The Thirumarai Kala Manram – Centre for Performing Arts celebrated its Diamond Jubilee on 18 and 19 October at the Kalaiththoodu Kalayakam, marking sixty years of artistic and cultural service.
The first day featured performances by the Paananthura and Puttalam Thirumarai Kala Manrams, an Oyilattam dance by the youth of the Manram, a recital by Mr. Jayakanthan, the dance drama Panchali Sabatham by the Ilavalai regional center, and the musical drama Sathyavan Savithri by the Jaffna Folk Arts Association.
Rt. Rev. Dr. Justin Gnanapragasam, Bishop of Jaffna, attended as Chief Guest, while Prof. S. Sivalingarajah, former Head of Tamil at the University of Jaffna, served as Guest of Honour. Prof. M. Balakailasanatha Sharma and Venerable Kalai Mani Mihahayandurai Sirivimala Thero also offered felicitations.
The second day, presided over by Rev. Fr. M. Jero Selvanayagam, Executive Director of Thirumarai Kala Manram, included performances by the Avissawella and Jaffna regional centers, a folk drama Poothaththambi, and a felicitation ceremony honouring senior artists and drama trainees.
Mr. Maruthalingam Pradeepan, Government agent, attended as Chief Guest, and Rev. Fr. Josephdas Jebaratnam, Vicar General of the Jaffna Diocese, was Guest of Honour.
Founded in 1965 by the late Rev. Fr. N. Maria Xavier, the Thirumarai Kala Manram has, for six decades, promoted unity through art. Headquartered in Jaffna, it operates 20 regional centers across Sri Lanka and additional centers in Canada, France, Norway, London, and Australia, preserving Tamil heritage and traditional art forms for future generations.
