A system needs to take forward the knowledge and skills of traditional artistes in rural areas to the future generation without leaving room for such heritages to vanish with the skills with their demise, President Maithripala Sirisena has stated.

Addressing the State ‘Kalabushana’ Awards Ceremony held at the Nelum Pokuna Theatre, today (29), the President pointed out the importance of paying attention in this regard at ministry level, the President’s Media Division (PMD) said.

At this awards ceremony nearly 200 artistes, who have rendered a valuable service to the Sri Lankan art field, were felicitated and the President presented Excellence Awards to the artistes.

The awards ceremony had been organized for the 34th time by the Department of Cultural Affairs.

President Sirisena has expressed appreciation about the services rendered by artistes to build a society filled with humanity.

The President further extended his gratitude to all the artistes, who contributed to build a knowledgeable public opinion while preserving the local cinema, stage drama, and tele-drama and writing fields.

Madam Hema Premadasa, M.H.A. Haleem. Minister of Postal Services & Muslim Religious Affairs, Cultural Affairs Department Director Anusha Gokula Fernando, Prof. Ariyaratne Kaluarachchi senior artistes including Sarathchandra Edirisinghe were among the distinguished invitees, the PMd said.