A preliminary discussion regarding the establishment of a new Government agency with authority through an act to secure the professionalism of arts and artistes was held at the Parliament on Thursday (December 07).
The meeting was chaired by the Minister of Justice, Prisons Affairs and Constitutional Reforms Dr. Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe and several artistes representing arts organisations in Sri Lanka participated.
It was suggested that this Government body should be established by a new act with authority to represent all fields of art including cinema, tele-drama, music, stage plays, painting and poetry.
It was discussed that new laws should be prepared in relation to maintaining the artistes’ professionalism while maintaining it as an industry.
The artistes pointed out that it is a major issue that this kind of Government intervention has not happened so far and therefore the artistes themselves gathered and formed various organisations. The artistes extended their gratitude to the Minister of Justice for his intervention in this initiative which is a national need.
The artistes also pointed out the need to consider each art field separately as the issues and relevant matters are different.
Addressing the artistes, Minister Rajapakshe said that he would give his best contribution to draft this new Act with the cooperation of all ministries and institutions related to arts. Accordingly, he informed the art organisations to prepare the relevant basic framework and provide it before January 10, 2024. The Minister also said that the support of all parties is expected for this initiative taken for the betterment of Sri Lankan arts irrespective of political differences.
State Minister Anuradha Jayaratne and Member of Parliament Premnath C. Dolawatta were also present.
