulehry (Press Attaché, Pakistan High Commission in Sri Lanka).
Ms. Thiloma Abayajeewa (Acting Deputy Director, South Asia and SAARC Division), and Ms. Nuwandi Jayasuriya (Assistant Director) represented the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Sri Lanka. Ms. Varuni Muthukumarana (Director, Education, Security and Culture) represented the SAARC Secretariat, Kathmandu and Mrs. D.K.R. Ekanayake, Director of the SAARC Cultural Centre represented the Centre.
The Director, SAARC Cultural Centre presented to the Board the progress of the activities implemented in the year 2018 by the Centre and proposed programmes for 2019. Indicative Programmes of the Centre for 2019 include an array of events ranging from research programmes to cultural festivals and the Centre will continue to work towards Development of Archaeology, Architecture, Promotion of Visual and Performing and Cultural Festivals in the Region.
After reviewing the progress of Centre’s work, the Governing Board unanimously approved the Programmes for 2019. The Board also congratulated the Centre for its achievements and its committed contribution towards safeguarding and promoting diverse aspects of South Asian Culture.