The
Centre for Performing Arts [CPArts] was founded in 1965 as a Theatre
group in Jaffna under the name of Thirumarai Kalamanram with the
aim of using the arts as a tool to promote social awarencess among
youth by involving young people in positive activities. Youth were
brought together from villages and towns so that they could be formed
into a cohesive family of artistes where the ingrained barriers
of creed, gender and caste could be overcome. Additionally, it was
hoped that the young people would be inspired to use their individual
energy and talents for the broader goal of service to the community.
In late 1980's changed conditions due to the war in the North/East
and the devastation to many communities caused CPArts to expand
its activities and open new branches in the North and East. In addition
to its original name, it took on a new one, Centre for Performing
Arts, reflecting as it did the expansion of programs into a wider
set of fields and communities.
In 1992 CPArts opened a Coordinating Office in Colombo to expand
the work in southern Sri Lanka, taking an additional name in the
process: Ranga Kala Kendraya. Since then the Colombo office has
become the Coordinating centre for branch programs all over Sri
Lanka as well as in a dozen cities overseas.
Currently the Colombo Coordinating 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, CPArts improved
its structures and registered with the Ministry of Social Services
as an NGO.