Painting competition for children from care homes highlight close India-Sri Lanka ties

In celebration of India’s 75th anniversary of independence, Sri Lankan children from care homes across the country participated in the final round of the nationwide painting competition organized by Colombo Expatriates Cultural Association (CECA) – a voluntary organization of expatriates consisting mainly of Indians – with support of the High Commission of India, Ministry of Education of Government of Sri Lanka and several other partners.

Minister of Education, Prof. G. L. Peiris, was the chief guest and the High Commissioner of India, Gopal Baglay, was the guest of honor. State Minister Piyal Nishantha was also present.

The dignitaries lauded the effort as a shining example of strong people-to-people ties between India and Sri Lanka and stressed the enormous significance of the enriching experience for the children.

The competition was held in three categories – Sub Junior, Junior and Senior. The first round saw the enthusiastic participation of 4,375 students from child care homes in Sri Lanka. Contestants from all provinces, who produced 60 selected paintings were invited along with one care-giver for the final round held in Colombo on April 10 at Hotel Taj Samudra.

While top three winners in all the three categories were awarded Rs. 100,000, Rs. 75,000 and Rs. 50,000 respectively, in addition to gifts, certificates and medals, all the 60 finalists received cash awards, desktop computers, and other gifts contributed by various sponsors.

 The event also formed part of ‘India @ 75’ celebrations in Sri Lanka, which comprised events and activities in the run-up to completion of 75 years of India’s Independence in August 2022.

Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi launched the celebrations in India on March 12, 75 weeks before the 75th Anniversary of Independence. In Sri Lanka, the formal launch of the celebrations took place on April 9 with the inauguration of ‘India Corner’ at the Nagananda Institute for Buddhist Studies.