Mirigama, Gampaha — Spotlighting the rich traditional dance talent of local youth, the Shri Hela Higher Education Academy—operated jointly by the International Human Rights Commission (IHRC) and the Shri Hela Cultural Collaboration Foundation (SHCCF)—partnered with the Mirigama Susara Art Institute (Reg. No: SHCCF/Art Institute/00011/24) to host the "Pahimpath Kalaeli Festival."
The cultural celebration took place on Wednesday, March 20, 2024, at the Sasanawardana Maha Viharaya in Mirigama, located within the Gampaha District of the Western Province.
Free Fine Arts Education Through Dedicated Instructors
The festival recognized students from various villages across the Mirigama Divisional Secretariat Division who completed formal training in traditional dance.
Under the guidance of Mrs. Taxila Sadamali Ariyaratne, Director of Gampaha District Cultural Affairs for the SHCCF, a dedicated panel of instructors provided dance instruction free of charge. The teaching panel included Mrs. Nalika Suriyaarachchi, Mrs. Menaka Rajapaksa, Mrs. Akila Vimansi, Mrs. Mudita Priyangani, Mrs. Malsha Pradhibonini, Mrs. Madhushika, Mrs. Jeevanthi, Mrs. Hiruni Madhushika, Mrs. Oshadhi Bipasha, Mrs. Eshani Chamodhi, Mrs. Nadisha Sadapiyumi, Mrs. Chamodhi Oshadhi, Miss Oshadhi Bipasha, and Miss Dinathma Randuli.
Multilateral Recognition and Educational Encouragement
A coalition of civil society and human rights organizations—including the IHRC, SHCCF, Lanka Human Rights Organization, All Christian Rights Protection Organization, Kuveni Woman and Children Rights Protection Foundation, and Sri Lankan Youth Api Foundation—jointly presented completion certificates to the student dancers.
Addressing the assembly, Dr. Chrishantha J.K.M. Dissanayake, Sri Lankan Commissioner of the IHRC and Founder / President / Director General of both the SHCCF and the Shri Hela Higher Education Academy, urged students to pursue quality education and leverage the ongoing support of the IHRC and SHCCF to build a bright future.
Distinguished Guests & Spiritual Blessings
The event was attended by prominent administrative, civil society, and religious leaders, including:
Dr. Chrishantha J.K.M. Dissanayake (Sri Lankan Commissioner, IHRC / Founder, President & Director General, SHCCF & Shri Hela Higher Education Academy)
IHRC Coordinators: Mr. Sadeva Amaradasa, Mr. Amaradasa Delankarachchi, Miss Wasantha Priyangani, and Mrs. Sakura Wasanthi
Institutional Leaders: Mrs. Nisansala Wijekoon (Chairperson, Kuveni Woman and Children Rights Protection Foundation), Dr. Sarath Jayantha Peiris (Chairman, Lanka Human Rights Organization), Rev. Pastor Susil Rupasinghe (Secretary General, All Christian Rights Protection Organization), and Mr. Shenal Sanjana (Vice President, Sri Lankan Youth Api Foundation)
Public & Organizational Officials: Mr. W.P. Prashad Indika (Divisional Secretary, Mirigama), and Mr. Dinesh Madhusanka (Assistant Director of Cultural Affairs, SHCCF)
The ceremony was spiritually blessed by venerated Buddhist monks, including Shastrapati Pujya Sitaeliye Chandananda Thero of the Mirigama Sasanawardena Piriven Viharaya and Royal Pandit Ayagama Chandavimala Thero of the Katuwakele Dhammagavese Vivekasramaya, who offered religious discourses (Anushasana) and blessings to all participants.
