Meet the team who brought Narthana 2022 to life!
Committee:
Director:
Dilini Seneviratne
“I have been teaching, choreographing, performing, and practising Kandyan dance in England for over 15 years. I’ve also completed my postgrad in Kandyan dance research and wrote an online course collection for The Open University. It’s free so you should do it when you have 3 hours. Starting dance from Kingsbury Temple to representing Sri Lanka at ICC World Cup, Lord’s Cricket Ground, Sri Lanka High Commission in London, Sri Lanka Tourism Bureau, BBC Asian Network and to creating a NARTHANA 2022 with Kandyan Dancers Co. has been one incredible journey…. I also wrote a book last year about Kandyan dance. It’s on Amazon Prime!”
Secretary:
Dilini Peiris
“Having been taught Kandyan dance by Dilini Seneviratne since 2014, I have had the most wonderful opportunities to showcase the dance form at multiple shows and events across the UK. To do it at Dilini’s inaugural Sri Lankan Cultural dance show, and to help organise it as Secretary is an absolute privilege. We hope you enjoy it as much as we have done putting it together!”
Treasurer:
Ravi Jayanti
“I can’t dance to save my life, but I’ve watched classical dancers perform on stage many times over the years, and in university, I was the Treasurer for Southampton’s own inter-university classical dancing competition, Thaala.”
Marketing:
Kavisha Rodrigo
“I have been dancing since I was 10 and one of my earliest memories of Kandyan is dancing alongside Dils when she was 15. It’s such an honour to be a part of Narthana and see Dilini’s vision and hard work come to life.”
Sales:
Natasha Perera
“I’ve been dancing and performing with Dilini for the past 4 years starting with the KCL Diwali show in 2018. I’m honoured to be part of the committee for Narthana 2022. It’s been a great opportunity to bring together individuals from across the UK and internationally to perform together, and showcase the wonderful dances of Sri Lanka.”
Fundraising/ Sponsorships Rep:
Sathyangi Fernando
“I started dancing with Dilini at university in Southampton some years ago. Everything I know about Kandyan dance I have learnt from Dilini. It has been such a pleasure to be a part of the Narthana committee and draw attention to the beautiful Sri Lankan arts and culture.”
Webmaster:
Mevan Abeydeera
“Although I’m not a Kandyan dancer myself, it is a privilege to support Dilini and the team with the tech needs for Narthana 2022 and help spread Sri Lankan culture in the UK. Looking forward to supporting all the shows that follow!”
Participant Coordinator:
Diluni Ramanayake
“I started Kandyan dancing back in 2019 with Dilini for the KCL Diwali show and haven’t looked back! I’m so honoured to be a part of the first ever Narthana committee and have loved bringing everyone together to share our dancing passion on stage”
Social Media Rep:
Hiruni Ranasinghe
“I’ve been dancing Kandyan for around 15 years now but only started dancing with Dilini in the last 2 years. It has been an honour to be a part of the production of the first Narthana 2022 and to create all the behind the scenes content for all of you to see.”