President Ranil Wickremesinghe has announced the establishment of a committee dedicated to safeguarding the traditional Kandyan dance art.

This decision was made following a meeting with Kandy traditional dancers at the President’s House in Kandy today. The committee, comprised of representatives from relevant institutions such as the Ministry of Cultural Affairs and the University of Visual and Performing Arts, aims to preserve the rich cultural heritage associated with Kandyan dancing. President Wickremesinghe emphasized the inclusion of a representative from traditional Kandyan dancers to ensure their voices are heard.
Additionally, Minister of Labour and Foreign Employment, Manusha Nanayakkara, has been tasked with exploring the possibility of providing pensions to traditional Kandyan dancers.
The President highlighted the importance of addressing issues related to the preservation of traditional practices and rituals associated with Kandyan dance.

The committee will provide recommendations on how to effectively safeguard and promote this art form for future generations. President Wickremesinghe also stressed the significance of preserving other traditional arts of the country and ensuring support for traditional dancers in Kandy. The announcement was met with gratitude from traditional dancers, who commended the efforts to preserve and promote Sri Lanka’s cultural heritage.