President at State Music Awards Ceremony 2016

The State Music Awards Ceremony 2016, organised by the Department of Cultural Affairs with the aim of promoting the local musical industry was held under the patronage of President Maithripala Sirisena at the Nelum Pokuna Theatre on 21 June.

During the ceremony Department of Cultural Affairs Director Anusha Gokula presented a souvenir of the State Music Awards Ceremony 2016 and the volume titled ‘Sangeetanjali’ to the President.

The President presented memorial awards and special awards to the musicians for their valuable services in the field of music.

President Sirisena also presented a special memento to Professor V. Balaji of Varanasi University, India who attended this ceremony as a special guest. Meanwhile Professor Balaji also presented a special memento to the President.

Department of Cultural Affairs Director Minister S.B. Navinna, Anusha Gokula, scholars and artists including State Musical Advisory Board Chairman Dr. Dayarathna Ranathunge and many others participated in this event.