Nalaka Swarnathilake was honoured with the coveted Aryabhata Award in India  in recognition of his exceptional contribution towards children’s talent development in Sri Lanka. The 37^th Aryabhata International Awards ceremony was held on April 28, in Bangalore, India.

The Aryabhata organization confers  awards to noted achievers for their outstanding accomplishments in their respective fields of expertise. This year’s recipients include 34 individuals from UK, USA, Malaysia, Bahrain, Dubai, Sri Lanka and India.

Aryabhatta Cultural Organisation came into existence in 1975, to coincide with the launch of the First Indian Indigenous Artificial Satellite ‘Aryabhata’. The organization has instituted an award in memory of Aryabhata, the great astronomer, mathematician and also the name of the first Indian satellite to recognize the achievers of India and abroad across the fields of science, law, arts, literature, music, dance, film, media, theatre and education.

Nalaka has been selected for his work in creating children’s programs and drama in radio, television and stage with educational value, and also identifying and developing the hidden talents of many children involved in his creations. His work includes television and stage dramas like Dangamalla, Anne and Mama Wenama Malak which gained huge popularity across the country.

He is also the author of Obe Vatinakama Wadi Kara Ganna (Improving your self worth). A journalist by profession, Nalaka functioned as the Chief News Editor at Swarnavahini during his career. He established the Institute of Media and Performing Arts (IMAP) last year with the objective of developing young children’s artistic talents. During the past few years, Nalaka has been instrumental in organizing and conducting workshops in many schools around the island, aimed at developing and strengthening the knowledge, talent and skill of school children. Nalaka was also honored with the Bunka award presented by the Japanese government last year.