The Cultural Center of the Islamic Republic of Iran has been promoting cultural cooperation with Sri Lanka for more than 40 years, and the Iranian Cultural Center maintains extensive cooperation with various cultural, artistic and academic institutions in Sri Lanka, and is ready to expand this cooperation to new areas, said Dr Ali Kebriayi-Sadeh, Cultural Advisor to the Islamic Republic of Iran in Sri Lanka.
He said this at a special meeting held yesterday (14) with the Chairman of the Sri Lanka Arts Council, Mr. Keerthi Welisarage, and member Dr. Sunil Wijesiriwardena.
The meeting was held at the Sri Lanka Arts Council under the Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs.
Speaking at the meeting, Mr. Keerthi Welisarage also said:
Sri Lanka and Iran have a long-standing friendly relationship. The two countries enjoy deep cultural ties today. And these ties continue to grow.
Iranian literature and culture are very rich. The Sri Lankan people have a deep understanding of the works of prominent Iranian thinkers and poets such as Omar Khayyam, Maulana Jalal al-Din Balki (Rumi), Ferdowsi and Saadi. The humanistic, moral and spiritual messages conveyed through these works continue to inspire Sri Lankan society.
Iranian cinema today has succeeded in promoting human values. Iran has the most outstanding cinema in the world. He pointed out that famous Iranian directors including Abbas Kiarostami and Majid Majidi are respected among Sri Lankan art lovers.
The two sides also exchanged views on areas of joint cooperation, including the translation and publication of Iranian literary works into Sinhala, the organization of joint literary meetings, and the further promotion of cinema of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Sri Lanka.

Cyber ​​World Press,

Colombo Special Correspondent