On Saturday, December 10th, 2022, the Sri Lanka Foundation Academy of Performing Arts (SLF APA), founded in 2015 and Accredited in 2019, held its second inaugural graduation ceremony at the Mindfulness Meditation Center in Covina, California.
Senuri Pilana Manage, with her indomitable courage, effort, and commitment, became another successful graduate of Kandyan dance in our second Siraspath Palandaweeme Mangalya (Graduation) ceremony. She is a senior student who participates in online and in-person dance classes at the Academy of Performing Arts in Sri Lanka Foundation (SLF APA). She was exploring to gain knowledge and new experiences through her learning process.
Sri Lanka has a unique and rich traditional dance history of over 2500 years. Sri Lankan traditional dances offer worship, healing and meditation processes, sickness, and invoking blessings. Sri Lankan Traditional Dance graduation is called a “Kalaeli Mangalya.”
When a Kandyan dance student has been dancing for several years and has reached an advanced level in their techniques, they will take on the Kalaeli Mangalya Ceremony to showcase their capabilities to pioneers, teachers, family, friends, and well-wishers.
This traditional Sri Lankan Dance graduation is also called a “Pahimpath Mangalya.” It is typically considered a rite of passage for young dancers to perform their “Siraspatha.” It is often considered the debut dance of a new generation of tradition bearers that will teach the next generation.
The Ceremony began early Saturday morning, starting with the blessings of Buddha, celestial bodies, and deities. The graduate was adorned with a beautiful “Pahimpatha” given to her by her teacher, the ornate traditional headpiece made of bronze and matching jewelry. According to the customs of Pirith and Magul Bera, the teachers adorned the “Siraspatha” on her in front of Lord Buddha while inside the temple.
Then she was covered in a white cloth and taken around the Bodhi tree. She offered and worshiped the Buddha with a bouquet. Then, after looking at auspicious things and taking away any evil eye, she saw herself for the first time in a pot of clear water dressed in the traditional jewelry made especially for her.
Completing all the traditional customs, she arrived at the hippodrome (Ranga Bumiya) to showcase her talents through performance to the audience. She mesmerized the dignitaries and the audience with exquisite traditional dances such as Mangalam Dance, Yahan Mutti Padaya, and Waram Kavi dance. The graceful and astonishing performances were performed to the sounds of live traditional drums and songs, showcasing her keen knowledge of traditional rhythm.
The traditional ceremony continued when the dancer prayed for her parents, teachers, and drummers to thank them for all their love and support. Then she thanked to the SLF APA Staff, the Director of Cultural Affairs and Director of Operations of the Academy of Performing Arts, Achala Weerasinghe, External Lecturers of APA Nirosha Wijegunasekare and Akila Palipana, and the senior Dance Instructor of APA Umendra Kahadawaarachchi, for their guidance.
President/CEO of SLF, Dr. Dishan Jayasinha, and Mrs. Zuigly Jayasinha graced the occasion as the guests of honor, and the Chief Operating Officer, Shirani Stanislaus, Director of Project Management, Keshini Wijegoonaratna, Media Director, Chamodh Amarasighe attended the ceremony. Dr. Dishan in his opening remarks congratulated Senuri Pilana Manage and said he was very proud to witness her inspiring and memorable performance which showed her dedication and commitment to have mastered the skills to preserve the traditions and culture which is of utmost importance to him. Furthermore, he said the mission of the SLF Academy of Performing Arts is to continue to encourage and support other students to advance their skills and techniques to attain the highest level.
Achala Weerasinghe, Director of Cultural Affairs of SLF, Director of Operations for the Academy of Performing Arts delivered her speech and extended her utmost gratitude to the President/ CEO, Dr. Dishan Jayasinha for his fullest support to organize this ceremony. She also thanked the SLF Academy of Performing Arts and SLF staff, the graduate’s parents, and guests.
Senuri Pilana Manage, the graduate addressed the guests with a very inspiring and motivational speech, as she expressed, “my sincere gratitude goes to the ones who made my graduation possible, the Sri Lanka Foundation Chairman, Dr. Walter Jayasinghe, the President /CEO Dr. Dishan Jayasinha, SLF Academy of Performing Arts Staff, SLF Staff, your presence and guidance have always been inspirational for me, and I am immensely grateful for all the love, kindness, appreciation and guidance you all showered me to be a successful dancer. It feels great to have so much genuine support around me. Also, I thank my dear family and friends”.
The Ceremony ended with an invitation to all the guests to enjoy a traditional Sri Lankan meal.
Archives
SPECTACULAR CULTURAL PERFORMANCES FROM JAPAN AND NEW ZEALAND AT THE SRI LANKA DAY 2022 VIRTUAL EVENT!
Sri Lanka-themed virtual Global Celebration was launched in the United States on the Sri Lanka Foundation International platform introducing to a worldwide audience Sri Lanka’s historical heritage and culture, music, dance forms, and local food and products. All that and more, while being entertained by breathtaking cultural performances, was enjoyed lounging in the comfort of the attendees living rooms!
This unique virtual event occurred on Saturday, the 13th, and Sunday, the 14th of August 2022, when traders, manufacturers, and service providers met virtually all under one roof to market their products, network, and do business.
Throughout the two-day festivities, the featured events staged from around the world when the sights and sounds and the unique taste of Sri Lanka virtually came alive. Mesmerizing dance and music performances were staged throughout the two days. It featured Sri Lankan traditional music, dances, art, and theatre produced by the USA, Sri Lanka, Australia, Canada, Chile, France, Italy, Japan, New Zealand, the U.K., and India. I hope you enjoyed the two spectacular presentations featured in the last week’s SLF News, and this week we are featuring two breathtaking dance performances from New Zealand and Japan.
