Black armband protest at State Drama Awards

Black armband protest at State Drama Awards 2016 A group of artistes engaged in a creative demonstration in line with the State Drama Awards that commenced on Friday.A number of artists were present for the protest in line with the State Drama Awards that commenced at the Western Province Cultural Centre on Friday. The protest was held as a mark of dissent to the insufficient state support provided for this year’s state drama awards.Although it was reported that the awards ceremony was to be held under the auspices of the Minister of Education Akila Viraj Kariyawasam, the minister did not attend the function. Even though the ceremony got underway, objections were raised throughout the event .Another group of artists voiced their opposition when certain artistes received awards.