Assistant Director of Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation and a veteran lyrist Nilar N. Cassim on Sunday (17) said that there was a huge responsibility over the shoulders of the country’s artistes to build long lasting peace and reconciliation among communities.

In an interview with BBC Sandeshaya, Cassism stated that for past few years Sri Lankan artistes failed to perform their part to the country’s peace building process.

“Instead of spreading the message of equality and importance of reconciliation, most of artistes worked according to the agenda of former government,” he stressed.

Most of the works of art, including films and dramas, were created according to the wishes of the former government, Cassim said. Sri Lanka missed a great opportunity to heal the hearts of people who suffered from 30 years long war because of this, he added.

Moreover, artists who tried to show the reality of the society did not have a free space to work, the veteran lyrist said.

“In a post war environment, artistes should speak of humanity, instead of spreading hatred by celebrating the destructions of war” he asserted.

Artistes should understand their roles at least now, and play their part to build peace in the country, Cassim said, adding that, if they fail, the society will turn in to a barbaric one in near future.