Mathra Dance Academy is dedicated to preserving ancient traditional dance forms and nurturing the modern dancing arts of Sri Lanka. Our driving ambitions are to share Sri Lanka’s rich dance culture with the New Zealand public, and to foster an interest in Sri Lankan dance for our children who grow up in New Zealand, and offer opportunities to learn and experience their culture & heritage.
The performance they showcased combines Suraba Walliya & Udarata Narthanayak (Low Country & Up-Country Dance).
Choreographed by: Irani Samarasinghe.
Click the link below to watch the performance.
https://youtu.be/g32Iwsh0j8M
Mr. Akila Palipana, External Lecturer of the Sri Lanka Foundation Academy of Performing Arts, is a dancer from Sri Lanka and has distinguished himself as an emerging talent with many intriguing possibilities. He contributes to the field of dancing as a Performer, Choreographer, Instructor, and Lecturer. He is a graduate of the University of Kelaniya, working towards achieving his master’s degree while contributing to the mother university with his knowledge and skills as a visiting lecturer. He was attached to Chitrasena Dance Company for six years, one of the most prominent dancing institutes in Sri Lanka, as a performer, teacher, and choreographer.
This performance is choreographed by Akila Palipana and performed by Eriko Kurokawa from Japan, a dance piece to songs called “waram kavi”, a piece of music from the Kandyan dance tradition.
Click the link below to watch the performance.
https://youtu.be/Mn6DjvFVAVY
This unique virtual event occurred on Saturday, the 13th, and Sunday, the 14th of August 2022, when traders, manufacturers, and service providers met virtually all under one roof to market their products, network, and do business.
Throughout the two-day festivities, the featured events staged from around the world when the sights and sounds and the unique taste of Sri Lanka virtually came alive. Mesmerizing dance and music performances were staged throughout the two days. It featured Sri Lankan traditional music, dances, art, and theatre produced by the USA, Sri Lanka, Australia, Canada, Chile, France, Italy, Japan, New Zealand, the U.K., and India. I hope you enjoyed the two spectacular presentations featured in the last week’s SLF News, and this week we are featuring two breathtaking dance performances from New Zealand and Japan.
Mathra Dance Academy is dedicated to preserving ancient traditional dance forms and nurturing the modern dancing arts of Sri Lanka. Our driving ambitions are to share Sri Lanka’s rich dance culture with the New Zealand public, and to foster an interest in Sri Lankan dance for our children who grow up in New Zealand, and offer opportunities to learn and experience their culture & heritage.
The performance they showcased combines Suraba Walliya & Udarata Narthanayak (Low Country & Up-Country Dance).
Choreographed by: Irani Samarasinghe.
Click the link below to watch the performance.
https://youtu.be/g32Iwsh0j8M
Mr. Akila Palipana, External Lecturer of the Sri Lanka Foundation Academy of Performing Arts, is a dancer from Sri Lanka and has distinguished himself as an emerging talent with many intriguing possibilities. He contributes to the field of dancing as a Performer, Choreographer, Instructor, and Lecturer. He is a graduate of the University of Kelaniya, working towards achieving his master’s degree while contributing to the mother university with his knowledge and skills as a visiting lecturer. He was attached to Chitrasena Dance Company for six years, one of the most prominent dancing institutes in Sri Lanka, as a performer, teacher, and choreographer.
This performance is choreographed by Akila Palipana and performed by Eriko Kurokawa from Japan, a dance piece to songs called “waram kavi”, a piece of music from the Kandyan dance tradition.
Click the link below to watch the performance.
https://youtu.be/Mn6DjvFVAVY
SPECTACULAR DRUM PERFORMANCE AND FASHION SHOW AT THE SRI LANKA DAY 2022 VIRTUAL EVENT!
Sri Lanka Day Expo & Parade was launched in the United States on the Sri Lanka Foundation International Virtual Platform on August 13th and 14th, 2022, to showcase the rich artistic tradition, embracing the fine arts, including music, dance, and visual arts.
Sri Lanka Day celebrations are sponsored and organized by the Sri Lanka Foundation International based in Los Angeles, California, a brainchild of Dr. Walter Jayasinghe, a leading expatriate physician who came to the U.S. in the early 1960s. In 2003, he established the Foundation to promote Sri Lankan cultural activities in the U.S.
Throughout the two-day festivities, the featured events staged from around the world when the sights and sounds and the unique taste of Sri Lanka virtually came alive. It featured Sri Lankan traditional music, dances, art, and theatre staged in the USA, Sri Lanka, Australia, Canada, Chile, France, Italy, Japan, New Zealand, the U.K., and India. I hope you enjoyed the two spectacular performances featured in last week’s SLF News. This week we are featuring two more astonishing items to appreciate the Sri Lankan fashion showcasing Shanika’s Batik Designs and a chilling performance by the BEHRI Drummers from New York.
The performances were interspersed with a cultural fashion show with Sri Lankan models showcasing Sri Lankan clothing on the catwalk. Shanika Marasinghe’s designs are primarily focused on Batiks. With over 20 years of experience in Batik Fashion Design internationally, he has brought his new Batik creations to the world while honoring Sri Lanka. His purpose is to direct the art of Batik in a new way and introduce trending designs to the younger generation.
Click the link below to watch the fashion of Shanika Batiks.
https://youtu.be/ENewM8unLNY
“”BEHRI”” the deep, loud sound of the drum. They are a professional percussion and dance ensemble that display incredible levels of virtuosity, and the extraordinary sound of a group of top drummers in full flight is one of the island’sisland’s most distinctive and pulse-quickening experience. Click the link below to watch a GATABERA Performance by BEHRI.
https://youtu.be/haHXk5UaFjM
Stay tuned with us to watch more videos of the Amazing Cultural Performances coming up next week!!
Sri Lanka Day celebrations are sponsored and organized by the Sri Lanka Foundation International based in Los Angeles, California, a brainchild of Dr. Walter Jayasinghe, a leading expatriate physician who came to the U.S. in the early 1960s. In 2003, he established the Foundation to promote Sri Lankan cultural activities in the U.S.
