Jupally Krishna Rao felicitates Sri Lankan artistes, calls for greater cultural exchanges
Telangana will work towards further strengthening its cultural and tourism ties with Sri Lanka, with a focus on Buddhism and shared heritage, Minister for Tourism and Culture Jupally Krishna Rao said on Wednesday.
Mr. Rao was speaking after felicitating a group of Sri Lankan artistes who met him at the Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Telangana Secretariat. The artistes had recently performed traditional Sri Lankan dances at the fourth edition of Nrityangana held at Ravindra Bharathi.
The programme was organised with the support of the Telangana Department of Language and Culture, the South Central Zone Cultural Centre (SCZCC), Nagpur, and Singidi Cultural Organisation.
Focus on cultural exchanges
The delegation, led by Sri Lankan artiste Rangika Nanayakkara, met the Minister along with Vishwakarma D.R.K., Director of Singidi Cultural Organisation.
Mr. Rao appreciated the artistes for showcasing Sri Lanka’s traditional dance forms in Telangana and said cultural exchanges could play an important role in deepening the longstanding ties between the two regions.
He said Buddhism, art, culture and heritage formed an important link between Sri Lanka and Telangana. There was a need to promote greater cultural exchanges and create more opportunities for artistes from both sides to showcase their traditions, he said.
Minister assures support
Aastha Karlekar, Director of the South Central Zone Cultural Centre, Nagpur, briefed the Minister on the various programmes being organised by the Centre and sought the Telangana Government’s support for its activities.
Responding positively, Mr. Rao said the State Government would encourage initiatives aimed at strengthening cultural ties with different parts of the country and abroad.
The Minister also said he would visit the South Central Zone Cultural Centre in Nagpur shortly. Such engagement, he said, would help explore greater cooperation in cultural exchanges, artistes’ participation, Buddhist heritage and tourism, further strengthening the relationship between Telangana and Sri Lanka.
