The President made these remarks at the 20th Sumathi Tele Awards Ceremony held yesterday (July (09) at Nelum Pokuna Theatre.

President Sirisena commended the initiatives by Sumathi Group to reward the excellence in art and media and giving the artistes an opportunity for competition among the best, President's Media reported.  “This initiative by Sumathi Group is commendable whilst the most institutions with strong financial base focus on their own success”, he said.

The competition in any performance encourages further improvements and, thereby provides high quality production to the society, the President pointed out.

He also extended thanks to the family members of Sumathipala family, commending their endeavor to help high quality productions in the fields of media and art, for the last 19 years.

The U. W. Sumathipala Award which is presented to those who made life time achievements in the field of art, were presented to two veterans by President Sirisena. Accordingly, veteran songstress Indrani Wijeyabandara and veteran journalist A. D. Ranjith kumara received their awards from the President.

The President also presented the awards for best tele actor and actress, best tele-drama, best assistant actor and actress, best tele-drama direction and the  best tele-drama channel of the year.

Madam Jayanthi Sirisena, Mrs. Chathurika Sirisena and Mrs. Milina Sumathipala were among those participated at this ceremony.