Throughout the two-day festivities, the featured events staged from around the world when the sights and sounds and the unique taste of Sri Lanka virtually came alive. It featured Sri Lankan traditional music, dances, art, and theatre staged in the USA, Sri Lanka, Australia, Canada, Chile, France, Italy, Japan, New Zealand, the U.K., and India. I hope you enjoyed the two spectacular performances featured in last week’s SLF News. This week we are featuring two more astonishing items to appreciate the Sri Lankan fashion showcasing Shanika’s Batik Designs and a chilling performance by the BEHRI Drummers from New York.
The performances were interspersed with a cultural fashion show with Sri Lankan models showcasing Sri Lankan clothing on the catwalk. Shanika Marasinghe’s designs are primarily focused on Batiks. With over 20 years of experience in Batik Fashion Design internationally, he has brought his new Batik creations to the world while honoring Sri Lanka. His purpose is to direct the art of Batik in a new way and introduce trending designs to the younger generation.
Click the link below to watch the fashion of Shanika Batiks.
https://youtu.be/ENewM8unLNY
“”BEHRI”” the deep, loud sound of the drum. They are a professional percussion and dance ensemble that display incredible levels of virtuosity, and the extraordinary sound of a group of top drummers in full flight is one of the island’sisland’s most distinctive and pulse-quickening experience. Click the link below to watch a GATABERA Performance by BEHRI.
https://youtu.be/haHXk5UaFjM
Stay tuned with us to watch more videos of the Amazing Cultural Performances coming up next week!!
Spectacular Performances Choreographed by Vithya Arasu and Akila Palipana and Roosara Dance Group on Sri Lanka Day 2022 Virtual Event
Sri Lanka Day Expo & Parade, a virtual Global Celebration, was launched in the United States on the Sri Lanka Foundation International Virtual Platform on August 13th and 14th, 2022. It showcased the rich artistic tradition, embracing the fine arts, including music, dance, and visual arts.
Throughout the two-day festivities, the featured events staged from around the world when the sights and sounds and the unique taste of Sri Lanka virtually came alive. Mesmerizing dance and music performances were staged throughout the two days. In addition, it featured Sri Lankan traditional music, dances, art, and theatre produced in the USA, Sri Lanka, Australia, Canada, Chile, France, Italy, Japan, New Zealand, the U.K., and India. I hope you enjoyed the two spectacular performances featured in last week’s SLF News. This week we are featuring two more concerts to appreciate the arts and culture of Sri Lankan traditional Dances.
This dance performance will explore the visual, rhythmic, and kinaesthetic similarities between the dance forms of the two countries as dancers engage and complement each other through the movements and rhythms of their native dance styles. This performance is a collaboration between dancers from three countries, Vithya Arasu, an Indian dancer, a student of Shamitha Hettige from Sri Lanka, and students of Akila Palipana, Isuru, Dulana, Poorna, Julia, Sapna from Sri Lanka and Kishani from Australia. Choreography by Vithya Arasu and Akila Palipana.
Music credit: Lasya by Anoushka Shankar.
Click the link to watch the performance.
https://youtu.be/4m5R1tEkxl4
Rosaria Dance was founded by Nilanth Karunarathna in 2009 and is dedicated to the preservation, promotion, and education of Sri Lankan culture through the ongoing development of Sri Lankan Traditional dance, Indian Classical dance, and creative and innovative styles of contemporary dance. Based in Toronto, Canada, Roosara Dance provides an excellent opportunity for many Sri Lankan students to learn exemplary traditional, innovative dance from Nilantha Karunarathna, the Artistic Director/ Choreographer of Roosara Dance. Rosaria Dance’s intent is to maintain the highest level of excellence in dance, to train future generations of dancers, and build local, national and international community support for classical and contemporary Sri Lankan dance.
Click the link to watch the performance.
https://youtu.be/kZGiUWSZ3Wo
Throughout the two-day festivities, the featured events staged from around the world when the sights and sounds and the unique taste of Sri Lanka virtually came alive. Mesmerizing dance and music performances were staged throughout the two days. In addition, it featured Sri Lankan traditional music, dances, art, and theatre produced in the USA, Sri Lanka, Australia, Canada, Chile, France, Italy, Japan, New Zealand, the U.K., and India. I hope you enjoyed the two spectacular performances featured in last week’s SLF News. This week we are featuring two more concerts to appreciate the arts and culture of Sri Lankan traditional Dances.
This dance performance will explore the visual, rhythmic, and kinaesthetic similarities between the dance forms of the two countries as dancers engage and complement each other through the movements and rhythms of their native dance styles. This performance is a collaboration between dancers from three countries, Vithya Arasu, an Indian dancer, a student of Shamitha Hettige from Sri Lanka, and students of Akila Palipana, Isuru, Dulana, Poorna, Julia, Sapna from Sri Lanka and Kishani from Australia. Choreography by Vithya Arasu and Akila Palipana.
Music credit: Lasya by Anoushka Shankar.
Click the link to watch the performance.
https://youtu.be/4m5R1tEkxl4
Rosaria Dance was founded by Nilanth Karunarathna in 2009 and is dedicated to the preservation, promotion, and education of Sri Lankan culture through the ongoing development of Sri Lankan Traditional dance, Indian Classical dance, and creative and innovative styles of contemporary dance. Based in Toronto, Canada, Roosara Dance provides an excellent opportunity for many Sri Lankan students to learn exemplary traditional, innovative dance from Nilantha Karunarathna, the Artistic Director/ Choreographer of Roosara Dance. Rosaria Dance’s intent is to maintain the highest level of excellence in dance, to train future generations of dancers, and build local, national and international community support for classical and contemporary Sri Lankan dance.
