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Three legends honoured with lifetime achievement awards

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Sarath Chandradeewa, Lal Hegoda and Nihal Fernando

The State Visual Arts Festival 2025 was held in February 2026 owing to postponement caused by cyclone Ditwah.It was held under the patronage of Dr Hiniduma Sunil Senevi, Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious & Cultural Affairs at Suhurupaya, Battaramulla on February 18, 2026.

Organised by the Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious & Cultural Affairs, the Department of Cultural Affairs, the Arts Council of Sri Lanka and the State Panel of Visual Arts, it celebrated eminent visual artists who have dedicated their creativity to the advancement and brilliance of the Sri Lankan Visual Arts Sector.

Winners of the 2025 State Visual Arts Festival were presented with awards and Professor Sarath Chandrajeewa (b.1955), Lal Hegoda (b.1947) and Nihal Fernando (1927-2015) were honoured with Lifetime Achievement Awards.

Sarath Chandrajeewa (b.1955)

Educated at Ragala Sinhala Maha Vidyalaya and Karawita Central College, he obtained his first degree in Sculpture from the Institute of Aesthetic Studies, University of Kelaniya in 1978. He obtained a Postgraduate Diploma in Bronze Sculpture Casting at the Royal Academy of Arts, a Master’s Degree in Sculpture at the Moscow State Academic Arts Institute and his Doctor of Philosophy Degree at the Moscow State Institute of Art Research.

Starting his career as a Youth Services Officer in 1979 at the National Youth Services Council, his appointments at various times included Lecturer-University of Kelaniya, Director-Institute of Aesthetic Studies, Professor -University of Visual & Performing Arts where he went on to become the Dean.

His solo exhibitions are many and he has emerged as an internationally renowned sculptor. He is the only Sri Lankan artist to be represented in the British Museum’s Portrait Gallery for his bronze portrait of Sir Christopher Ondaatje.

A recipient of numerous awards, he is also an author and editor, compiling many academic books and research articles on visual arts. Having accomplished much of his mission, he is a rare figure who is still an active sculptor who is also engaged in academic research works.” (Adapted from the Catalogue of the State Visual Arts Festival 2025)

Lal Hegoda (b.1947)

“Lal Hegoda was never one to follow the usual path. Rather than simply capturing photographs, he has explored the world itself, shaping ideas, objects, and moments with creativity, and bringing them to life through the lens. His work first reached the public in 1971, with the remarkable series ‘Freud’s Daughter,’ a work that show he was never just a photographer, but an artist deeply attuned to society and human experience.

Growing up with his father, the pioneering photographer Wilson Hegoda, Lal learned early the language of images, the discipline of craft, and the joy of seeing the world with fresh eyes. Yet he has always walked his own path, guided by an inner vision. Beyond photography, he has explored poetry, blending visual and verbal expression with sensitivity and respect for the very essence of his subjects.

As a scholar, teacher, and author of influential works like ‘Photography and Art’ and the ‘Seven Controls of the Camera,’ Lal Hegoda has enriched Sri Lankan art with both knowledge and imagination. His mastery of visual language, his expressive touch, and his ability to communicate meaning through images have left an indelible mark on our culture.

Today, in recognition of his lifetime of creativity, insight, and dedication, the Sri Lanka Arts Council, the Visual Arts Sub-Council, and the Department of Cultural Affairs proudly present Mr Lal Hegoda with the Lifetime Achievement Award, honouring his enduring contribution to art and culture in Sri Lanka.” (Catalogue of the Exhibition of Photography, State Visual Arts Festival 2025, 17-19 February 2026, Lionel Wendt Art Centre)

Nihal Fernando (1927-2015)

“Nihal Fernando often described himself simply as ‘a photographer,’ yet his life’s work profoundly shaped Sri Lanka’s visual, cultural, and environmental consciousness. Beginning as a schoolboy photographer and later transforming Studio Times Pvt Ltd into a national institution, he used photography not merely as a profession but as a means of understanding and revealing Sri Lanka to itself and the world. Through exhibitions, press features, public lectures, and influential publications such as the ‘Handbook for the Ceylon Traveller’ and landmark photographic volumes, he inspired generations to appreciate the island’s landscapes, heritage, and people.

Beyond photography, Fernando was a mentor to young artists, a custodian of Sri Lanka’s artistic legacy, and a passionate advocate for conservation and sustainable agriculture. His leadership in environmental activism, most notably the historic opposition to the Eppawela phosphate mining project, left a lasting legal and moral legacy. Widely known as ‘The Man who Framed Sri Lanka,’ Nihal Fernando was a visionary whose work consistently served the common good and enriched the nation’s cultural soul.” (Catalogue of the Exhibition of Photography, State Visual Arts Festival 2025, 17-19 February 2026, Lionel Wendt Art Centre)


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A strong Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) system equips individuals with practical, relevant, and future-oriented skills helping to innovate responsibly towards a greener and sustainable future – PM

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The Prime Minister, Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education Dr. Harini Amarasuriya participated as the Chief Guest in the international conference on ’Transforming TVET Systems for climate resilience and green jobs’ organized by Colombo Plan Staff College, Philippines together with the Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education Sri Lanka on 24 th of March at Courtyard by Marriott Colombo, Sri Lanka.

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(Prime Minister’s Media division)

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PM reviews progress of the committee appointed for the establishment of a National Nursing University

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2026/03/26

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A discussion to review the current progress of the special committee appointed under the government’s policy proposals to establish a National Nursing University aimed at elevating the nursing profession in Sri Lanka to degree level was held on 23rd of March at the Prime Minister’s Office under the patronage of Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya.

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(Prime Minister’s Media Division)

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Heat Index at ‘Caution level’ in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern and North-western provinces and in Anuradhapura, Mannar, Vavuniya and Monaragala districts

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2026/03/26

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Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre of the Department of  Meteorology
at 3.30 p.m. on 25 March 2026, valid for 26 March 2026.

The Heat index, the temperature felt on human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern and North-western provinces and in
Anuradhapura, Mannar, Vavuniya and Monaragala districts.

The Heat Index Forecast is calculated by using relative humidity and maximum temperature and this is the condition that is felt on your body. This is not the forecast of maximum temperature. It is generated by the Department of Meteorology for the next day period and prepared by using global numerical weather prediction model data.

Effect of the heat index on human body is mentioned in the above table and it is prepared on the advice of the Ministry of Health and Indigenous Medical Services.

ACTION REQUIRED
Job sites: Stay hydrated and takes breaks in the shade as often as possible.
Indoors: Check up on the elderly and the sick.
Vehicles: Never leave children unattended.
Outdoors: Limit strenuous outdoor activities, find shade and stay hydrated.
Dress: Wear lightweight and white or light-colored clothing.

Note:
In addition, please refer to advisories issued by the Disaster Preparedness & Response Division, Ministry
of Health in this regard as well. For further clarifications please contact 011-7446491.

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