Indian Government-supported Cultural Centre in Jaffna nearing completion

Under the leadership and direction of Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe as Minister of National Policies, Economic Affairs, Resettlement and Rehabilitation, Northern Province and Youth Affairs, the Government of India has extended its generous support to build an iconic cultural centre in Jaffna (adjoining to the Jaffna Public Library- Pullukulum).

This project is supported by the Government of India under generous grant assistance especially by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the request of the Government of Sri Lanka, at a cost of Rs. 1,800 million. With 12 floors of luring tower, auditorium, museum, display gallery and a floating stage, it is slated to be one of the largest cultural centres in the Northern Province. 

The centre is being developed as an iconic building that will emerge as a cultural forum that embodies co-existence and co-operation amongst the various communities on the island. It will also rejuvenate, promote and nurture the ancient cultural heritage of Jaffna, said Ministry of National Policies, Economic Affairs, Resettlement and Rehabilitation, Northern Province Development and Youth Affairs Secretary 

V. Sivagnanasothy. It will also enable the people of Jaffna to enjoy various local and international cultural events. The centre will have a theatre-style auditorium with projection facilities with a capacity of up to 600 people, a multimedia library with online research facilities, an exhibition and gallery space, a museum, institutional wings with facilities to conduct classes in vocal and instrumental music, dances and languages, including a language lab. It will also serve as a delivery centre for training, instruction and education in a variety of cultural disciplines.

The Ministry of National Policies, Economic Affairs, Resettlement and Rehabilitation, Northern Province Development and Youth Affairs works closely with the Government of India in consultation with the members of the Northern and Eastern Provinces Development Committees, which provides operational strategic guidance for the project. It is expected to be completed by September 2019.