Click the link to watch the performance.
https://youtu.be/kZGiUWSZ3Wo
SLF Int’l Academy of Performing Arts Showcased a Breathtaking Performance at Disneyland
This year, Sri Lanka Foundation (SLF) showcased a blissful finale to the year 2022 with the Academy of Performing Arts (APA) traditional Dancing Concert at Disney California Adventure Park Hollywood Backlot stage on the 26th of November. Flared with the festive vibe of the holidays, this event had the audience bubbling with joy in anticipation of the breathtaking performances of the members of APA, much like previous concerts of APA at Disneyland with much enthusiasm and awe. The ceremony was glorified by the presence of the Chairman, Dr. Walter Jayasinghe, President/CEO, Dr. Dishan Jayasinha, Vice President, Mrs. Aeshea Jayasinghe, Mrs. Zuigly Jayasinha, and the COO, Shirani Stanislaus of SLF.
The students and the teachers of APA, and the community performers were zealous by the honor of their presence at the event. The show was set in motion with a beautiful Managalam Dance, welcoming all the spectators and guests, performed by our talented External Lecturer, Nirosha Wijegunasekara, with the students and the community performers. A beautiful Swan Dance followed this Mangalam Dance performed by our External Lecturers, Akila Palipana, accompanied by Nirosha Wijegunasekara & our Senior Dance Instructor, Umendra Kahadawarachchi, on stage.
APA students graced the occasion with beautifully choreographed Mayura Wannama, Raban Dance, and an Elephant Dance to enthrall the crowd with their talents. And then, an astounding low country dance mesmerized the viewers. The community performers then boomed the stage with another act of beating the traditional Sri Lankan drums, bringing out the idiosyncratic glory of Sri Lankan cultural music. The non-Sri Lankan audience was flabbergasted by the authentic beauty of Sri Lankan music and dance performances.
The immense gratitude of the SLF is extended to the staff of APA-Nirosha Wijegunasekara, Akila Palipana, Umendra Kahadawarachchi, and the Director of Cultural Affairs & the Director of Operations of APA, Achala Weerasinghe, for making the concert a roaring success. And we can never forget the utmost dedication of our students of APA, the community performers, and the parents to adorn the occasion, to whom we at SLF convey our heartfelt appreciation for flaunting the grandeur of Sri Lankan traditional music and dancing in the global arena.
The students and the teachers of APA, and the community performers were zealous by the honor of their presence at the event. The show was set in motion with a beautiful Managalam Dance, welcoming all the spectators and guests, performed by our talented External Lecturer, Nirosha Wijegunasekara, with the students and the community performers. A beautiful Swan Dance followed this Mangalam Dance performed by our External Lecturers, Akila Palipana, accompanied by Nirosha Wijegunasekara & our Senior Dance Instructor, Umendra Kahadawarachchi, on stage.
APA students graced the occasion with beautifully choreographed Mayura Wannama, Raban Dance, and an Elephant Dance to enthrall the crowd with their talents. And then, an astounding low country dance mesmerized the viewers. The community performers then boomed the stage with another act of beating the traditional Sri Lankan drums, bringing out the idiosyncratic glory of Sri Lankan cultural music. The non-Sri Lankan audience was flabbergasted by the authentic beauty of Sri Lankan music and dance performances.
The immense gratitude of the SLF is extended to the staff of APA-Nirosha Wijegunasekara, Akila Palipana, Umendra Kahadawarachchi, and the Director of Cultural Affairs & the Director of Operations of APA, Achala Weerasinghe, for making the concert a roaring success. And we can never forget the utmost dedication of our students of APA, the community performers, and the parents to adorn the occasion, to whom we at SLF convey our heartfelt appreciation for flaunting the grandeur of Sri Lankan traditional music and dancing in the global arena.
SPECTACULAR CULTURAL PERFORMANCES BY TALIN SILVA AND SLF ACADEMY OF PERFORMING ARTS FROM USA
Sri Lanka Day Expo & Parade, a virtual Global Celebration, was launched in the United States on the Sri Lanka Foundation International Virtual Platform on August 13th and 14th, 2022 to showcase the rich artistic tradition, embracing the fine arts including music, dance and visual arts. Throughout the two-day festivities, the featured events staged from around the world when the sights and sounds and the unique taste of Sri Lanka virtually came alive. Mesmerizing dance and music performances were staged throughout the two days. It featured Sri Lankan traditional music, dances, art, and theatre staged from USA, Sri Lanka, Australia, Canada, Chile, France, Italy, Japan, New Zealand, U.K., and India.
Hope you enjoyed watching the spectacular performances by Sanduani Sulochani Dance Group and the Senior Dance Troupe of Bishops College from Sri Lanka which was featured in the last weeks SLF News. This week we are featuring two more Amazing Performances by the very talented singer, Talin Silva and from the students of the SLF Academy of Performing Arts.
Talin Silva has been performing for the Sri Lanka Foundation International since she was seven years old. Talin is a professional singer, dancer and model who is represented by one of the country’s top agencies, Blocla. She has danced for the Oscars and Kids Choice awards and many famous artists such as Justin Bieber, Mary J Blige, and many more.
Click the links to watch her performances:
https://youtu.be/4nngL-o5v7Q
https://youtu.be/RneCI9Aziq0
Mayura Vannama is a popular Kandyan dance recital among the 18 Vannams in Kandyan dance tradition. It is a recital sung in praise of the bird Peacock, who is honored as the vehicle of the glorious God, Skanda in hindu tradition. Honoring the original Mayura vannama, this performance is a creation depicting the various movements of the peacock, portraying its unique head and body movements along with the spreading of the glittering fan-like tail with its beautifully spotted feathers presented by the Sri Lanka Foundation Academy of Performing Arts.
Music credits: Ravibandu Vidyapathi, Vindika Gunarathne & other artists.
