‘Warna’ showcased Sri Lankan craftsmanship and revived old economic memories

The artisans demonstrated their skills in traditional handicrafts and cottage industries that played a prominent part in the formation of indigenous culture

It was of significance that the programme provided the venue for a scholarly dialog on preventing violence and conveying the message of peace and harmony 

A colourful cultural pageant titled ‘Warna’ depicting different facets of Sri Lankan lifestyle and an exhibition demonstrating the socio- economic conditions of the Sri Lankan people and customs, rituals and religious faiths of all communities were held recently at the “Kamatha” premises in Angunuwila in the Puttlam district. The programme, organised by Grace Project of the World Vision Lanka Organization and funded by the European Commission, was an exceptional goodwill gesture not bounded by religious or communal frontiers. 
Representative of World Vision Organization in Germany Larisa Rusman graced the occasion as the chief guest. 

It was an elaborate spectacle embellished with dancing performances by upcountry, low country, Sabaragamuwa and Tamil dancing groups. The effect of their performance was one of grace and subdued charm. Another special feature was that oriental dishes that appeals to the palate of different communities were served on one table.

Another special feature was that oriental dishes that appeals to the palate of different communities were served on one table

The artisans demonstrated their skills in traditional handicrafts and cottage industries that played a prominent part in the formation of indigenous culture. The distinctive tools, mechanics, and material used by them were a gaze arrested by cynosure of all eyes. Craftsmen enacted their trades reviving the memories of the economic life of the far gone days. The display included pottery, angling, rush and reed ware industry, Batik industry and a host of traditional handicrafts that made the livelihood of the people.
It was of significance that the programme provided the venue for a scholarly dialog on preventing violence, conflicts and riots and conveying the message of peace and harmony among all communities. 

Addressing the ceremony, Chief Guest Larisa Rusman highlighted the need to prevent conflicts and violence. She pointed out that the people of all communities in a multi-racial and multi- cultural society should respect the communal and religious identity of each other and make a beautiful journey.  She said it was her first tour in the South Asia and that she would highly appreciate the cordiality, friendliness and kindness accorded her by the Sri Lankans. 

It was of significance that the programme provided the venue for a scholarly dialog on preventing violence, conflicts and riots and conveying the message of peace and harmony among all communities

Puttlam District Secretary Sunanda Herath said Sri Lanka is a multi-racial and multi- religious country and that the conflicts should be reduced to the barest minimum if the people of different communities and religious groups were prepared to forget the differences and respected each other.

“However, it is sad that the social structure today leads to conflicts and communal disharmony. Even the media is responsible for it to a certain extent.  There are individuals who make conflicts their livelihood. In this scenario, the efforts of the World Vision to prevent conflicts and violence deserves the respect of all those concerned,” he further said.
Religious dignitaries of the area, Gampaha Addl. District Secretary Sudath Kithsiri, Manager of Grace Project Deepthi Silva, Dr. Sunil Wijesiriwardene and several senior officials of International Resources Development and Management Unit of the World Vision Lanka National Office were present at the occasion. 

Another special feature was that oriental dishes that appeals to the palate of different communities were served on one table

Representative of World Vision Organization in Germany Larisa Rusman graced the occasion as the chief guest