Fashion Bug, a leading fashion retail brand in Sri Lanka, recently concluded its all-island children’s art competition, Roo Siththam 2023 for the 13th consecutive year. Held at the Bishops College Auditorium, the spectacular award ceremony was graced by many distinguished guests, including Chief Guest Mr. Chandana Sooriyabandara, and Guests of Honour Mr. Farveez Maharoof and Dr. Hayeshika Fernando. The ceremony saw the presence of over 700 attendees, with over 250 enthusiastic school children among them.
The theme of Roo Siththam 2023 was “My world, through my eyes,” which inspired students from schools across the country to submit their creative entries. The submissions, a staggering 81,246 in number, spanned three age categories — 7 to 9 years, 10 to 12 years, and 13 to 16 years. The young artists poured their hearts and souls into their creations, showcasing their unique perspectives on the world.
Roo Siththam 2023 competition was carried out with the approval and supervision of the Ministry of Education, guaranteeing the utmost credibility and integrity of the event. The judging panel consisted of prominent lecturers from the University of Visual and Performing Arts, ensuring that the evaluation process was both fair and expertly conducted. Out of the vast pool of talent, a total of 272 winners emerged, receiving accolades and recognition for their exceptional artwork.
In the 07-09 years age category, E. Lakira Sawen Edirisinghe, a student from Mayurapadha College in Mawanella was claimed the winner while in the 10-12 years age group, W. A. N. Hasarel Perera, hailing from De Mazenod College in Kandana, emerged as the winner. In the fiercely competitive 13-16 years age category, Anjali Nimasha Karunawardhana, a student from Mahamaya Girls College in Kandy was recognized as the winner. These young individuals have demonstrated their talent and have earned their positions as the best in their age categories.
These talented young artists were not only presented with tablets, bicycles, and gift vouchers as tokens of appreciation but also received a personalized umbrella featuring their own artwork. Furthermore, all shortlisted participants were awarded medals, certificates, and gifts to acknowledge their creative efforts.
Initiated in 2011, with the objective of identifying the creative talents of school children, Roo Siththam is the signature annual event pertaining to Fashion Bug’s social sustainability platform Sisu Dirimaga, which is dedicated to improving the education of students in Sri Lanka. In the words of Shabier Subian, Chief Executive Officer of Fashion Bug, “Fashion Bug remains committed to supporting and nurturing the creative talents of the next generation. Roo Siththam is a platform that empowers young artists to showcase their unique perspectives, and we are delighted to be part of their artistic journey.”