Click the link to watch the performance:
https://youtu.be/EQSm7qVfQvg
Hope you enjoyed watching the spectacular performances by Sanduani Sulochani Dance Group and the Senior Dance Troupe of Bishops College from Sri Lanka which was featured in the last weeks SLF News. This week we are featuring two more Amazing Performances by the very talented singer, Talin Silva and from the students of the SLF Academy of Performing Arts.
Talin Silva has been performing for the Sri Lanka Foundation International since she was seven years old. Talin is a professional singer, dancer and model who is represented by one of the country’s top agencies, Blocla. She has danced for the Oscars and Kids Choice awards and many famous artists such as Justin Bieber, Mary J Blige, and many more.
Click the links to watch her performances:
https://youtu.be/4nngL-o5v7Q
https://youtu.be/RneCI9Aziq0
Mayura Vannama is a popular Kandyan dance recital among the 18 Vannams in Kandyan dance tradition. It is a recital sung in praise of the bird Peacock, who is honored as the vehicle of the glorious God, Skanda in hindu tradition. Honoring the original Mayura vannama, this performance is a creation depicting the various movements of the peacock, portraying its unique head and body movements along with the spreading of the glittering fan-like tail with its beautifully spotted feathers presented by the Sri Lanka Foundation Academy of Performing Arts.
Music credits: Ravibandu Vidyapathi, Vindika Gunarathne & other artists.
Click the link to watch the performance:
https://youtu.be/EQSm7qVfQvg
SPECTACULAR CULTURAL PERFORMANCES BY WARUNA SRI HEMACHANDRA AND SANDANI SULOCHANI DANCE GROUP AND SENIOR DANCE TROUPE OF BISHOPS COLLEGE, COLOMBO
Sri Lanka Day Expo & Parade, a virtual Global Celebration, was launched in the United States on the Sri Lanka Foundation International Virtual Platform on August 13th and 14th, 2022, to showcase the rich artistic tradition, embracing the fine arts, including music, dance, and visual arts. I hope you enjoyed watching the mesmerizing performances by the Ranwala Foundation and Presentia Music School that were featured in last week’s issue of SLF News. This week we are featuring two more Amazing Performances by Waruna Sri Hemachandra and Sanduani Sulochani Dance Group and the Senior Dance Troupe of Bishops College, Sri Lanka.
Gajaga Wannama, choreographed and performed by Waruna Sri Hemachandra with his magnificent drum beats and the stunning dance moves by Sandani Sulochani, is one of the main wannama in the Kandiyan dance style. This Vannama is the recital of the elephant. Dancers enact the majestic walk of the celestial Iravana, the elephant of the sacred legends. The dignified features of the elephant are portrayed in choice diction; Irvana’s bathing and frolicking about, its stride and movements are imitated with considerable technical skill by the dancers.
Click the link to watch the performance:
https://youtu.be/1OVhjFO4uJE
The Nobel rock Sigiriya performed by the Senior Dance Troupe of Bishops College, Colombo, Sri Lanka, which pursues a stream of advanced artistic endeavors, is constantly committed to upholding the name of the Bishop’s College by respecting the college’s dignity and traditions and engaging in a variety of activities within and outside the community.
Sigiriya is a wonder to the world, built with the most advanced architectural technology. It is a matter of pride for Sri Lanka. Its apsara further enhances the splendor of Sigiriya and is a visual testament to the artistic genius of the local artist. A live painting of the Sigiriya apsara imagery, which can still experience the feminine elegance and the splendor of the Anuradhapura era, is depicted as a dance motion picture.
Click the link to watch the performance:
https://youtu.be/eHAIwZSkUfA
Stay tuned with us to watch more videos of the Amazing Cultural Performances coming up next week!!
Gajaga Wannama, choreographed and performed by Waruna Sri Hemachandra with his magnificent drum beats and the stunning dance moves by Sandani Sulochani, is one of the main wannama in the Kandiyan dance style. This Vannama is the recital of the elephant. Dancers enact the majestic walk of the celestial Iravana, the elephant of the sacred legends. The dignified features of the elephant are portrayed in choice diction; Irvana’s bathing and frolicking about, its stride and movements are imitated with considerable technical skill by the dancers.
Click the link to watch the performance:
https://youtu.be/1OVhjFO4uJE
The Nobel rock Sigiriya performed by the Senior Dance Troupe of Bishops College, Colombo, Sri Lanka, which pursues a stream of advanced artistic endeavors, is constantly committed to upholding the name of the Bishop’s College by respecting the college’s dignity and traditions and engaging in a variety of activities within and outside the community.
Sigiriya is a wonder to the world, built with the most advanced architectural technology. It is a matter of pride for Sri Lanka. Its apsara further enhances the splendor of Sigiriya and is a visual testament to the artistic genius of the local artist. A live painting of the Sigiriya apsara imagery, which can still experience the feminine elegance and the splendor of the Anuradhapura era, is depicted as a dance motion picture.
Click the link to watch the performance:
https://youtu.be/eHAIwZSkUfA
Stay tuned with us to watch more videos of the Amazing Cultural Performances coming up next week!!
SPECTACULAR CULTURAL PERFORMANCES FROM PRESENTIA MUSIC SCHOOL JUNIOR CHOIR AND RANWALA FOUNDATION ON SRI LANKA DAY 2022 VIRTUAL EVENT
Sri Lanka Day Expo & Parade, a virtual Global Celebration, was launched in the United States on the Sri Lanka Foundation International Virtual Platform on August 13th and 14th, 2022. Hope you enjoyed watching the mesmerizing performances by the SLF Academy of Performing Arts External Lecturers and Students that was featured in the last weeks issue on SLF News. This is your opportunity to watch two more Amazing Performances from Sri Lanka performed by
Ranwala Foundation and Prestania Music School.
