Colombo: The two-day 15th meeting of the Governing Board of the SAARC Cultural Centre (SCC) ended successfully at the Galle Face Hotel, Colombo on Wednesday. Representatives from Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, and Sri Lanka attended in person while India, Maldives, and Pakistan joined virtually.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the Chairmanship of the Board was formally handed over from Bangladesh to Bhutan. Nagtsho Dorji, Director at Bhutan’s Department of Culture and Dzongkha Development, presided over the meeting. Speaking on behalf of the SAARC Secretary General, Irosha Cooray highlighted the critical role of the Board in guiding the Centre’s strategic direction.
SCC Director Dr. Kaushalya Kumarasinghe presented the 2026 budget and reviewed the 2025 Agenda, detailing progress and challenges. The Board reviewed administrative, financial, and programmatic matters, including the audit report and approved the 2026 programme and budget, with a renewed focus on cultural cooperation among Member States.
The two-day meeting concluded with constructive recommendations, which will be submitted to the upcoming Programming Committee Meeting in Kathmandu for final approval.