The ‘Matara Festival for the Arts’ was ceremonially inaugurated on February 19 at the Old High Court premises of Matara Fort under the patronage of Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya.
The inaugural ceremony marked the beginning of a vibrant cultural celebration showcasing a diverse range of creations by both local and international artists. The festival is centred around the historic Old High Court premises in Matara and the auditorium of the Matara District Secretariat.
Open to the public from February 20 to 23, the festival features visual art exhibitions, short film screenings, a Kala Pola, and a series of workshops conducted by industry experts, offering a dynamic platform for artistic exchange and community engagement.
The opening event was attended by Minister of Women and Child Affairs Saroja Paulraj, alongside prominent artists, invited guests, and a large number of schoolchildren, reflecting strong public interest and participation in the arts initiative.