Vision

Towards build up a blessed nation replete with subdued, cultured and disciplined human beings to safeguard cultural values and principles.

Mission

Preparation and implementation of programs for the preservation, promotion and propagation of cultural heritage with the Sri Lankan identity.

Objectives

• Planning and implementation of programs for the effectiveness of cultural activities in Sri Lanka.
• Implementation of projects in relation to the preservation, propagation and promotion of arts and culture in Sri Lanka.
• Assist the Sri Lankan writers and artistes in their literary and artistic work considering them as partners in our culture.
• Formulation and implementation of programs to compile encyclopedia, dictionaries and Mahawamsa, encourage the writers in their literary work by purchasing their books, conducting manuscript competitions and reprintingof rarely found books.
• Implementation of programs for the preservation, propagation and promotion of arts and culture of all the subcultures in the country taking into consideration the multicultural nature of Sri Lanka.
• Revival of all the visible and invisible cultural components of Sri Lanka, while building up a nation replete with values by formulating and implementation of programs that could reach all the strata in the society.

Introdiction

Contrary to what is given by nature throughout the history of the human being, other manifestations of human intellectual achievement are collectively known as culture.

The Department of Cultural Affairs was established as per the Gazette Extraordinary No. 10975 dated 26th September 1956 under the People’s Government of Mr. S.W.R.D. Bandaranayake, who came to power in the year 1956.

The Department renders a great service for the advancement of the culture through compilation and implementation of programs for the preservation, promotion and propagation of literary arts and cultural activities with the Sri Lankan identity.

Mahawamsa Compilation Office, Sinhala Dictionary Office, Sinhala Encyclopedia Office, National Art Gallery, John de Silva Memorial Theater, Uthuru-Dakunu Mithuru Sevana Cultural Centre, Professor Ediriweera Sarachchandra Drama Training School, Walisingha Harischandra Museum, Kundasale National Arts Academy are the institutions that come under the purview of the Department and striving hard for the cultural renaissance with the activities of the Department.

The State Dance Ensemble, which pioneers in the advancement of the traditional art of dancing in Sri Lanka and the State Music Ensemble, are also come under the purview of the Department.

The Department functions with seven (07) Divisions namely, Artistes’ Promotion, Literary and Publications, Cultural Promotion, Development and Planning, Administration, Accounts and Procurement. Eleven (11) State Advisory Boards that come under Cultural Promotion Division contribute to hold the state festivals and commemoration ceremonies successfully.

Each Divisional Secretariat and District Secretariat has been attached a Cultural Officer or a Cultural Development Assistant / Development Officer for the better coordination and to perform the functions of the Department at district and divisional level and steps have been taken to extend the functions of the Department to the rural community through these officers.

The officers of the Department work as per an annual work plan and “DolosmahePahana” and Literary Festivals are among the events that play a pivotal role. The department receives the progress of the above programs as quarterly reports and the necessary regulation and supervision in this regard is given by the Assistant Directors of the Department.