The love and respect for traditional Sri Lankan culture, its preservation and development are the core of the Ranwala Foundation’s vision and mission. Other key areas are to encourage Sri Lankans to learn about their rich and vibrant culture, appreciate and treasure it and showcase Sri Lankan culture in the international arena. The founder of the Ranwala Foundation was the late Lionel Ranwala, a reputed and revered teacher of music. He loved the unique culture of his motherland that he made it his passion to study, research, develop and popularize it throughout the island. Today, the matchless legacy left by Lionel Ranwala is kept alive by his son Sahan Ranwala supported by his elder brother Chirantha and a dedicated and loyal staff.
The song “Dhaydhagaraya” performed by Ranwala Foundation is based on the Sri Lankan Folk Music synced with the Sri Lankan Cultures, Traditions, Beauty and the richness of the heritage.
Click on the link to watch the Performance by Ranwala Foundation. https://youtu.be/bJ1jZUwCEi0
The Prestantia Music School Junior Concert Choir, is an internationally ranked Gold medal winning children’s choir at International Choir Games, directed by Dr. Priyeshni P Perera. Year 2022 marks a very musical ten years for the Prestantia School of Music founded by Dr Priyeshni Peiris Perera, an alumnus of the Texas Tech University in the USA, with the hope of advancing music education in Sri Lanka, the school’s two choirs have seen notable success.
Sri Lanka has a rich culture of music, dance and using an array of drums. This particular choral music work is a “Varamathi and Vannam Choral Fusion”, which is based on the traditional Folk Dance rhythm of ‘’Ukusa Vannama’’ (Eagle’s Dance) interspersed with the traditional ‘’Varamathi’’ Song – a type of “Praise Songs’’ sung at the Kings court, to King Narendrasinghe, who ruled the country at the time. It is a new Choir fusion arrangement, experimenting the blend of Western and Sri Lankan folk styles together, while keeping the traditional flavor of the Sri Lankan Folk music.
Click on the link to watch the Performance by Prestantia Music School Junior Choir. https://youtu.be/auHcxt4iFSI
Stay tuned with us to watch more videos of the Amazing Cultural Performances coming up next week!!
The love and respect for traditional Sri Lankan culture, its preservation and development are the core of the Ranwala Foundation’s vision and mission. Other key areas are to encourage Sri Lankans to learn about their rich and vibrant culture, appreciate and treasure it and showcase Sri Lankan culture in the international arena. The founder of the Ranwala Foundation was the late Lionel Ranwala, a reputed and revered teacher of music. He loved the unique culture of his motherland that he made it his passion to study, research, develop and popularize it throughout the island. Today, the matchless legacy left by Lionel Ranwala is kept alive by his son Sahan Ranwala supported by his elder brother Chirantha and a dedicated and loyal staff.
The song “Dhaydhagaraya” performed by Ranwala Foundation is based on the Sri Lankan Folk Music synced with the Sri Lankan Cultures, Traditions, Beauty and the richness of the heritage.
Click on the link to watch the Performance by Ranwala Foundation. https://youtu.be/bJ1jZUwCEi0
The Prestantia Music School Junior Concert Choir, is an internationally ranked Gold medal winning children’s choir at International Choir Games, directed by Dr. Priyeshni P Perera. Year 2022 marks a very musical ten years for the Prestantia School of Music founded by Dr Priyeshni Peiris Perera, an alumnus of the Texas Tech University in the USA, with the hope of advancing music education in Sri Lanka, the school’s two choirs have seen notable success.
Sri Lanka has a rich culture of music, dance and using an array of drums. This particular choral music work is a “Varamathi and Vannam Choral Fusion”, which is based on the traditional Folk Dance rhythm of ‘’Ukusa Vannama’’ (Eagle’s Dance) interspersed with the traditional ‘’Varamathi’’ Song – a type of “Praise Songs’’ sung at the Kings court, to King Narendrasinghe, who ruled the country at the time. It is a new Choir fusion arrangement, experimenting the blend of Western and Sri Lankan folk styles together, while keeping the traditional flavor of the Sri Lankan Folk music.
Click on the link to watch the Performance by Prestantia Music School Junior Choir. https://youtu.be/auHcxt4iFSI
Stay tuned with us to watch more videos of the Amazing Cultural Performances coming up next week!!
Sri Lanka Foundation Intl’ Recognizes Excellence Among the Sri Lankan Expatriates Around the World at its Prestigious Awards Show
The Sri Lanka Foundation (SLF) Awards Ceremony 2022 celebrated 25 exceptional Sri Lankans from over four continents. This one-of-a-kind event was streamed online live and hosted over 450 guests attending the Millennium Biltmore Hotel in Los Angeles on Sunday, November 13th, 2022.
For the Sri Lankan community worldwide, this event continues to be the most prestigious awards ceremony, which recognizes those in the Sri Lankan community whose work has had an essential impact on the lives of others.
In putting on the SLF Awards Ceremony, Sri Lanka Foundation hopes to show the community’s gratitude for the awardees’ creativity and outstanding achievements, increase awareness of their accomplishments, and, most importantly, inspire the younger generation to achieve excellence in their chosen fields. With this purpose at heart, it has been growing since its inception in 2003, boasting the most significant number of awardees celebrated, and with a tremendous demand for attendance that its live-streaming offer this year was essentially long overdue.
The opening remarks given by the SLF Chairman of the Board, Dr. Walter Jayasinghe, and the President/CEO, Dr. Dishan Jayasinha, instilled in the audience their deep commitment to the event’s purpose and set the stage for the outstanding awardees, which were to follow.
While the event centered on the awardees, the entertainment was as sensational as ever. The event began with a spectacular traditional welcome dance featuring Umendra Kahandawarachchi, Nirosha Wijegunasekare, and Akila Palipana from the SLF Academy of Performing Arts. Then, the elegant fashion show (produced and choreographed by Achala Weerasinghe, SLF Director of Cultural Affairs) featured stunning outfits created by the famous Sri Lankan designers Shanith Fernando and Hiran Wijesekara and beauty pageant title holders from the USA.
