The SAARC Cultural Centre is gearing up for a dynamic and culturally enriching 2024 following the unanimous approval of its proposed programs at the 13th Governing Board Meeting. Held at the Galle Face Hotel in Colombo from November 28 to 29, 2023, the meeting marked a ground-breaking moment by adopting a hybrid format, blending physical presence with virtual participation.
Governing Board Members from Bangladesh, Maldives, Pakistan and Sri Lanka graced the gathering, while representatives from Bhutan, India and Nepal joined virtually. Among the attendees were Md. Mizanur Rahman, Joint Secretary (Administration) of the Ministry of Cultural Affairs of Bangladesh; Ms. Tshering Choki, Senior Programme Officer of Bhutan’s Ministry of Home Affairs; Yash Veer Singh, Director International Cultural Relations of India’s Ministry of Culture; Shamun Hameed, Permanent Secretary of Maldives’ Ministry of Dhivehi Language, Culture and Heritage; Dr. Suresh Suras Shrestha, Head of Division of Nepal’s Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation; Ms. Humaira Ahmed, Secretary National Heritage and Culture Division of Pakistan; and SomarathneVidanapathirana, Secretary of Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs.
Ex-officio members, including Ms. Irosha Cooray, Director – Education, Security, and Culture of the SAARC Secretariat in Kathmandu, Nepal; Ms. T.P. Dharmasena, Director-General of SAARC Division, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Sri Lanka; and Ms. Renuka Ekanayake, Director of the SAARC Cultural Centre, also participated.
Ms. Renuka Ekanayake, the Director of the SAARC Cultural Centre, presented the Governing Board Report, highlighting the activities conducted throughout 2023 and outlining the programs proposed for 2024.
As the supreme decision-making body, the Governing Board commended the Centre’s initiatives in 2023, including collaborative ventures such as an exhibition of paintings with the Royal Asiatic Society, SAARC Talk Series, SAARC Special Lectures and the SAARC Film Day.
Following discussions, the proposed programs for 2024, spanning Food Festivals, Film Festivals, Musical Extravaganzas, Textile and Fashion events, Artists Camps, Research Seminars and Workshops received unanimous approval, with Member States pledging their full support.
The SAARC Cultural Centre envisions a vibrant 2024, fostering cultural rejuvenation across the SAARC Region and showcasing resilience in rebuilding cultural activities post-pandemic.
