Avishka – Junior performer

For me, dance is more than just a performance; it’s a safe space where I can fully be myself. I learnt my first steps of Kandyan dance under the guidance of Guru Kulasiri Budawatta, whose teachings laid the foundation for my deep connection to Sri Lankan traditional dance. Now, as a KD Co. Performer, I can embody and share my culture, keeping me closely connected to home. My preferred style is Pahatharata, which I love for its strength and expressive power, allowing me to grow and connect with who I am.

Britney – Junior performer

This is my first year dancing for KD Co. I used to dance at the temple when I was young, then found my way back to dance again when I was in my second year of university in 2022, and since then, I haven’t looked back! I started dancing at KD in 2022, and I even had the privilege of attaining my Pahimpath in 2025 and joining my wonderful dancing family, KD Co. My favourite styles to dance are Sabaragamu and Folk, but my real talent lies behind the microphone at karaoke.

Devangee – Senior performer

Kandyan dance has grown to become a part of my personal identity and weekly routine. Since learning kandyan dance from a young age, I have grown to love developing my skills as a dancer over time and seek valuable opportunities to perform in various spaces from KD Co. I am proud to see how this unique dance style has inspired so many people across the UK.

Diluni – Senior performer

I started Kandyan dancing with Dilini Seneviratne as a beginner in 2019. Since then, it’s been an absolute honour and pleasure to dance for the Kandyan Dancers Company.

Diyendra – Junior performer

My dancing career started with humble beginnings through lessons at my local Daham Pasala and performances at New Year’s productions. Whilst on this journey to better understand the history and beauty of the art form, I came across the courses on Kandyan Dance written by Dilini, which inspired my participation in the Narthana showcases. After rekindling my passion for Kandyan dance, I had the privilege of completing my Pahimpath ceremony in November of 2024. Since joining the Kandyan Dancers Company in mid-2025, I have embraced the opportunity to share our culture’s beauty with others. I hope to continue exploring this art form and the wonderful community that comes with it!

Gimahara – Junior performer

I started dancing at the temple when I was very young, every week after dahampasala, but I stopped going at the beginning of secondary school. After a few years of doing other styles, Narthana brought me back to my Kandyan roots and introduced me to bharatnatyam. I achieved Pahimpath in 2024 and joined KD Co. in late 2025.

Hesali – Junior performer

I am passionate about Bharatanatyam and Kandyan traditions, drawn to the art through my mother’s encouragement and a love that grew naturally. I began Bharatanatyam at age 7 with Sharminie Chandrakumar and trained in Kandyan dance under the guidance of Ajith Athanayake for two years, completing my Pahimpath, and also trained under Professor Mudiyanse Dissanayake. Alongside classical forms, I began with ballet as a child and continue exploring lyrical, contemporary and commercial dance, performing in shows across these styles. I have performed in numerous Bharatanatyam productions, including a Thillana solo at Letchworth New Year 2024, and have choreographed Bharatanatyam segments for other performances. Appearances at Kingsbury New Year celebrations and Narthana 2025, with plans for Narthana 2026, have shaped my journey. Dancing alongside senior performers has taught me so much and inspired me to grow. Through every performance, I hope to inspire audiences and show that age is no barrier to expression, honouring tradition while sharing my own voice through movement.

Mahith – Senior performer

I started my journey in Kandyan dance at the age of six in Sri Lanka. From a very young age, dance became a big part of my life, and I actively took part in all-island dance competitions, which helped shape my discipline and passion for this beautiful art form. For me, dancing is not just a skill or a hobby – it is life. Through years of dedication, hard work and respect for tradition, I was able to achieve one of my biggest dreams as a dancer: becoming a Ves dancer. I continue to dance with pride, honouring our culture and keeping the tradition alive.

Methme – Senior performer

Dance has always been a constant part of my life. I have been a passionate dancer from a very young age and am trained in both Kandyan and Latin American dance. Through years of training, I have developed a strong understanding of rhythm, technique and expressive movement. Being a member of the Kandyan Dancers Company has allowed me to continue to develop and refine my Kandyan dance skills and deepen my connection to traditional Sri Lankan dance while continuing to grow as a performer.

Nimna – Senior performer

My journey in dance began in childhood, at a very young age in Sri Lanka, where dance and the sound of drums became my way of speaking when words weren’t enough. Over the years, I’ve performed in major productions, including Narthana showcases, cultural festivals, Commonwealth, Heritage events and educational outreach events across Sri Lanka and the UK. For me, Kandyan dance is more than tradition; it connects where I come from to where I am now, and it helps create that real sense of belonging for viewers alike. Kandyan Dance to me is a beautiful and very disciplined form of dance. I’m just really passionate about holding onto our culture, passing it on and sharing Kandyan dance with the whole world, however I can. It means so much to me.

