Their disability did not prevent them from getting on a public stage to compete at an art festival, with the non disabled.
They emerged victorious, bringing a rare honour to themselves and to Sunera Foundation. Their families were very proud, indeed. Above all, they proved, beyond doubt, that ‘DISABILITY IS POSSIBILITY’ and, as such, they need to be accepted as human beings who can make their share of contribution to society.
It was a rare honour for the members of the Sunera Foundation Thalawa workshop, who took part in the recent North Central Provincial Art Festival when the short drama presented by the Sunera members ‘Awasara Nehe’ bagged the highest number of awards out of the nine shortlisted for the final competition.
Having taken part in the first competition held at Vivekananda School in Anuradhapura, the drama was also selected to be featured at the final ceremony held at the Anuradhapura Central College on 23rd December.
Sandun Bandara Dissanayake won the Awards for the Best Script , Best Choreography and second place for the Best Producer. Niluka Seneviratne won the award for best costumes while K. D. Jayakody received an award for best stage management. Thanuja Lasanthi Wijeywickreme was selected the best make up artiste.
In addition, Gayathri Ranbgebandara, Thanuja Lasanthi Wijeywickreme and Chandani Ranasinghe became the recipients of merit awards.
The drama ‘Awasara Nehe’ was featured at the annual Samanalayaya concert in 2010.
The art festival was organized by the North Central Provincial Council and the Cultural Department. The North Central Province Governor Karunaratne Divulgane and Chief Minister Berty Premalal Dissanayake were among the distinguished guests who graced the occasion as chief guests.
Thalawa Sunera workshop is conducted every Friday at the main hall of ‘AKASA’ – an association for the differently-abled females. The Sunera’s initiative receives the fullest support of the Chairperson of the ‘AKASA’ organization Mrs. N.G. Kamalawathie.