Jana Karaliya returns to Hambantota

'Jana Karaliya' drama and theatre programme organised on a concept of veteran dramatist and filmmaker Parakrama Niriella and actor H. A. Perera has now by much demand returned to Hambantota.

Due this demand once again the drama festival has camped at Urban Council Grounds at Hambantota till May 23. Janakaraliya earlier made successful performances in Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Trincomalee and Puttalam districts.

With the assistance of the Ministry of Cultural and National Heritage and Southern Province Education Ministry, Janakaraliya was organised by 'Future Peace Youth Group'. Following the successful screening of the international film festival, 'Janakaraliya Drama Festival' will go on board from May 10 to 18.

The series of dramas scheduled to be performed include 'Charandas' which won nine awards (in Sinhala and Tamil sections) including Best Drama at the last State Drama Festival and other productions like 'Seethambarapataya' (scripted by Mangala Senanayake), 'Andaramal', 'Makaraksha', 'Mayapattadhai' and ' Erukkalam pu' (translations by Cyril C. Perera) and children's play 'Soru Evilla' (scripted by Sumith Samarasinghe) 'Dewlowa Gamana', ''Thirudan Wandaan' and 'Dewloha Payanam' will be performed. In addition to the drama performances, the Jana Karaliya has organised workshops on drama and theatre and programmes on film appreciation will be conducted for school children and teachers in Tangalla, Hambantota and Walasmulla Education Divisions. And theatre workshops also will be conducted for the youth groups.

'Janakaraliya' is handled by Parakrama Nirella, H. A. Perera, Ravindra Mapitigama and Dileep Rohana. Avanthi Udakumbura coordinates while Nishantha Kularatne handles the management. A large number of young actors and actresses move around the country in their endeavour to develop interest in arts among the public.