Vision Care, Sri Lanka’s largest vision and eyewear solutions provider, successfully concluded the “Paata Siththam” 2023 Art Competition—an island-wide event crafted around the theme “Tomorrow’s World Through My Eyes.” This competition aimed to cultivate the creative talents of young artists in Sri Lanka, and the celebration of artistic expression took place in conjunction with World Children’s Day, emphasizing Vision Care’s dedication to the comprehensive development of young minds and their vision.
The competition encouraged children to express their unique perspectives on the world using a variety of artistic mediums and was held under five entry categories: primary, intermediate, junior-high, senior-high, and senior-secondary.
The enthusiasm showcased by the children resulted in over 10,000 drawings received from all over the island, with 700 drawings selected as the best talent presented for the second round – live drawing session. This was a great opportunity for children to bring their own visionary artistic talents and creativity into a real-time live experience. These sessions were held in Colombo, Galle, Ratnapura, Embilipitiya, Anuradhapura, Kurunegala, and Jaffna ensuring equal opportunities for children across the entire country.
A distinguished panel of judges thoughtfully evaluated the submissions, selecting 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners from each category. Additionally, they bestowed 7 Excellence Awards, 5 Distinction Awards, and 10 Merit Awards, recognizing outstanding creativity and talent across the board.The grand Prize Giving Ceremony was held at the Royal Institute International Auditorium in Nugegoda, acknowledging a total of 125 winners for their remarkable artistic achievements with cash prizes and valuable gifts.
In the Primary Category (Grades 1-2-3), Chenuthi Sadinma Dahanayaka secured the 1st Place, followed by P.V. Methma Methsiluni Vitharana in 2nd Place and W. Senulya Dahamdi in 3rd Place. The Intermediate Category (Grades 4-5-6) witnessed E.G Savidya Rehansa Harasarani clinching the 1st Place, with K.K.D. Sayara Methsarani Rupasinghe and B.M.Dharani Sri Vihangya securing the 2nd and 3rd Places, respectively. In the Junior High Category (Grades 7-8-9), Vidarshana Nirmani Bittar stood out in 1st Place, accompanied by K.K. Sathsara Indunil in 2nd Place and E.G. Kavithma Induwarani in 3rd Place. N.P Teshan Kalana Soorasingha claimed the top spot in the Senior High Category (Grades 10-11), with M. H.Induwari Mandaksha Senarathne and Isali Dehansa Liyanapathirana securing 2nd and 3rd Places. Finally, in the Senior Secondary Category (Grades 12-13), M.D. Isuru Lakmal Karunarathna, R.P.D.Sethmini Tharunima Jayaweera, and W.M.Gamitha Dinujaya weerasingha claimed the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Places, respectively.
Vision Care extends gratitude to all participants, parents, supporters, and partners, and eagerly anticipates paving the way for another enriching artistic journey in the future for the young artists.