“Satarawa Deepani” tribute ceremony presided over by the President
The President’s Media Division has announced that the “Satarawa Deepani” tribute ceremony, which was organized according to the concept of the Minister of Transport, Highways and Mass Media, Dr. Bandula Gunawardena, was held at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall in Colombo yesterday (16) afternoon under the chairmanship of President Ranil Wickramasinghe.
A group of artists who contributed to the works of art created with the contribution of Dr. Bandula Gunawardena were felicitated and veteran artists such as Dharmasiri Bandaranaike, Parakrama Niriella and Cyril Wickramage were awarded by the President.
Professor Ariyaratne Aethugala, Kumara Thirimadura and Sarath Kothalawala were also appreciated.
The book “Subandhu Cinema Vata” edited by expert journalists such as Prof. Praneet Abhyasundara, Ranjith Kumara, Aruna Gunaratne, Dinusha Kudagodage, based on the film career of Dr. Bandula Gunawardene, was also launched simultaneously.
According to the concept of Minister Dr. Bandula Gunawardena, under the annual “Prajna Bandu” scholarship program for school students, this year 251 girls and boys studying A-level Technology were awarded scholarships to 25 students. Mahinda Rajapaksa, former President Maithripala Sirisena and Minister of Education Susil Premajayantha were present.
The main speech of this event was given by veteran film critic Mr. Gamini Weragama.
Kotte Sri Kalyani Samagri Dharma Maha Sangha, Maha Sangha led by Most Venerable Itthepane Dhammalankara Nayaka Swamin, foreign diplomats, ambassadors, high commissioners, ministers, party and opposition political representatives, artists, heads of media institutions, journalists, professionals and other invited guests. It is reported that he was present at this event.