A delegation led by Mr. Ashraf Ali, President of the Dhivehi Language Academy of Maldives, including renowned poets, writers and actors yesterday met with the officials of Department of Cultural Affairs, SAARC Cultural Centre, prominent scholars, poets and writers of Sri Lanka.
The meeting held at the Department of Cultural Affairs headed by Professor KNO Darmadasa, former Dean of the Faculty of Arts at the University of Peradeniya thanked the Maldives delegation and highlighted the importance of reviewing cultural relations between the two countries. Professor Darmadasa also expressed his hopes to continue cultural exchanges in the future, which would further strengthen the existing bilateral bonds between Maldives and Sri Lanka.
Mr. Ashraf also thanked the Director of Department of Cultural Affairs and their officials for arranging the meeting with distinguished members of Sri Lankan culture and arts. Speaking at the meeting, Mr. Ashraf stated that the Maldives have close resemblances to Sri Lanka in so many ways, especially language and culture and explained his need for assistance from the Cultural Affairs Department to translate centuries old copper plates written in Sanskrit to Dhivehi.
During the meeting, both the delegations discussed and exchanged views and ideas on the opportunities and barriers in poetry, theatre activities, and the publishing industry in two countries.
First Secretary at the Embassy of Maldives Ms. Umaira Mohamed and Second Secretary Mr. Hussain Mazin accompanied the delegation.
ENDS