Sunday Times 2
The National Trust marks 20 years of protecting Sri Lanka’s Cultural Heritage
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Roland Silva
The National Trust-Sri Lanka celebrated its 20th anniversary on November 26 at the College of Surgeons auditorium, honouring the unique legacy of Dr Roland Silva, the distinguished archaeologist and architect who served as the Director of Archaeology for many years.
This year, three organisations founded by Dr Roland – the Central Cultural Fund (CCF), ICOMOS Sri Lanka and the National Trust Sri Lanka (NT) – are celebrating his legacy.
In October, the CCF and ICOMOS Sri Lanka organised a national conference ‘Beyond Roland Silva: Charting New Frontiers in Sri Lanka’s Cultural Heritage’, recalling that in 1990, in a unanimous decision, Dr Roland was elected the first non-European president of ICOMOS International, serving for three consecutive terms. A special film and exhibition curated by Dr Sagara Jayasinghe of ICOMOS Sri Lanka featured his unique achievements.
Even after retirement, Dr Roland’s dedication continued through the founding of the National Trust-Sri Lanka, promoting collaboration between professionals and the public in safeguarding the nation’s heritage. He launched a series of coffee table books, which today provide the foundation of financial stability for the Trust.
National Trust President Dr Sarala Fernando recalled how the Trust has grown from its founding with a voluntary group of archaeologists and architects and no funds to its distinguished board of trustees today with a solid financial standing.
Dr Nilan Cooray, Director General of the Central Cultural Fund, delivered an inspiring oration. Trustee Kavan Ratnatunga presented Dr Cooray with the first copy of the newest National Trust publication: The Story of Furniture in Sri Lanka.
Guests browsing NT publications
The award ceremony for the open competition launched by former National Trust President Professor Nimal de Silva for publications on intangible heritage in the three languages was also held.
The following awards were made: First prize – T M Gunawardana for his publication Urumaya Ahimi Veddo, three second prizes – to Mahinda K Wimalasiri for Horanewa – The unique Symbol of Sri Lankan Traditional and Indigenous Folk Music, to Yasanjali Devika Jayathilaka for Siri Laka Wedi Katha and to Hayathri Shanmuganathan for Sottkalal Nilam Kadanthavarkal
(Who crossed the borders with their words – review of Sri Lankan women’s articles).
Intangible Heritage Publications gold medal winner T M Gunawardana receiving medal from Neela Silva.
Full range of National Trust publications.
Exhibition on Dr Roland Silva’s work by Dr Sagara Jayasinghe of the University of Moratuwa
Trustee Dr Kavan Ratnatunga gifting speaker Dr Nilan Cooray with a copy of NT latest publication, The Story of Furniture in Sri Lanka.
Director General of the Central Cultural Fund, Dr Nilan Cooray delivering the Dr Roland Silva oration.