Nisali – Senior performer

I have trained in Uda Rata, Pahatha Rata and Bharatanatyam, which has allowed me to explore both Sri Lankan and South Asian classical dance traditions. I have been performing in productions with Dilini Seneviratne since 2018 and continue to be actively involved with the company. I also serve as KD Co.’s resident Bharatanatyam choreographer, contributing both creatively and as a performer. Having taken part in previous Narthana shows, I am excited to continue my journey with the company.

Nuwanika – Junior performer

I still cherish the day my father first took me to a Kandyan dance class. I was barely three
years old, learning my first rhythms “Thei, Thei, Thei” filled with joy and wonder. By the age of seven, I earned 3rd Place in the Under-12 All Island Kandyan group dancing, and from that moment, dance became part of my soul. As I grew older, my path shifted toward writing stories and poetry, and for nearly a decade, I stepped away from dance. Yet my heart never let go of our beautiful tradition. When the Kandyan Dancers Company welcomed me back, it felt like coming home. Today, dancing in the United Kingdom, I dedicate myself to uplifting Kandyan dance, sharing our heritage, and keeping homesickness at bay by carrying my culture in every movement.

Pavindri – Junior performer

My Kandyan dance journey began when I first started lessons at the age of 5. What began as a childhood curiosity quickly grew into a lifelong passion, shaped by years of dedicated training under various teachers in Melbourne. Through these experiences, I have developed a deep respect for the tradition, discipline, and storytelling at the heart of Kandyan dance. In 2024, I had the privilege of becoming one of Kandyan Dancers Company’s first-ever Pahim Path graduates, under the guidance of Dilini. This is a milestone I am incredibly proud of. Since being given the honour of becoming a Company Dancer in mid-2025, I have embraced the opportunity to perform at various events and showcase my culture to the wider community. I am excited to see what the future holds as I continue my dance journey with the company!

Pawani – Junior performer

From a young age, I’ve been passionate about dance, beginning my journey at just five years old. I have dedicated myself to mastering traditional Kandyan and Sri Lankan folk dance, which led to incredible opportunities, including performing and choreographing in Italy for several years. After taking a break to focus on my studies, I proudly graduated last year with the support of KD Co., fulfilling one of my biggest dreams by completing Pahimpath. I’m thrilled to be part of the KD company!

Radha – Junior performer

My Kandyan dance journey began when I was 7 years old, and I’ve been dancing for the past 20 years. I’m so proud to have learnt Kandyan dance and showcase our rich Sri Lankan culture to the world. I’m still learning something new every single day and want to continue on this journey to keep our heritage alive.

Ranoshi – Junior performer

I started Kandyan dance when I was 3 and trained in Sri Lanka for years. I later continued my training in London and performed with Kandyan Dancers Company for over two years. Performing and representing Sri Lankan culture means a lot to me, and I’m proud to share it on stage. Being a part of this team has given me many opportunities to learn, improve and grow more as a dancer.

Santhoshi – Senior performer

I have been a part of KD since 2022, and I’m well-versed in Kandyan and Pahatharata Dance styles. I attained my Pahimpath in 2024. I also enjoy other styles of dance such as K-pop, Kathak, Kuthu (Gaana), Bharatanatyam and hopefully will get to learn many more! When I am not dancing, I like to bake all kinds of baked goods and share themwith everyone at KD!

Saravania – Junior performer

I have been practicing Bharatanatyam since the age of five, which laid a strong foundation for my journey in dance. As I grew, I further expanded my skills by learning Gaana, allowing me to develop a deeper connection with music and rhythm. I was introduced to Kandyan dance through the annual show Narthana, where I fell in love with the unique style, strength, and expressive movement of Kandyan. Dancing has always been my way of escaping the world, giving me a sense of freedom, balance, and self-expression.

Sriana – Junior performer

I am very proud to be part of the Kandyan Dancers Company – from watching my brothers dance in the local temple to taking part in many shows and competitions during my childhood, I am grateful for this company for bringing back my passion for this art form after years of being trained in other western dance styles, and am very excited to continue representing KD Co.

Vimod – Senior performer

I am a Senior Ves dancer with Kandyan Dancers Company and have been part of the Narthana journey for the past two years. Trained in the traditional Kandyan dance form, I specialise in Ves dance and enjoy performing the strength and discipline it represents. During my time with KD Co., I have taken part in a range of event performances and cultural showcases, representing Sri Lankan dance within the community. Narthana has been an important part of my journey as a performer, allowing me to grow on stage each year while contributing to productions that celebrate and share our dance traditions.

Yuhani – Junior performer

Dance has been a part of my life from a very young age, and I have been dancing for over two decades, building a deep connection with the art form. Sri Lankan traditional dance styles, especially Kandyan and Low Country, hold a special place in my heart and have strongly influenced my journey as a performer. For me, dance is more than a performance; it nurtures the soul and brings peace to the mind. I am proud to share the richness of Sri Lanka’s cultural heritage with diverse audiences through every performance with Kandyan Dancers Company.