‘Chamathkaraye Sathkaraya’ contemporary painting exhibition

Ribbon cutting by the representative of the Chief of Police Gen. Al Ayubi, Head of the Beirut Police Division

Embassy of Sri Lanka in Lebanon together with the Ministry of Law and Order and Southern Development and the Department of Police Sri Lanka organised ‘Chamathkaraye Sathkaraya’ contemporary Sri Lankan art exhibition in Lebanon to facilitate young disabled artist, Pradeep De Silva, a former sub-inspector who is determined to assist seven other police officers who had been permanently disabled in line of official duties. 

The first exhibition was held on 9 November at the Russian Cultural Centre and was inaugurated by the representative of Minister of Culture of Lebanon Nouhad Younes and the Director of Russian Cultural Centre Dr. Ayrat Akmetov, Diplomatic Officials Balanchandran Tharman, Ambassador of Malaysia, Honorary Consul of Singapore Joseph Habis and the representatives of the Sri Lankan organisations in Lebanon, as well as the Lebanese community.  

This was the first ever modern contemporary Sri Lankan painting exhibition held in Lebanon. It consisted of 47 beautiful pictures depicting Sri Lankan village life, scenic beauty and landscape. The Embassy organised this exhibition also as a part of its annual bi-lateral cultural promotion program, where the Embassy was able to showcase Sri Lankan’s culture among Lebanese community. This event also brought Sri Lankan community, Lebanese community and the Police Departments of two countries closer to each other.

The second exhibition was organised at the Department of Police under the patronage of the Chief of Police Beirut, with the participation of about 500 police officers. This exhibition was an historical event since it was the first event organised between the Embassy and the Police department.

The third day was organised at the Official Residence of the Ambassador for the Diplomatic Spouses Association (DSAL) in Lebanon which was inaugurated by DSAL Chairman Gowri Balachandran along with 25 members of the DSAl in Lebanon.

Sriyani Kanchana who browsed the social media and accidently saw the Facebook of Pradeep de Silva, brought it to the notice of the Ambassador and made a request to assist him. Another Sri Lankan Community member, Malkanthi de Silva also came forth to assist Pradeep de Silva from her personal contribution to cover the cost of paintings. In conclusion the Embassy was able to donate $ 3,720 for the above project.