Divisional Secretariat - Homagama

With the objective of appreciating and promoting literary arts, recognizing artists, encouraging emerging creators, and socializing the value of literature and the arts, the “2025–Homagama Regional Literary and Arts Festival” was successfully held on 2025-11-06 at the auditorium of the Homagama Divisional Secretariat.

Honored guests who graced the occasion included the Chairman of the Homagama Regional Coordinating Committee, Member of Parliament Mr. Aruna Panagoda, Member of Parliament Mr. Susantha Dodawatta, along with other political representatives. Also in attendance were Director of Cultural Affairs Ms. K.S. Dilhani, Additional District Secretary of Colombo Ms. M.A.S. Kanchana Gunawardhana, Chief Accountant of the Colombo District Secretariat Mr. G. Jayawira, Divisional Secretaries of Ratmalana, Padukka, Maharagama, Moratuwa, Kolonnawa, Seethawaka, and Dehiwala, as well as the Assistant Divisional Secretary of Kesbewa Ms. A.I. Oponayaka, District Planning Director Mr. Sujith Bandara, Homagama Zonal Deputy Director of Education Ms. Anupama Bandara, veteran performing artist Ms. Anurudhika Padukkage, and actors Mr. Sena Gunawardhana, Mr. Isuru Lokuhettiarachchi, Ms. Deshani Nehara, and Ms. Kanchana Khan.

With the participation of around 300 individuals—artists, school students, and government officials—the festival also featured the awarding of prizes and certificates to 56 students and creators who won literary competitions. In addition, four artists were honored with the “Homagama Vibhoothi” artist recognition awards.

Veteran writer Mr. Mahinda Senarath Gamage, veteran lyricist Mr. Somapala Leelananda, dramatist Ms. N. Karunawathi Jayawardena, and dancer Mr. Nandana Ruwan Kumara were presented with the “Homagama Vibhoothi” award in appreciation of their contributions to their respective art fields.

Furthermore, a commemorative token was presented to Mr. Jayaratne Ihala Kodippili in recognition of winning the award for Best Scientific Essay at the 2025 State Literary Awards. Supporting emerging artists, three students studying A-Level Aesthetics were each awarded the “Pratibha” scholarship of Rs. 10,000.

A literary lecture was conducted by Mr. Pradeep Muthukuda Arachchi-External Lecturer at the Universities of Colombo, Jayawardenapura, and Visual & Performing Arts, and a state music award–winning musicologist. The event was also enriched with diverse cultural performances by students from cultural institutes in the division.

The program was organized by Cultural Officer Ms. Nalanie Swarnalatha under the guidance and supervision of the Divisional Secretary.

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The special program “Preparing Children for the World of Work” was held on 2025/11/13 at the auditorium of the Homagama Divisional Secretariat. The program was organized with the objective of providing a broad understanding of the future world of work, and was attended by a group of beneficiaries consisting of schoolchildren and parents.

The program was conducted under the supervision of the Divisional Secretary, with resource contribution from Office Skills Development Officer Ms. Champika Padma Kanthi, and coordination by Office National Integration Officer Ms. L.P.S. Prasadika.

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The special 2025 Year-End Awareness and Evaluation Program for Preschool Teachers was held on 2025/11/13 at the auditorium of the Divisional Secretariat.

The program, conducted under the guidance and supervision of the Divisional Secretary and chaired by Administrative Officer Ms. W.N.S. Alwis, saw the participation of 100 beneficiaries. It was organized by the Early Childhood Development Officer of the Divisional Office, Ms. P.A. Chamari Lakmali, with the support of the Homagama Preschool Teachers’ Collective.

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An awareness program on good parenting and early childhood development for parents of preschool children and daycare center supervisors was held recently at the premises of the “Olu” Preschool in Kahatuduwa.

This program was conducted jointly for the Kahatuduwa “Golden Angel” Preschool, “Olu” Preschool, and “Induwari” Preschool, targeting 80 beneficiaries. It was held under the provisions of the National Secretariat for Early Childhood Development.

Resource contributions were provided by Mr. Ajith Ekanayaka, Child Rights Promotion Officer of Dehiwala, and Mr. K. Prathapage, Child Rights Promotion Officer of the Divisional Office.

The program was organized by Ms. Chamari Lakmali, Early Childhood Development Officer of the Divisional Office, under the guidance and supervision of the Divisional Secretary.

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Organized with the aim of preserving traditional local arts that have existed since ancient times and introducing them to the present generation, the event “Nurthi Nadagam Gee Saraniya” was successfully held on 2025-11-14 at the Sri Maha Bodhi Viharaya, Dolahena, Govijanapadaya.

Supported by the concept and financial provisions of the Western Province Ministry of Cultural and Artistic Affairs, under the supervision of the Divisional Secretary, and with the assistance of institutions and community organizations in the Dolahena Grama Niladhari Division, more than 300 members of the rural community participated in the program.

The renowned Ruwinda Ratnayake main orchestra enriched the event with Nurthi and Nadagam songs and instrumental performances. Students of the Vasana Performing Arts Institute and Sahasya Arts Institute, registered in the division, also contributed through their performances. Dance items presented by the children of the Dolahena Children's Society added further vibrancy to the program.

A special lecture on Nurthi and Nadagam songs was delivered by Visharada Vijitha Anupriya, Head of the Polgasovita Sinhala Music Research Institute. The event was coordinated by Colombo Assistant Divisional Secretary Sameera Suranjith.

The occasion was graced by the presence of the Deputy Chief Prelate of the Amarapura Maha Nikaya, the Executive Director of Maharagama Praggnananda Pirivena, Royal Pandit Dr. Watagedara Wimalabuddhi Thero, the Chief Incumbent of Sri Maha Bodhi Viharaya, Govijanapadaya, Unawatune Shasanathilaka Thero, the Homagama Divisional Secretary B.A.D. Chinthaka, Senior Assistant Secretary (Investigations) of the Ministry of Public Administration Ms. Dilanthi Wasana Siriwardhana, Homagama Assistant Divisional Secretary Chamal D. Thenuwara, Accountant Pubudu Ranjan Kuruppuachchi, along with many other government officials, sponsors, and residents of the area.

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