The Sri Lanka Magic Circle has rendered a great service over the years by nurturing magicians and improving their skills by conducting training workshops and magic contests, Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa said in a congratulatory message to mark its centenary celebrations on February 18, 2022.

“Magic, as a performing art, provides young kids with entertaining and interactive ways to learn a range of skills such as public speaking, multi-tasking, precision and adaptability”, the premier said.

As one of the oldest preforming art organizations in Sri Lanka, the centenary will mark a remarkable milestone for the organization, he noted.

Under the leadership of the late Mr Gate Mudaliyar ACGS Amarasekara, the Association of Ceylon Magicians (A.C.M.) was inaugurated on February 18, 1922. Since then, the A.C.M (renamed in 1953 as the Sri Lanka Magic Circle) has come a long way in promoting magic as an art and a hobby in Sri Lanka, the Prime Minister noted.

“I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the Sri Lanka Magic Circle on this significant milestone and I wish its current members the courage to inspire young magicians in the years to come”, he added.

The Sri Lanka Magic Circle said it has been recognized as a National Cultural Arts Society by the government.

It referred to the congratulatory message of Prime Minister and Minister of Cultural Affairs, Mahinda Rajapaksa, the patron of the Magic Circle, where he highly appreciated and complimented the efforts of the Sri Lanka Magic Circle, in developing the performing art of magic over the years, and rightly referred to it truly as “one of the oldest cultural performing arts in Sri Lanka”.

The Sri Lanka Magic Circle is gearing itself to celebrate its 100th anniversary on February 18, 2022 with a series of events continuing throughout the centenary year with a “Gala Dazzling Fiesta of Magic’’ with its magicians, including youngsters, amateurs and professional magicians, along with the famous guest artiste “Mr. COOL”, the Swiss magician Hoerbi Kull, a maestro in the field.

A blood donation campaign and a free Eye Clinic for the needy will also be conducted together with a series of free charity magic shows at Homes for Orphans and Children, Elders, Deaf and Dumb, Differently-abled and at Rehabilitation Centres.

While hoping for a Covid-free period in 2022, a three-day Magic Convention has also been planned with local magicians and those joining from the SAARC region. This will give an impetus to boost inter-regional cultural activities and tourism, the Magic Circle said.

The Sri Lanka Magic Circle, website is www.srilankamagic.org and the official building, which was given by the government in the Kalapura zone in 2002, is situated at ‘Vishmithapaya’, 156, Templar’s Road, Mt. Lavinia,

Children and adults interested in joining the exclusive and privileged Sri Lanka Magic Circle and enjoy the special centenary facilities offered by it, may contact Lt. Col. (Rtd) Ronald de Alwis, President Emeritus or Chairman, Sri Lanka Magic Circle Centenary Committee on 0723399874. Email magicana@sltnet.lk for inquiries.