Bharathanatyam

Dr. Subashini Pathmanathan earned her Doctorate in Bharathanatyam from the University of Colombo. Her dissertation explored the “impact of Bharathanatyam on the ancient Sri Lankan Hindu Temple sculptures and architectural decorative sculptures from the Polonnaruwaera.” Dr. Subashini Pathmanathan received her education at the Government College for Women in Chandigarh and graduated from Punjab University, where she also completed her postgraduate studies. She was trained in Classical Bharathanatyam by the late Padmashree Vazuvoor Ramiahpillai as a Gurukula student, who honored her with the title "Nattyakalasihamani." She is a prominent author known for her numerous widely respected books on Bharathanatyam, Hinduism, and Hindu culture. She frequently contributes articles to both local and international journals. In 1991, she was awarded the Esmond Wickramasinghe award. Subashini has gained widespread recognition for her expertise in Bharathanatyam, Hinduism, and Hindu culture. In 2017, she was honored with the Kalimamani award by the Sri Lankan government. Since the beginning, she has been teaching at the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre and has performed numerous classical recitals. She has authored hundreds of articles since1983. Since 1991, she has released many books and publications. Below are some of her outstanding publications. Natya Kalaii, Arunkalai Aal Kalai, Nunkalai Natanakalai, Payan Kalai Bharatha kalai, Bharathanatyam A Basic Study,Sri Lankan Classical Dances, Bharathanatyam A Divine Dance.2013,Arankaviyalum Adalkalaium,. Bharathanatyam Part one and Bharathanatyam Part two.

Ms. Kalasuri Vasugi Jegatheeswaran, began her training in Bharathanatyam at the age of three under the guidance of her mother. She later received advanced training in India under the tutelage of renowned gurus Tanjore Smt. Jegathambal, Padma Shri Adyar K. Lakshmanan, Smt. Shantha Dhananjayan, and Kalaimamani Shri S. K. Rajaratnampillai. She was awarded the prestigious title of "Bharatha Choodamani" and obtained a Diploma in Dancing and Nattuvangam. She performed her Arangetram in 1976. Over a distinguished career of 5 decades, Vasugi has performed extensively in Sri Lanka and internationally, including at the SAARC Conference in Bangladesh, Expo '86 in Canada, the Sixth International Tamil Conference in Malaysia, and in cities such as Calgary, Toronto, Chennai, Bengaluru, Delhi, Ahmedabad, Vadodara, and Ayodhya.

She has been a regular performer at the Republic Day and Indian Independence Day Celebrations organized by the High Commission of India in Sri Lanka, including the 75th Indian Independence Day Celebration at India House, Colombo. Her international appearances also include the 4th International Ramayana Festival (2018) in Delhi, Ahmedabad, and Vadodara, and Deepotsav 2022 at Ram Katha Park, Ayodhya, in the presence of the Hon. Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Yogi Adityanath. An accomplished choreographer, she has produced numerous dance ballets, including Shri Rama Raajyam (2022) and Krishnamirutham (2025), both funded by the High Commission of India in Colombo. Today, Kalasuri Vasugi Jegatheeswaran continues to mentor aspiring dancers at Natya Kala Mandir (NKM). She has also served on the Dance Drama Panel of the Arts Council of Sri Lanka and has been teaching at the Centre since 2005. Celebrating its Golden Jubilee, Natya Kala Mandir proudly marks 50 years of preserving, promoting, and imparting the rich tradition of Bharathanatyam in Sri Lanka, inspiring generations of dancers through excellence in classical arts.

Carnatic vocal Music 

Smt. Dhaarani Rajkumar is a Carnatic musician, composer, and educator who has made significant contributions to the performing arts both in Sri Lanka and internationally. She has held academic roles as an Assistant Lecturer in the Department of Music at the University of the Visual and Performing Arts, where she continues to instruct, while also teaching music at Saiva Mangaiyar Vidyalayam and the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre. Throughout her distinguished career, she has received numerous awards and titles, staging acclaimed performances worldwide—including in India and Norway—and establishing herself as an inevitable performer at the prestigious Kamban Vizha as well as a sought-after lead vocalist for classical dance Arangetrams. Beyond her live performances, her expertise is widely recognized in mainstream media, notably serving as the chief judge for the Maharaja Television Network’s popular reality shows, Shakthi Super Star Junior and Senior seasons. 

