Padiyathalawa — In a remarkable cultural event, the "Wes and Pahimpath Kalaeli Festival" was grandly celebrated on Monday, June 10, 2024, at the Abhinawarama Maha Vihara in Padiyathalawa. The event was organized by the Shri Hela Cultural Collaboration Foundation and the Shri Hela Higher Education Academy, under the auspices of the International Human Rights Commission (IHRC).
The festival aimed to showcase and celebrate the extraordinary traditional dance talents of children from the Padiyathalawa Divisional Secretariat Division.
Certificates Awarded to 42 Students & "Shri Hela Abhiman" Honors Conferred
A collective of prominent local and international 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 present certificates to 42 deserving children in recognition of their dedication and achievements in dance.
In addition, three distinguished community figures—Mr. H.M. Dayarathna, Lt. Col. T.H. Ajith, and Mrs. G.A. Chandrani Anoma Karunarathne—were honored with the prestigious "Shri Hela Abhiman Award" for their exceptional contributions to the arts and society.
Empowering Youth Through Free Cultural Education
Speaking at the event, Dr. Chrishantha J.K.M. Dissanayake, Sri Lankan Commissioner of the IHRC and Founder / President and Director General of both the Shri Hela Cultural Collaboration Foundation and the Shri Hela Higher Education Academy, emphasized the importance of providing free dance education to the children of the region.
Dr. Dissanayake highlighted that under the direct coordination of Mr. Thilina Jayasinghe, Zonal Coordinating Director of the Eastern Shri Hela Cultural Collaboration Foundation and Volunteer Coordinator for the IHRC, the academy continues to empower children with quality cultural education, helping them build a bright and prosperous future.
Distinguished Guests and Blessings
The occasion was attended by key IHRC coordinators including Mr. Amaradasa Delankarachchi, Mr. Subramaniyam Prabakar, and Mr. Dananjaya Pranando. Renowned dance instructors Mr. Ajith Bandara and Mr. Sarath Senanayake, alongside officers from the Mahiyangana Cultural Center and the O.I.C. of the Padiyathalawa Police Division, were also present, reflecting strong community and institutional support for the arts.
The spiritual leader of the temple, Rev. Kehelulla Nanda Rathana Thero, Chief Incumbent of Padiyathalawa Abhinawarama Maha Vihara, blessed the ceremony and offered inspiring spiritual advice to all attendees.
The Shri Hela Cultural Collaboration Foundation remains committed to preserving local cultural heritage, empowering the next generation through cultural education, and fostering community solidarity through such impactful initiatives.
