St. Joseph’s Oblate Seminary ‘WARNA ATH’ Art Exhibition helped showcase creativity of youth

The “WARNA ATH” Art Exhibition 2025 not only celebrated artistic expression, but also reinforced the importance of fostering creativity among young minds

 St. Joseph’s Oblate Seminary gave youth and opportunity to showcase their skills in art and creativity when it organised the much-anticipated ‘WARNA ATH’ (Colour Hands) Art Exhibition 2025 which was open to students of grades 10-13. Here are some of the memorable moments of the event captured in reel

St. Joseph’s Oblate Seminary came alive with colour and creativity as students from Grades 10 to 13 showcased their artistic talents at the much-anticipated ‘WARNA ATH’ (Colour Hands) Art Exhibition 2025.

After months of dedicated preparation under the guidance of art teacher Dulari Wickramasekara, the seminarians unveiled a collection of artwork, demonstrating their passion and skill. The exhibition provided a platform for students to share their enthusiasm for art, not only with their peers, but also with students from neighbouring schools, parents, and well-wishers.

The event was officially declared open by Very Rev. Fr. Roshan Silva OMI, the Provincial Superior of the Colombo Province, alongside Madam Disna Wickramasinghe, Deputy Zonal Director of Education for the Piliyandala Zone, Rev. Fr. Roshan Fernando OMI, the Rector of the Juniorate, members of the tutorial staff, and distinguished guests.

Attendees expressed their admiration for the students’ creativity and dedication, commending their efforts in promoting art and inspiring others through their commitment. The “WARNA ATH” Art Exhibition 2025 not only celebrated artistic expression, but also reinforced the importance of fostering creativity among young minds.

Admiring the special attempts taken by the staff to organise an art exhibition and create a platform to showcase talents of young boys, Disna Wickramasinghe, Deputy Zonal Director of Education for the Piliyandala Zone, stressed such opportunities are important for holistic development of children and specially the teenagers. “It is clearly evident that these students have been given ample opportunities to develop their talents and extra-curricular activities in addition to the educational achievement,” she said. She thanked the tutorial staff for their dedication for the development of the youngsters who are going to be leaders in the future.

Stressing the important points underscored by the Deputy Zonal Director of Education, Very Rev. Fr. Roshan Silva OMI, the Provincial Superior of the Colombo Province in his speech stressed that children who are training to be priests should be groomed to carry out multiple roles. “To be a good priest you should be a good singer, you should be a good musician, a good actor, good cook, a worker who can handle tasks in the garden. All these qualities would help you to be an independent leader,” Fr. Provincial added.

St. Joseph’s Seminary, which is registered as a private school in the Piliyandala Zone, produced 100% results at both the GCE Ordinary Level Examinations and the GCE Advanced Level examination last year. With its outstanding results at the Advanced Level Examination, St Joseph’s OMI Seminary also became the first among the schools in the Piliyandala Zone.    

The opening of the exhibition was followed by the Annual Parents Day and the Prize Giving.

Some of the paintings at the exhibition

A group of seminarians taking part in a dancing performance

Rev. Fr. Amila Perera, Teacher in charge of studies with some of the students from nearby schools