CPA Vision

To be a humane respectable family of artistes crossing the barriers of race, religion and language.
Mission Statement

Centre for Performing Arts actively contributes to the development of culture and the arts among various communities in Sri Lanka...
[ view more ]

CPA Vision

To be a humane respectable family of artistes crossing the barriers of race, religion and language.
Mission Statement

Centre for Performing Arts actively contributes to the development of culture and the arts among various communities in Sri Lanka and champions to:
• Promote peace, justice and equality among all communities
• Assist to heal the wounds of the war and natural disaster
• Create opportunities for intercultural exchange between North, South, East and West.
• Protect the rights of children
• Eliminate social and gender discrimination

Objectives of the Organization

• Contribute to national peace building and reconciliation
• Address the deep psychic and spiritual damage due to War and Tsunami
• Become a Centre of excellence by fostering and sharing artistic talents among different ethnic and religious groups

[ view less ]

The Centre for Performing Arts (CPA) was founded in 1965 as a drama group in Jaffna with the aim of using the arts as a tool to promote social awareness among youth for social reformation, to involve young people in positive activities. In late 1980’s changed conditions due to the war in the...
[ view more ]

The Centre for Performing Arts (CPA) was founded in 1965 as a drama group in Jaffna with the aim of using the arts as a tool to promote social awareness among youth for social reformation, to involve young people in positive activities. In late 1980’s changed conditions due to the war in the North/East and the devastation to many communities, prompted CPA to expand it activities and open new branches in the North and East. In 1992 CPA opened a Coordinating Office in Colombo to expand the work in southern Sri Lanka. Since then the Colombo office has become the Coordinating centre for branch programs all over Sri Lanka and in a dozen cities in Asia, Europe, North America and Australia. Currently, the Colombo Office is the hub for the regional and national programs, information and public relations, fundraising and program development and overall coordination. In 2002, reflecting the increased scope of work, CPA improved its structures and became an official NGO.

CPA has continued to play a valuable role in being one of the few organizations that embraces all Sri Lankan ethnicities and languages, bringing people together across all groups, to learn and play together and to develop deep understanding and appreciation of other cultures.
Since the Tsunami on December 26th, 2004, CPA has also broadened its vision to include helping those affected by the trauma to use the arts as one avenue of expression and healing.

[ view less ]

CPA programs have always brought children and youth together across traditional separations of ethnicity, caste, religion and region. CPA productions provide opportunities for new connections and friendships to develop. For young people who live in areas with only one or two ethnic groups...
[ view more ]

CPA programs have always brought children and youth together across traditional separations of ethnicity, caste, religion and region. CPA productions provide opportunities for new connections and friendships to develop. For young people who live in areas with only one or two ethnic groups altogether, CPA provides what may be their first time to actually know people from those other groups. At the same time CPA performances have provided thousands in the audience with messages about the terrible impacts of violence and the foundations for peace in mutual respect. For these reasons CPA continues to have strong partnerships with other organizations in the peace constituency, humanitarian agencies, and with writers and artistes committed to peace.

[ view less ]