Batapothalla, Kurunegala — Continuing their nationwide initiative to empower youth through free fine arts education, the International Human Rights Commission (IHRC) and the Shri Hela Cultural Collaboration Foundation (SHCCF) held a certificate awarding ceremony on March 9, 2024, at the Batapothalla Dilankarachchi Art Institute.
Organized under the auspices of the Shri Hela Higher Education Academy, the event celebrated students from the Pannala Divisional Secretariat Division in the Kurunegala District who successfully completed two years of structured training in traditional Sri Lankan dance.
Two Years of Free Cultural Training
Across multiple centers in Sri Lanka, the IHRC and SHCCF have been providing free local dance education to children for over two years, breaking financial barriers to fine arts learning.
The Batapothalla center was led by veteran choreographers Mr. Amaradasa Delankarachchi and Mr. Sadeva Amaradasa, who serve as Volunteer Coordinators for the IHRC and Cultural Affairs Directors for the SHCCF. Through their dedicated instruction, children from numerous surrounding villages—including Batapothalla, Narangoda, Ingaradawula, Kadirapola, Kelaniyamulla, Mummana, Dambadeniya, Bammanna, and Kuliyapitiya—received comprehensive and rigorous training in traditional dance.
Fostering Empathy and Humanity Through Art
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Chrishantha J.K.M. Dissanayake, Sri Lankan Commissioner of the IHRC and Founder / President / Director General of both the SHCCF and the Shri Hela Higher Education Academy, emphasized the moral and social value of cultural education.
He encouraged the young dancers to harness their artistic discipline to cultivate empathy and compassion, reminding them that artists play a vital role in nurturing sensitive citizens and building a more harmonious world.
Distinguished Guests Present
The ceremony brought together key institutional representatives and community leaders, including:
Dr. Chrishantha J.K.M. Dissanayake (Sri Lankan Commissioner, IHRC / Founder, President & Director General, SHCCF & Shri Hela Higher Education Academy)
Mr. Amaradasa Delankarachchi & Mr. Sadeva Amaradasa (IHRC Coordinators & Cultural Directors, SHCCF)
Deshamanya Mr. Dhammika Sisira Kumara (IHRC Coordinator & Director, SHCCF)
Mr. Shenal Sanjana (Vice President, Sri Lankan Youth Api Foundation)
