CECA hosts art competition for children from care homes to celebrate India’s 75th Independence Day 

Celebrating 75 years of India’s independence in Sri Lanka, Sri Lankan children from care homes converged in Colombo from all across Sri Lanka over the weekend for the final round of the nationwide painting competition organised by Colombo Expatriates Cultural Association (CECA) – a voluntary organisation of expatriates consisting of mainly Indians – with the support of the High Commission of India, the Sri Lankan Ministry of Education, and several other partners.

Minister of Education Prof. G.L Peiris was the Chief Guest and Indian High Commissioner Gopal Baglay was the Guest of Honour at the final round. Several other dignitaries, including State Minister Piyal Nishantha, were also present. The dignitaries lauded the effort as a shining example of strong people-to-people ties between India and Sri Lanka and stressed the enormous significance of the enriching experience for the children.

The competition was held in three categories – Sub Junior, Junior and Senior. The first round of the competition had seen enthusiastic participation of 4,375 students from childcare homes across Sri Lanka. Contestants from all provinces who had produced 60 of the best paintings were invited along with one caregiver for the final round held in Colombo on 10 April at Taj Samudra. While the top three winners in all the three categories were awarded Rs. 100,000, Rs. 75,000 and Rs. 50,000, respectively, in addition to various other gifts, certificates and medals, all the 60 finalists received cash awards, desktop computers, and other gifts contributed by various sponsors.

The event also formed part of ‘India @ 75’ celebrations in Sri Lanka, which comprises a series of events and activities in the run-up to the completion of 75 years of India’s Independence in August 2022. Prime Minister of India Shri Narendra Modi had launched these celebrations in India on 12 March, 75 weeks before the 75th Anniversary of Independence. 

In Sri Lanka, the formal launch of these celebrations had taken place on 9 April with the inauguration of the ‘India Corner’ at the Nagananda Institute for Buddhist Studies.