Sitar

Dr. Nirmala Kumari Rodrigo is a pioneering Sri Lankan classical sitarist, vocalist, and academic who completed an intensive 11-year musical journey in India from 1973 to 1984, studying at both the Bhatkhande College of Music in Lucknow and Banaras Hindu University. Throughout her rigorous training, she received guidance from esteemed maestros, learning sitar under Shri Naveen Chandra Pant and the legendary Lucknow gharana exponent Ustad Illyas Khan, vocal music under Shri Lele and Prof. Premsing Kinot, and conducting doctoral research under Prof. K.O. Gangarade. Her academic excellence yielded dual undergraduate degrees (Vadya Visharad in Sitar and Sangeet Visharad in Vocal) and a post-graduate degree (Vadya Nipun in Sitar), culminating in her making history as the first Sri Lankan to obtain a Doctor of Music degree from Banaras Hindu University. A veteran performing artist who has held numerous solo concerts across Sri Lanka, India, and Europe, she is recognized as a Super Grade Artiste in both Classical Instrumental and Vocal Music by the Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation and the Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation. Currently, she shares her profound expertise as a Senior Lecturer Grade 1 at the University of the Visual and Performing Arts (formerly the Institute of Aesthetic Studies, University of Kelaniya) and has been dedicated to nurturing future musicians as a sitar teacher at the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre since 1999. 

Hindustani Vocal

Mr. Asith Chanushka Atapattu is a highly accomplished Hindustani classical vocalist and multi-instrumentalist distinguished by a fascinating vocal tone. He started learning Hindustani Classical Music at the age of 10 under the guidance of Dr. Premadasa Mudunkotuwa. He obtained Sangit Visharad degree in Hindustani Vocal and Violin in 1998 & 2001 respectively. He learned Carnatic Music under the guidance of Dr. Arunthathy Sri Renganathan. Then he got the opportunity to study at Bhatkhande Music University, Lucknow, India in 2004 as a scholarship holder of ICCR New Delhi, India. In 2007 he completed the degree of Bachelor of Performing Arts in Hindustani Vocal Music with first class distinction under the guidance of Dr. Sunita Bhale.  While he was studying in Lucknow, he was able to complete the degree of Sangit Nipun in Vocal with First Class Distinction in 2007 under the guidance of Pt. Ganesh Prassad Mishra (renowned vocalist of Banaras Gharana) & Prof. Krishna Kumar Kapoor. In the meantime, he got the opportunity to complete Sangit Visharad degree in Tabla under the guidance of Senior Lecturer and veteran artist Darshanapathi Wijerathne Ranathunga and Prof. Sudheer Kumar Verma renowned Tabla Guru of Farrukhabad Gharana. In 2009 he entered Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India for his postgraduate studies where he completed his Master of Music degree with merits and won the B.H.U. Gold Medal for standing first at the M.Mus Vocal examination in 2009. During his musical journey, he has achieved many awards for his talent. He won 1st place in Solo Singing – Hindustani Classical Music from 1996 to 1999 at all Island School Music, Dance and Drama Contests conducted by the Education Department of Sri Lanka. He won 1st place at All Island National Youth Awards in Solo Singing – Hindustani Classical Music in 2001 - 2003, and Sri LankanFolk Singing in 2003. During his stay in India, he achieved first place in the “Bhatkhande Sangit Pratiyogita” contest organized by Bhatkhande Music University, Lucknow, India in 2007. He won first place for Hindustani Solo Singing in the “SPANDAN” music competition organized by Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India in 2008. In 2016 He has achieved the “Best Upcoming Singer” award at the State Music Festival Sri Lanka for his song “Sasare Patha”. He has performed in several areas in India as well as in Indian Universities. He gave a number of Hindustani Vocal recitals in Sri Lanka Rupavahini Cooperation and Sri Lanka Broadcasting Cooperation. He is an “A” grade Hindustani Classical Vocalist in Sri Lanka Broadcasting Cooperation. Presently he is attached to the University of the Visual & Performing Arts, Colombo 07 as a Senior Lecturer in Hindustani Classical Music. Also, he is serving as a teacher of Hindustani Vocal at the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre, Colombo 07. 

