No excuse to say “there is no time”
December 22, 2020- Sound creations irrespective of petty commercial gains would always speak to the heart
- Encourage younger generation to engage in extracurricular activities and recognize their innate talents
Time restrictions won’t be an issue to produce a sound artwork/writing, said the Defence Secretary and the Secretary of the State Ministry of National Security, Home Affairs and Disaster Management Maj. Gen. (Retd) Kamal Gunaratne while citing an example from his eventful diary and number of books published to date.
“The role of an artist/author is to foster a better society through research based, visionary and resourceful artistic pieces of writing”, he said while emphasising the responsibility of an author.
Maj. Gen Gunaratne expressed these views during a ceremony organized to felicitate the contemporary novelists/authors at the Colombo District Secretariat Auditorium today (Dec 22).
Gracing the event as the Chief Guest, he also said “Fine artworks and pieces of writing would always fetch distraught mind-set of readership to a peaceful setup” while illustrating the value of remarkable creations.
“Sound creations irrespective of petty commercial gains would always speak to the heart”, he reasoned.
Recalling the former legendary Sri Lankan authors as role models he said “Their renowned names are still within our living memories”.
Maj. Gen. Gunaratne paid his gratitude to Colombo District Government Agent, Pradeep Yasarathne and his staff for organizing an event of that magnitude to extend appreciation to contemporary authors who have gone unnoticed in the recent past.
It is our duty to lend a hand to individuals who have such artistic talents and we must open avenues for them to reach global platforms, he also noted.
Referring to the golden age of literature, the Kotte era, which has carried notable and renowned artworks and poems, he requested all to encourage newer generation to write and create sound artworks.
He also stressed to inspire the younger generation to engage in extracurricular activities while recognising their innate talents envisioning a better future.
Ven. Maha Sanga, Adviser to the Public Administration Ministry Mahinda Madihahewa, Secretary to the Western Province Ministry of Education, Sports & Youth Affairs, Cultural & Arts and Information Technology Sirisoma Lokuwithana and regional and state officials and distinguished invitees, artists, authors and students were also present at the occasion.
