• PM as the subject Minister has already given instructions in this regard

By Ajith Siriwardana and Yohan Perera

Steps were being taken to honour singer Yohani de Silva, who took the name of Sri Lanka to the international arena, with a state award, State Minister of National Heritage, Rural Arts Vidura Wickramanayaka said yesterday. 

He told parliament that Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa as the subject Minister has already given instructions in this regard.

The Minister said this in response to a question raised by SJB MP Hesha Withanage.

“We will introduce a special programme to ensure a respectable life for all artistes throughout their life. We will not contend with awarding an artiste only once just to please them,” the Minister said.

• We will introduce a special programme to ensure a respectable life for all artistes throughout their life