Press briefing of Cabinet Decision taken on 2023-05-15

Making the song “Danno Budunge Sri Dharmaskanda” a National Heritage

- The song “Danno Budunge Sri Dharmaskanda” which contains in the drama 'Sirisangabo' was written by the veteran Mr. John de Silva in 1903 and its music was composed by Mr. Vishwanath Laugi. It has been identified as appropriate to declare that song which is about 120 years old as a national heritage. There are evidences that the said song has been used giving it the same vale that has been given for the National Anthem in festivals and other occasions until the National Anthem of this country came into use. Considering that the song has continuously influenced the Nation's aesthetic feelings for more than a century, the proposal made by the Hon. Prime Minister in his capacity as the Minister of Public Administration, Home Affairs, Provincial Councils and Local Government to declare the song "Danno Budunge Sri Dharmaskanda" as a national heritage, was approved by the Cabinet.