Citizens Development Business Finance PLC (CDB) launched ‘CDB Rankati Siththam Roo 2021’ in commemoration of World Children’s Day with the aim of inspiring young minds to express themselves and create. 

The initiative concluded on a high note on October 9, via a Facebook live stream. The participants’ submissions for the island wide Digital Art Competition were exhibited prominently, followed by an interactive session for the children.  

To develop the necessary cognitive skills, children must be able to express themselves creatively at a young age. However, due to the current pandemic, children are confined to their homes, with fewer opportunities to express themselves creatively. Understanding this, CDB established a platform for them to freely express themselves. The final event, led by Renuka Balasooriya and Prageeth Rathnayake, was more than a mere exhibition; it also included an interactive knowledge sharing session for the children.

‘CDB Rankati Siththam Roo 2021’, was open to children 5-12 years of age. There were three winners selected from an overwhelming number of over 1000 registered participants. 

The 1st Place was awarded to Chamika Thehan, Age – 5 from Anuruddha Kumara National College, Nawalapitiya, Nethru Sadilka, Age – 8 from Gonagala Madya Vidyalaya, Galle and Gangul Danodya, Age – 12 from Dharmashoka College, Ambalangoda were awarded 2nd and 3rd places respectively. 

Commenting on the initiative, the host of the event, Renuka Balasooriya said, “CDB has curated an ideal activity by organizing this event for the children, especially amidst the current pandemic situation. Art is a special subject that teaches many things. I believe motivating the children to put on their thinking caps is great. It gives an opportunity to be creative in a time where there is uniformity in their lifestyles during the pandemic. I wish the organization all the very best and hope ‘Rankati Siththam Roo’ is conducted annually.”

Commenting further on the initiative, the judge of the event, Prageeth Rathnayake added, “It was mesmerizing to see the creative minds the future of our country carries. 

The art submissions were not mere sketches; all the drawings had a story behind their artwork. With the ongoing pandemic situation, the children have been housebound for a long time period, and children this young must have been adversely affected. 

There were deep thoughts and stories behind each drawing, and as the judge, I decided to put myself in their shoes when selecting the best. Selecting the best was very tough, as all of them were beautiful. CDB has done great in initiating such an event for the children”.