Introduction

The art song has now become an art of the common people where it escalates the attitudes and preferences of the masses to higher and nobler levels.  To evaluate the works of music by both the newcomers and the doyens in this field, State Music Awards Ceremony is held to coincide with 21^st of June each year, which marks the World Music Day.

Theme

“For a better tomorrow of art music”

 Objectives

To appreciate the masterpieces by the veterans and the upcoming artistes in the field of music.

History

The State Music Awards Ceremony has been conducted since the establishment of the Department of Cultural Affairs in 1956 and this event was subject to changes over the time. From the year 2011, the applications are invited only from the citizens of Sri Lanka, under the various headings for the presentation of state music awards and the music compositions so received are properly evaluated by a proficient Panel of Judges impartially with transparency.

The State Music Awards Ceremony is organized by the Ministry in charge of the subject of Culture, the Department of Cultural Affairs, the Arts Council of Sri Lanka and the State Advisory Council of Music.

Awards

State Awards- Awards of Excellence, Certificates and Cash prizes are presented under 34 categories in all three languages at the occasion of the State Music Awards Presentation Ceremony.

Sangeethabhimani Award – On the occasion of the State Music Awards Ceremony, this award is presented on the recommendation of the State Advisory Council of Music, to an individual in the field of music who has rendered an incomparable service for the advancement of the music field.

Details of the calling of applications

• Applications are called under 34 headings for the music compositions in Sinhala, Tamil and English as per the rules and regulations of the circular instructions.
• The closing date of applications is January 31^st of each year.
• Details could be obtained through the Music Division of the Department of Cultural Affairs, all the Divisional/District Secretariats and the Website/Facebook of the Department of Cultural Affairs. Notices in this regard are issued by the electronic and printed media too.
• Entries are entertained by post or Email and the music creation should accompany the application.

Academic Journal

“Sangeethanjalee” is an academic journal consisting of articles by scholars and the artists engage in this field. This journal is launched in line with the State Music Awards Ceremony.