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.
