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Talented artist and painter Rajarata

Aruna Senanayake, a talented son of Rajarata, will hold an exhibition of his paintings at the National Art Gallery on October 4, 2002.

Educated first at Buddangala Maha Vidyalaya in the remote Padaviya village, off Anuradhapura and thereafter at Madya Maha Vidyalaya Anuradhapura, Aruna sought employment in the Special Police Task Force in 1990.

However, his artistic skills overpowered his desire to continue in the Police Task Force, which he left in 1998, to be a full timer in the field of art.

Drawing inspiration from his father, who was also a rural artist, and who contributed much to his village Aruna too sharpened his artistic talent which eventually brought him to the world of artistry.

Among his other achievements are, the display of paintings at the Acupuncture Exhibition at BMICH in 1999, stall creation and decorations of Gamudawa exhibition and the stall decorations for National day celebrations of February 4, 1998.

A core feature of his paintings is the creative presentations of traditional motifs with mixture of western techniques, whereby the rural figures such as the Buddhist monk of the village temple, the busy cultivator, the vegetable vendor, the Pingoman, the fishermen who adorn the traditional rural setting and the trees, shady groves, fields, attractive greenery and the water ways running through the village are colourfully and creatively depicted.

Lankan lasses opt for ballet

With a revival of classical ballet in Sri Lanka, Sri Lankan lasses have seized the opportunity and are doing well in this art. Though ballet schools are few and far our talented girls have made their mark. There had been several ballets produced by local choreographers like Deanna Jayasuriya, Ossha Wijesinghe, Kanthi Ranchigoda, Nilouffer Peiris, Hannelore Jayawardena and more with local girls dancing gracefully.

However, they have to go a long way before they realise what professional ballet is yet, the signs are they can make it big if they try.

Many have persued to take up ballet abroad after their intial studies at Deanna School of Dancing which is the oldest school in the country.

Among them, Michelle Abeyweera of the Central Ballet of London stands out distinctly. Natalie Jayasuriya from Elmhurst Ballet School while her sister Natasha is poised to perform in China-Taiwan Hongkong in July with a troupe from London. Serena will complete her Diploma from the National Theatre of Ballet in Melbourne-Australia and the latest in their footsteps is a girl from Panadura, Nadira de Sarem who will enter the Royal Academy of Dancing to complete her BA Hons. - 'Nureyeva'

'Andare' a hit at Sujatha English Day

'Andare in the modern world' dramatised by students of Grade 7B caught the imagination of all present at the annual Upper School English Day of Sujatha Vidyalaya, Nugegoda at the John De Silva memorial hall recently.

Even Andare came to the stage and spoke in English commented the Chief Guest Mrs. P.S. Kariyawasam, In-Service Advisor English, Sri Jayewardenepura Educational Zone.

Mrs. Kariyawasam thanked the Sujatha Vidyalaya, English Literary Union for the invitation extended to her.

"I am honoured to address you in English. It is one in a thousand schools in the zone.

Sujatha is a school with a difference. The students are a privileged lot as they are blessed with all the resources needed to enrich and enhance them in the field of the English Language specially due to the enthusiasm and guidance given by the Managing Director Mr. Lakshman Kuruppu. A new era is dawning to Sujatha Vidyalaya and it is rendering an invaluable service to students giving them a comprehensive English education to raise the standard of English to very high levels", said Mrs. Kariyawasam.

The items presented included action songs, poems, plays and drama. Mrs. Kariyawasam congratulated the teachers for their dedicated and committed service which in turn has enabled Sujatha Vidyalaya to grow in strength and stature under the guidance of the present management.

The Principal Mrs. L.A.H. Ariyapperuma speaking next emphasised the importance of English and commented on the motto of the English Day, "English promotes excellence".

She said that Sujathians are able to compete with any school. She further said that all club activities and the morning assembly items are all conducted in English.

Sawanata Gee Madhu tops 250 mark

"Tharaka Geethika" a star spangled musical show to mark, the 250th edition of the "Sawanata Gee Madhu" television program telecast on Thursdays over TNL, will be held at the Elphinstone Theatre, Maradana on Friday, October 4 at 6.30 p.m.

Human Resources Development, Education and Cultural Affairs Minister Dr. Karunasena Kodithuwakku and veteran Film Star Gamini Fonseka will be the chief guests. The show is open for the publc free of charge said a spokesman for the organisers.The spokesman added that a highlight will be the distribution of special felicitation award to 250 personalities including bhikkhus, intellectuals, media persons, vocalists, film stars, musicians, film directors, sportsmen and women and others who have featured in interviews over the 'Sawanata Madhu' program over the last five years.

Over 60 renowned vocalists will perform to the music supplied by the 'Super Stars' band. Dance items will be provided by students of the Kulasiri Budawatta, Channa Wijewardene, Chandana Wickremasinghe and Rejini Selvanayagam dancing institutes as well as Rangana Ariyadasa, Anusha Damayanthi and Nilanthi Dias.

Members of the audience are in for many surprises including gift packs of soap and other toiletries and free books and novels.

The spokesman said the 'Sawanata Madhu' which has established a record as a sponsored program telecast over the longest period is presented by popular Radio - TV personality Srimath Indrajith Liyanage and produced by S. A. Bennet.

Special episodes in the 'Tharaka Geetha' program will be telecast live from time to time on TNL on the same day while 'Hiru' and 'Sha' F.M. Radio will offer a live broadcast of the entire show.

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