Sambalpur, Jan 21 (FN Representative) The folk artists from Sri Lanka who were here for the Lok Mahoschav 2023 highly praised India for its generosity during the crisis in their country due to political turmoil and economic crisis. “Art and culture have no boundary. Moreover, we as the immediate neighbour to India always have the desire to come over here again and again, that pulled us to Odisha, the land of Lord Jagannath,” said Gaminie Basnayake, the team leader of Sri Lanka folk team and the President of World Association of Performing Arts (WAPA) during an exclusive interview.
Narrating the broadness of India, Basnayake described India as a ‘Giant Friend’ of Sri Lanka in its need. “From food to petrol and that of medicines, India helped us in every respect during our acute crisis,” he admitted with a sign of obligation, praising highly prime minister Narendra Modi. “I have visited 85 countries of the world with my cultural troupe, but India and its people are the best in all respects,” said Basnayake. “We have come to India many a times. But this is our first time in Odisha, the land of Lord Jagannath about whom we heard a lot and saw on TV,” he added. He also praised the people of Sambalpur, the Lok Mahoschav organisers, the district administration and collector Ananay Das in particular for the nice arrangements during Lok Mahoschav. “The food and accommodation are the best of its kind we have ever experienced,” he said.. “Our cultural performances mainly focus on folklore arts and tribal dances. These are based on cultural heritage and teachings of Buddha,” said another lady leader of the team Laxmi.
“Even though our language is totally different, but our lively performances make the audiences understand us easily,” she added. At times in one single dance, a blend of three dance forms are seen which is quite unique, she said further. “Dance with fire is very risky. Equally risky is expelling fire from mouth. But we perform it with all safety and nothing has happened so far to our artists for our precautions and skill and mastery over it,” she said . “We will return with a good memory and would like to come here when get another opportunity,” they said.