Lessons from the South on how to run cultural centre in Jaffna!

The newly elected Jaffna Mayor V. Manivannan who took part in the meeting refused the offer from the Secretary and pointed out that JMC can maintain on its own if the Central government ensured proper resources and human cadres are allocated for the purpose.

Top officials in the North were requested to attend a special meeting at the Prime Minister’s Office in Colombo e a rly this week. The discussion was focused on the maintenance of a Rs 1.2 billion- Indian fundedIndian Cultural Centre in Jaffna which was completed months ago but yet to be declared open.

It was a follow- up meeting with local officials after recent Indian engagements in Colombo stressed that the building should be opened for public use and both parties have already fixed the date too.

Secretary to the Prime Minister Gamini Senarath who chaired the meeting indicated that the Jaf fna Municipal Council ( JMC) lacks human resources and adequate cadres to maintain the multiple storey building once it is declared open, suggesting it can be left to the Central government for administration.

The newly elected Jaffna Mayor V. Manivannan who took part in the meeting refused the offer from the Secretary and pointed out that JMC can maintain on its own if the Central government ensured proper resources and human cadres are allocated for the purpose. Northern Governor Mrs P.S.M Charles, Chief Secretary of Northern Provincial Council and Municipal Commissioner were among those participating in the meeting.

It was suggested at the meeting for JMC officials to undertake a tour to the Chinese funded Nelum Pokuna Mahinda Rajapaksa Theatre to get an idea of the maintenance and administration process which can be adopted for the Cultural Centre in North. Mayor Manivannan and officials visited the theatre on the same day to familiarise themselves with the process.

The Cultural Centre, located near the Jaffna Public library, comprises a theatre- style auditorium ( with projection facilities) with a capacity of up to 600 people, a multimedia library with on- line research facilities, exhibition and gallery space and a museum.

It would also have an instructional wing, which would have facilities to conduct classes in vocal and instrumental music, dance, and languages, including a language lab, according to a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the two countries. It would also be able to serve as a hub for socio- cultural activities, for which a conference hall- cum- seminar room is included.