DSI inspires future generation through Sithuvili - a nationwide art competition
Art in any form represents creativity - a medium of expression which represents the innermost thoughts and emotions of a human being.
An inborn talent most often manifests itself in early childhood and in recognition of this universal truth, DSI is re launching Sithuwili, an art competition to capture and nurture the inherent talent in school children in a countrywide competition.
Children are spontaneous and their thoughts are colourful and spirited and are usually vividly expressed through art.
Talent is not bred in wealth alone but may take root in the poorest of homes and the DSI national program will search for this talent far and wide, even from the remotest part of the country to bring it to national platform in a massive CSR program titled The DSI Sithuvili Sri Lanka Art Competition.
The competition provides an opportunity to children from all parts of Sri Lanka - from privileged backgrounds to the underprivileged to express their thoughts, impressions, views and concepts through drawing and painting. Unlike in the past with international schools being added to the number of national schools, the competition will take on a bigger than life proportion at a national level. The competition has been conducted under the auspices of the Ministry of Education from inception giving the competition the stature and validity of a national competition.
“The competition was first launched in 1992 on the assumption that children were only concentrating on studies and not developing their aesthetic skills. The exhibition has encouraged budding young talent but it was conducted until 2007, as art competitions became very common,” Head of Marketing at DSI Rohan Somawansa said.
Entry to the competition which does not require a fee, is a foolproof process requiring signatures and endorsements from school art teachers and principals. Entries will be coded and no names will be used in the competition to retain anonymity. Entries are now open and will close in May. The panel of judges will comprise a competent team of experts and artists.
The total sum of prize money for participants has been increased to Rs. 6,000,000 with a Rs. 50,000/= first prize at all Island level and Rs. 30,000/= for second place and Rs. 20,000/= for third place. At Provincial level the first prize is Rs. 3,000/= second prize Rs. 2,000 and a third prize of Rs. 1,000/= In addition certificates and gift vouchers will also be awarded to all the winners.