The entertainment continued with a stand-out performance from Talin Silva, an opera performance by the world-renowned soprano singer Tharanga Goonetilleke, and fabulous music by Tony Samara.
Most importantly, the event celebrated the following awardees in seven distinct categories:
For a lifetime of outstanding excellence and recognition at an international level Prof. Nimal Rajapakse, Prof. Ajit Yoganathan, Prof. Asgerally Fazleabas, Prof. Patrick Mendis, Prof. Osmund Bopearachchi, Prof. Tissa Illangasekare, Dr. Yasantha Rajakarunanayake, Venerable Henepola Gunaratna, late Desmond De Silva, and late Donald Karunaratna received the Lifetime Achievement Award.
Dr. Hasini Jayatilaka and Prof Sharika Thiranagama received the Exceptional Achievement Award for their exemplary achievements in their field.
For their outstanding performances, Amith Boteju, Talin Silva, Rukshan De Silva, and Hiruni Wijerathna received the Outstanding Performance by a Young Professional Award.
For their ongoing exceptional growth and achievements in their profession Dr. Sumudu Herath Mudiyanselage, Dr. Zainab Ifthikar, and Mathew Abeysinghe received the Rising Star Award.
For his excellence in community service and role model Ashley Ashan Palipana was awarded the Outstanding Achievement Junior Award.
The Srimerican of the Year Award was presented to Keith Ranga for his contribution to the betterment of the Sri Lankan community.
The President’s Award was presented to Priyalal Kurera for his exceptional philanthropic services to the Sri Lankan American community and his motherland, Sri Lanka.
The Outstanding Community Service Award was presented to Prof. Deepthi Jayasekare and Prof. Dushyantha Jayaweera for their life-saving support extended to our communities worldwide, especially during the Covid-19 Pandemic.
As you know, the winners were nominated by individuals just like you. You can visit our website http://www.srilankafoundation.org for more information on how to nominate a well-deserved Sri Lankan expatriate who has made a difference to humanity.
For the Sri Lankan community worldwide, this event continues to be the most prestigious awards ceremony, which recognizes those in the Sri Lankan community whose work has had an essential impact on the lives of others.
In putting on the SLF Awards Ceremony, Sri Lanka Foundation hopes to show the community’s gratitude for the awardees’ creativity and outstanding achievements, increase awareness of their accomplishments, and, most importantly, inspire the younger generation to achieve excellence in their chosen fields. With this purpose at heart, it has been growing since its inception in 2003, boasting the most significant number of awardees celebrated, and with a tremendous demand for attendance that its live-streaming offer this year was essentially long overdue.
The opening remarks given by the SLF Chairman of the Board, Dr. Walter Jayasinghe, and the President/CEO, Dr. Dishan Jayasinha, instilled in the audience their deep commitment to the event’s purpose and set the stage for the outstanding awardees, which were to follow.
While the event centered on the awardees, the entertainment was as sensational as ever. The event began with a spectacular traditional welcome dance featuring Umendra Kahandawarachchi, Nirosha Wijegunasekare, and Akila Palipana from the SLF Academy of Performing Arts. Then, the elegant fashion show (produced and choreographed by Achala Weerasinghe, SLF Director of Cultural Affairs) featured stunning outfits created by the famous Sri Lankan designers Shanith Fernando and Hiran Wijesekara and beauty pageant title holders from the USA.
The entertainment continued with a stand-out performance from Talin Silva, an opera performance by the world-renowned soprano singer Tharanga Goonetilleke, and fabulous music by Tony Samara.
Most importantly, the event celebrated the following awardees in seven distinct categories:
For a lifetime of outstanding excellence and recognition at an international level Prof. Nimal Rajapakse, Prof. Ajit Yoganathan, Prof. Asgerally Fazleabas, Prof. Patrick Mendis, Prof. Osmund Bopearachchi, Prof. Tissa Illangasekare, Dr. Yasantha Rajakarunanayake, Venerable Henepola Gunaratna, late Desmond De Silva, and late Donald Karunaratna received the Lifetime Achievement Award.
Dr. Hasini Jayatilaka and Prof Sharika Thiranagama received the Exceptional Achievement Award for their exemplary achievements in their field.
For their outstanding performances, Amith Boteju, Talin Silva, Rukshan De Silva, and Hiruni Wijerathna received the Outstanding Performance by a Young Professional Award.
For their ongoing exceptional growth and achievements in their profession Dr. Sumudu Herath Mudiyanselage, Dr. Zainab Ifthikar, and Mathew Abeysinghe received the Rising Star Award.
For his excellence in community service and role model Ashley Ashan Palipana was awarded the Outstanding Achievement Junior Award.
The Srimerican of the Year Award was presented to Keith Ranga for his contribution to the betterment of the Sri Lankan community.
The President’s Award was presented to Priyalal Kurera for his exceptional philanthropic services to the Sri Lankan American community and his motherland, Sri Lanka.
The Outstanding Community Service Award was presented to Prof. Deepthi Jayasekare and Prof. Dushyantha Jayaweera for their life-saving support extended to our communities worldwide, especially during the Covid-19 Pandemic.
As you know, the winners were nominated by individuals just like you. You can visit our website http://www.srilankafoundation.org for more information on how to nominate a well-deserved Sri Lankan expatriate who has made a difference to humanity.
SLF Int, USA 2022 Srimerican of the Year Award Keith Ranga for his Excellence as an Artist, Humanitarian Services and Community Leadership
Keith Ranga was born in Sri Lanka and emigrated to the U.S. in 1992. He attended the college of De. Mazenod in Kandana, Sri Lanka. Keith Ranga began his acting career at 14 years old in an independent movie in Sri Lanka followed by two additional before moving to the U.S.
