Tribute to Prof.Ediriweera Sarachchandra

A commemorative ceremony to mark the 16th death anniversary of  Prof Ediriweera Sarachchandra jointly organized by the Government Information Department and the Sri Lanka Foundation Institute was held at the SLFI Colombo recently.

Lectures delivered were centered on the theme "Sri Lanka Vedika Natya Kalawe Maha Eduru Ediriweera Sarachchandrayange Natya Bhavithaya ha Nootana Natya Kalawa”. The Chief Guest of the event Mass Media & Information Minister Keheliya Rambukwella launched the website of the stage drama  'Mahasamayama" too at the ceremony.

Launching of two books authored by Professor Ariyaratne Atugala namely “Vesmuhunu haa Vishpaurushayanaya” (Masks & Depersonalization) and “Mahasamaya haa Etic Naatyavedaya” (Mahasamayama and Etic Drama) took place  in parallel to the commemoration ceremony of late Prof.Ediriweera Sarachchandra..

Prof.Ariyarathne Athugala speaking at the ceremony  thanked Mrs.Lalitha Sarachchandra for the assistance rendered with much enthusiasm  in organizing this event.  Prof.Athugala said, "Creative Arts are paramount in nourishing the spirit – the inner thinking of the people of any country and it is his personal view that there is a wealth of peoples thinking behind our traditional folk art, as well as sacrificial offerings/rituals performed in honour of an array of unseen celestial and other worldly beings of varying stature.

Legends and Rituals/sacrificial offerings to these beings embodied the patterns of our thinking on our world, as well as the evolution of human relationships throughout the centuries.

We have destroyed some of these ancient and valuable elements in an over protective attempt due to our greed.  This is evident in other areas too.

I feel that these facts should be viewed in a new light and with a more practical approach.  It is fitting that at this solemn moment of Prof Sarachchandra's death anniversary, we take the pledge of dedication to the service of Sri Lanka and her people and to the still larger cause of humanity.".

The Prof Sarachchandra memorial lecture was delivered by senior lecturer Attanayake M Herath.

Memories weres brought to life by a talented cast singing some selected songs from Sarachchandra's unforgettable dramas  under the sponsorship of Mrs Lalitha Sarachchandra.  Lectures were also delivered by Jackson Anthony and Dhamma Dissanayake.

Professors Tissa Kariyawasam,  Sunanda Mahendra, Ranjith Maddumabandara  and  Michael Fernando enlivened the programme through their presence.

A large distinguished gathering was present at the SLFI and their presence illustrated the audience's love for dramas which represent our true Sinhalese culture and values that are embedded in rich, dramatic form invented by our greatest dramatist Prof Sarachchandra.