INDIAN CULTURAL CENTER
Colombo

The Indian Cultural Centre in Colombo was formally inaugurated by the Prime Minister of India, Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee on July 30, 1998, with the aim of promoting Indo-Sri Lanka relations through enhanced cultural cooperation. Though relatively young, the Centre has firmly established itself on the Sri Lankan cultural scene and earned a reputation of excellence in a short span of 5 years. There is widespread appreciation of the Centre's activities and its role in promoting close cultural interaction between Indian and Sri Lankan artistes as well as spreading awareness about Indian culture in Sri Lanka.

The Centre organizes a variety of cultural activities every month that are publicized through the Centre's monthly newsletter as well as press releases in the print media. Programmes at the Centre include dance performances, vocal and instrumental music recitals, lectures, lecture demonstrations, workshops, exhibitions, slide shows, etc. Since Indian troupes sponsored by ICCR visit Sri Lanka only 4 to 5 times a year, the Centre relies heavily on the large reservoir of talented and accomplished Sri Lankan artistes who have received their formal training in dance, music and various art forms in India. The Centre invites them to give performances at the Centre. The Centre also invites noted Sri Lankan and visiting Indian scholars, academicians and cultural personalities to lecture at the Centre. In addition, Indian films are screened on a regular basis.

The Centre conducts classes in 8 disciplines including Hindi, Yoga, Bharatanatyam dance, Hindustani and Carnatic Vocal Music, Violin, Sitar and Tabla. These are extremely popular among Sri Lankans from all age groups and walks of life. Nearly 1000 students are currently enrolled in these classes, that are conducted either free of charge as in the case of Hindi or at very nominal charges as in the case of dance, music and yoga. All classes are conducted by Sri Lankan teachers.

The Indian Culture Centre maintains a well equipped library with a large collection of over 4000 books, and a reading room where readers have access to Indian newspapers, magazines and journals. The library also has a stock of video-cassettes and CDs. Current library membership stands at over 900.

The Centre brings out a monthly newsletter that highlights the Centre's forthcoming events, and gives an update of the programmes held, new library accessions and other important announcements. The newsletter is mailed to nearly 2500 persons and institutions all over Sri Lanka.

The Cultural Centre has been extremely successful in projecting India's rich and diverse cultural heritage. Performances and events at the Centre are free of charge and open to the public. Similarly, the classes at the centre are either free as in the case of Hindi or a very nominal fee is charged as for other classes.