Keith Ranga has made a measurable impact in the past 20 years of his life with his dedication to the Sri Lankan American community as a passionate advocate to provide his humanitarian services and promote culture.
In 2006 he was elected to be the President of the Sri Lanka America Association in Southern California. He immediately stepped in to his role by evaluating the needs of our community and established a net working system with his executive committee to reach out to families that needed assistance in professional or personal matters. By providing this service he connected with so many families in Sri Lankan community and provided very valuable services.
In 2006 Keith Ranga organized the very first Cultural Show for Sri Lanka Independence Day collaborating with the Consul General of Sri Lanka, about 100 performers took part which was witnessed by hundreds of foreign diplomats and a large crowd of people from our community. He planted a very valuable seed that day to lay the groundwork for something that developed and expanded in to an annual event to celebrate Sri Lanka Independence Day. 2006 Keith Ranga took the leadership to organize the very first “Parade of Lanka” at the Santa Monica Promenade which was hosted by the Sri Lanka Foundation International, USA which was viewed by over hundred thousand people. In 2007 Keith Ranga coordinated the very first “Ranwan Reyek” production to introduce the Sinhala Cinema to the new Sri Lankan American younger generation. These productions provided an opportunity to many young Sri Lankan American kids to be involved in Los Angeles. Also in 2007 he organized the Tea Expo collaborated with the Sri Lankan Consulate office in Los Angeles to promote Sri Lankan Buddhist Temples in Los Angeles, supported many Sri Lanka social and cultural events by volunteering his services.
2017 Keith Ranga took the leadership to showcase the “Parade of Lanka” in the Rose Parade route in Pasadena at the Sri Lanka day which now has become the main attraction of the Sri Lanka Day anticipated by the local community. 2018 he took the leadership to organize the 70 years of Independence Day event held at UCLA. In 2019 Keith Ranga cast as a lead actor for two upcoming Sinhala productions which will be shown in Los Angeles. He also took a role as a producer and has brought many actors over to US and offered accommodation, food and transportation to provide opportunities for them to be successful in a foreign country.
He has received the following Awards, “Young Sri Lankan Artist Award 2018” presented by the Los Angeles Ranwa Reyek Foundation for his extraordinary contribution for the Sri Lanka Cinema, “Promoting Sri Lanka Culture Appreciation Award” presented by the Sri Lanka Foundation International in Los Angeles for his valuable services in organizing and conducting the “Parade of Lanka” on Sri Lanka Day 2017, “Leadership Award” from the Sri Lanka America Association in 2013, “Certificate of Appreciation” presented by the Consul General of Sri Lanka in 2011 for his services rendered towards the community, Certificate of Appreciation presented for his excellent leadership qualities by the Sri Lanka America Association in 2005-2006 , Top “Salesman of the Year 2017” by Colonial Life Insurance Company.
Keith Ranga has truly inspired people to become more involved in the community, reached out to those who are not as privileged as others and share his talents with those around in order to make a positive change in our community and to the entire world.
Keith Ranga has made a measurable impact in the past 20 years of his life with his dedication to the Sri Lankan American community as a passionate advocate to provide his humanitarian services and promote culture.
In 2006 he was elected to be the President of the Sri Lanka America Association in Southern California. He immediately stepped in to his role by evaluating the needs of our community and established a net working system with his executive committee to reach out to families that needed assistance in professional or personal matters. By providing this service he connected with so many families in Sri Lankan community and provided very valuable services.
In 2006 Keith Ranga organized the very first Cultural Show for Sri Lanka Independence Day collaborating with the Consul General of Sri Lanka, about 100 performers took part which was witnessed by hundreds of foreign diplomats and a large crowd of people from our community. He planted a very valuable seed that day to lay the groundwork for something that developed and expanded in to an annual event to celebrate Sri Lanka Independence Day. 2006 Keith Ranga took the leadership to organize the very first “Parade of Lanka” at the Santa Monica Promenade which was hosted by the Sri Lanka Foundation International, USA which was viewed by over hundred thousand people. In 2007 Keith Ranga coordinated the very first “Ranwan Reyek” production to introduce the Sinhala Cinema to the new Sri Lankan American younger generation. These productions provided an opportunity to many young Sri Lankan American kids to be involved in Los Angeles. Also in 2007 he organized the Tea Expo collaborated with the Sri Lankan Consulate office in Los Angeles to promote Sri Lankan Buddhist Temples in Los Angeles, supported many Sri Lanka social and cultural events by volunteering his services.
2017 Keith Ranga took the leadership to showcase the “Parade of Lanka” in the Rose Parade route in Pasadena at the Sri Lanka day which now has become the main attraction of the Sri Lanka Day anticipated by the local community. 2018 he took the leadership to organize the 70 years of Independence Day event held at UCLA. In 2019 Keith Ranga cast as a lead actor for two upcoming Sinhala productions which will be shown in Los Angeles. He also took a role as a producer and has brought many actors over to US and offered accommodation, food and transportation to provide opportunities for them to be successful in a foreign country.
He has received the following Awards, “Young Sri Lankan Artist Award 2018” presented by the Los Angeles Ranwa Reyek Foundation for his extraordinary contribution for the Sri Lanka Cinema, “Promoting Sri Lanka Culture Appreciation Award” presented by the Sri Lanka Foundation International in Los Angeles for his valuable services in organizing and conducting the “Parade of Lanka” on Sri Lanka Day 2017, “Leadership Award” from the Sri Lanka America Association in 2013, “Certificate of Appreciation” presented by the Consul General of Sri Lanka in 2011 for his services rendered towards the community, Certificate of Appreciation presented for his excellent leadership qualities by the Sri Lanka America Association in 2005-2006 , Top “Salesman of the Year 2017” by Colonial Life Insurance Company.
Keith Ranga has truly inspired people to become more involved in the community, reached out to those who are not as privileged as others and share his talents with those around in order to make a positive change in our community and to the entire world.
