Coming Soon in Rajapakistan: Nelum Pokuna Mahinda Rajapakse Theatre

(December 12, Colombo, Sri Lanka Guardian) The road way which begins from the Horton Place roundabout up to the Public Library roundabout will be renamed as - Nelum Pokuna Mawatha from December 15, the Government Information Department said.

The renaming of the roadway will take place after the ceremonial opening of the performing arts theatre complex which will be named the 'Nelum Pokuna Mahinda Rajapakse Theatre' on the same day.

The funding for the construction of the theatre came by way of a grant from the People’s Republic of China, on a request made by the Sri Lankan Government to enhance the long-lasting friendship between the two nations.

The agreement for the construction was signed between the Sri Lankan Government and the Yanjian Group Company limited of China on March 15, 2006 following which construction started at the site at Ananda Coomaraswamy Mawatha, Colombo 7, on the former Nomads cricket grounds.

The Performing Arts Theatre will not be limited to artistic performances but will be a venue for conferences, festivals, exhibitions as well.

It is equipped with a modern system of lighting, sound system, stage and seating facilities with an air-conditioned auditorium, rehearsal room, dressing rooms, ticketing rooms, wash rooms and cafeteria.

The theatre consists of five floors above ground and two floors below ground level while the main auditorium has three tiers. The total seating capacity is 1,288.