In a salutary move that sets an example for South Asia, the Sri Lankan government has decided to provide insurance cover for stage artists and performers, according to a report in Colombopage. The move is a significant step in underlining the importance of art and culture in the country.

The scheme was announced by Sri Lankan Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, who also holds charge of Cultural ministry, in a program organized by the State Ministry of National Heritage, Performing Arts and Rural Art Promotion, and the Tower Hall Theater Foundation in Colombo.

“At a time when the whole world was in the throes of a catastrophe due to the Covid-19 epidemic, artists in all media and those arts were in a severe crisis,” Rajapaksa was quoted as saying by Colombopage.

He further said, “At such a juncture, I am pleased to be able to consider the request of Sri Lankan artists and uplift their lives by providing a loan of Rs. 500,000 at a concessionary interest rate to uplift their lives.”
 
The art industry has also faced the brunt of the Covid-19 pandemic, he said, adding, “in such a situation, we introduced this Preksha insurance policy for 500 dramatists at the full expense of the government.”