French artist visits Vakarai

[TamilNet, Tuesday, 21 January 2003, 03:24 GMT]
Didier Bayle, a noted French artist, on his first visit to Vakarai, met with local students and taught them the intricacies of the subject of art. He, through art, encouraged the children to express their inner feelings to discover the psychological impact of war on children, sources said.

Bayle's visit was arranged by Mr. Wickremasinghe, director of Colombo based Four Seasons volunteer organization.

French artist, Didier Bayle

Mr. Wickremasinghe had previously visited Alankulam school in Vakarai on the invitation of the school principal, S. Rameshkalaichelvan, to support the nutritional assistance being provided by Four Season Organization, and had witnessed first hand the artistic talent of the school children. He had then formed the idea of arranging visits by artists to encourage children to express their feelings of sufferings due to war.

Mr. Bayle stayed in Vakarai for three days and worked with children from sixteen different schools. He donated supplies for children to draw and paint, and collected the children's art and paintings to take back with him.

Sri Lanka military commander for Aandankulakottam, Commander Regi, had given approval for Mr. Bayle's stay. The principal and the english teaching advisor, K. Balachandran, assisted Mr. Bayle

"I have visited several countries affected by war. Children's feelings on the war and its impact on them remain the same. Children, though affected by war, are resilient and believe in a bright future.

"My visits to Sri Lanka usually stops after I visit the South. Peace has allowed me to visit Vakarai for the first time and I feel previleged. I sincerely hope that peace will prevail to allow these students to lead a normal life," said Mr. Bayle.