Kantha Mela was celebrated on Wednesday, March 14th, 2013 at the Kandy Cultural Centre.
The annual event celebrates International Women's Day with the the network of women's organsations linked to the Women's Development Centre (WDC). It provides all sections of the WDC (Community Development (CD), community based rehabilitation (CBR), crisis intervention and ) an opportunity to come together with the community.
There were 322 participants at the event including the members from 9 forums; Ampara, Batticaloa, Hanguranketha, Rajarata, Akkarapatta, Kalmunai, Matale, Varuniya and Kandy. The majority of the participants were Network of Women(NOW) members. The chief guests who brightened up the event were, Ms. Shirani Weerakoon - Secretary, Ministry of Health, Indigenous Medicine, Social Welfare, Probation and Child Care Services and Ms. Kumuduni S. Premachandra - Commissioner, Department of Social Welfare, Probation and Child Care Service Affairs. In addition, many well wishers of WDC also contributed to make this event a success by their valuable participation.
During the day there were a numerous offerings presented. All members of the forums were given the opportunity to perform and there were a number of cultural-based performances addressing gender-based violence issues. The children of the Haragama crisis centre were a highlight of the show, delivering bright, lively dance performances, that were enjoyed thoroughly by everyone in attendance. It is a major achievement for these girls to perform in front of such a large crowd, but in succeeding, helps them overcome some of their fears initiated originally through gender-based violence against them.
In addition to the cultural performances there was an exhibition and sale of products from a variety of the forum members and Apitiya VTC products were also on sale.
Finally there were appreciation certificates given for all the NOW members in recognition for their service.
Overall, the day was a huge success and we thank everyone who was involved.
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