Department of Cultural Affairs

The Department of Cultural Affairs was established on 1 st October, 1956 by the gazette notification, No. 10975 of 26th September 1956 and functioned under the Ministry of Local Government and Cultural Affairs.
The main purpose of the establishment of this department was to preserve cultural heritage of the country by promoting religious activities and rendering assistance for the development of the cultural life of the people.
Moreover, it promotes cultural understanding with the other countries. The department encourages the authors, poets, dancers, artists etc. to develop their talents and gives a helping hand to produce their work to the public.
The department renders financial assistance to Kalayathanas or aesthetic centres and artistes.
Cultural centres have been setup in the provinces. A Dancing Troop or the Dancing enoramble has also been organised to encourage and develop artistic and literary activities of the people
Since the inception of the Department of Cultural Affairs it has functioned under the following Ministries. Ministry of Cultura1 Affairs and Social Services (1959.09.26-1960.03.23), Ministry of Education, Cultural Affairs and Labour Industries and Fisheries (1960.3.23-1960.7.23), Ministry of Industries Home and Cultural Affairs (1960.07.23-1964.06.11), Ministry of Cultural Affairs and Social Services (1964.06.11-1965.03.01), Ministry of Education and Cultural Affairs (1965.03.07-1970.05.31) Ministry of Cultural Affairs (1970.05.31-1970.03.29)(1970-77,77-94)

From 1994 it functions under the Ministry of Cultura1 and Religious Affairs. The General Administration of the Department is carried out by the Director with two Deputy Directors

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