Speaking at the opening ceremony, Chargé d’Affaires a.i, of the Royal Norwegian Embassy Mr. Jon Otto Brodholt said that Norway is very pleased to be able to cooperate with the Ministry of National Heritage and Cultural Affairs on establishing such an important institution. The library’s main undertaking will be to digitalize Sri Lanka’s plentiful folk music.
“The importance of preserving folk music cannot be overestimated. The mere essence of a country’s soul is mirrored in its folk songs. The lyrics describe the culture itself, addressing social and political issues, both reflecting and contributing to nation building. It is a part of our history and our musical heritage. It must be preserved for future generations,” Brodholt stated.
Norway has enjoyed a longstanding, fruitful relationship with the Ministry of National Heritage and Cultural Affairs. Among others, common efforts to protect World Cultural Heritage Sites and cooperation to upgrade cultural libraries all over the country should be mentioned. The Sri-Lankan – Norwegian music cooperation gives continuity to a most fruitful common endeavor.
“Numerous activities are going on under the umbrella of the music programme. This time around we are here to celebrate The Folk Music Conservation Library – soon a seminar on copyright issues will follow. This build upon ongoing projects aiming at strengthening the Sri Lankan music scene. In September, the well know Thovil group from Matara, is touring Norway,” Brodholt said.
The Royal Norwegian Embassy congratulates Sri Lanka on their library. It will be an important institution in the country’s efforts to preserve Sri Lankan folk music for future generations.