Kamban Kazhagam Sri Lankan Chapter presents scholarly awards

From left: V. Sivagnanasothy, M.A. Sumanthiran, S.P. Balasubramanium, S. Thurairajah, A.M. Nahiya, and Kumar Sangakkara

Kamban Kazhagam is a forum founded by scholar Kambavaruthy Jeyaraj 40 years ago and the Sri Lankan Chapter has celebrated its silver jubilee this year. This forum promotes debates and discussions on Tamil literature and culture and provides honorary awards to prominent Sri Lankans from different fields and ethnicities every year to recognise professional excellence in diverse fields. 

The well-known South Indian Playback Singer S.P. Balasubramanium who is well-respected internationally received the honorary prestigious award. Honorary awards were also given to the Sri Lankan Cricketer Kumar Sangakkara. The other four awardees who received honour included Supreme Court Judge S. Thurairajah, Parliamentarian M.A. Sumanthiran, Former Prime Minister’s Ministry Secretary V. Sivagnanasothy, Writer Muthulingam and the social contributor A.M. Nahiya.

The ‘Kamba Ramayana’ in Tamil verse has inspired for many centuries among communities marked by scholarly work in Tamil literature. Today there are Kamban Kazhagam world over organising literature festivals. The award function for 2020 was held in Ramakrishna Hall, Wellawatte on Independence Day 4 February. Over 2,000 participants attended the awards event.