The Hon. (Dr.) Hiniduma Sunil Senevi - Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Speaker, the answers are as follows:

¶ 02 (a) (i) There are 220 cultural centres. (ii) Main functions to promote cultural activities include: - Providing free skills development programmes in arts and culture (e.g., Kandyan, Low Country and Sabaragamuwa dance; folk and creative dance; Hindustani music; drawing; early childhood development; Carnatic music; Bharatanatyam). - Conducting other fee-subsidized skills programmes such as Tamil and English language training and self-defence/martial arts. - Providing necessary cultural services in the area, such as: • Supplying dance troupes including Ves dance groups; • Renting dance costumes; • Providing hall facilities; • Providing free library facilities; • Organizing cultural programmes, including observances for special commemorative days; • Conducting entertainment programmes; • Holding theatre workshops; • Presenting cultural forms such as Kolam, Nurthi, and Nadagam; • Conducting Shanthikarma such as Kohomba Kankariya as required. - Creating opportunities for children in the area to participate in national-level cultural showcases (e.g., Independence Day celebrations, National Vesak Festival).