Kathak

Dr. M.P.S.S. Peiris is a highly accomplished Kathak dance professional, choreographer, and educator with a Ph.D. and over 15 years of experience across performance, choreography, and pedagogy. He currently serves as a Visiting Lecturer at the University of Kelaniya, the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, and the University of the Visual and Performing Arts, Colombo, while concurrently holding the position of Kathak Dance Lecturer at the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre (High Commission of India). His profound expertise in teaching Kathak at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels is anchored by rigorous classical training in the Lucknow Gharana under the legendary Pandit Birju Maharaj. Beyond his classical Kathak mastery, Dr. Peiris possesses a versatile background that bridges traditional Eastern disciplines with Western movement, having honed his skills in Kandyan and Fusion dance under Chandana Wickramasinghe, alongside formal training in Latin American Dance under Tony Fernandez. Furthermore, he combines this artistic prowess with a strong commitment to inclusive education, holding a Postgraduate Diploma in Education (PGDE) and specialized certifications in special-needs teaching. 

Yoga

Shri. Vyasah Kalyanasunderam (B.A, YIC) is a highly accomplished Yoga Therapist, Consultant, and educator who has been a prominent figure in holistic wellness, meditation, and advanced breathing techniques since 1992. He serves as the Chief Yoga Instructor at the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre in Colombo, the Founder of the Astanka Yoga Mandir, and the Secretary of the Asian Yoga Therapy Association in Singapore, while also heading the Academic Unit at the Institute of Human Excellence. Boasting a rich array of credentials—including an Advanced Diploma in Therapeutic Yoga from Chennai, specialized diplomas from Nepal, and certifications as a Dorn Therapist, Pranic Healer, and Yoga Acharyar of the Thirumoolar Society—he heavily impacts regional yoga education by designing curricula and leading TVEC-registered diploma programs in Hatha Yoga and Yogic Lifestyle Counselling. Furthermore, Shri. Kalyanasunderam actively extends his work into spiritual and clinical realms, delivering international lectures on sacred texts like the Thirumanthiram and Thiruvasagam while serving as a trusted consultant, examiner, and visiting lecturer for numerous academic and government institutions. 

Tabla

Mr. Lakpiya Abesinghe is a Sri Lankan tabla artist, educator, and sound engineer. He received his formal training in the Lucknow Gharana tradition and holds Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Tabla from Bhatkhande Music Institute Deemed University, Lucknow, India, graduating with academic distinction. He currently serves as a Tabla Instructor at the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre (SVCC), Colombo, a Music Consultant to the Amaradeva Foundation, a Lecturer at Amaradeva Academy, and a Visiting Accompanist at the University of the Visual and Performing Arts, Sri Lanka. An accomplished soloist and accompanist, he has performed extensively in Sri Lanka and internationally, collaborating with eminent musicians while actively promoting Indian classical music through performance, education, and cultural exchange.

Hindi 

Ms. Athila Kothalawala, holds a B.A. Degree in Hindi Studies from the University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka. She has successfully completed Hindi Visharad and several advanced Hindi examinations conducted by the Dakshin Bharat Hindi Prachar Sabha, Chennai, India. She also earned a Post Graduate Higher Diploma in Hindi Applications Proficiency and a Post Graduate Research Diploma in Hindi Studies from the Central Institute of Hindi, Agra, India (Ministry of Education, Government of India). She is a Hindi language teacher, translator, interpreter, and motivational speaker with over 25 years of professional experience. She is the Founding Director of Hindi Sansthan Sri Lanka, has been serving as a Hindi Teacher at the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre (ICCR), High Commission of India, Colombo since 2006, and has extensive experience in Hindi–Sinhala translation, interpretation, and the promotion of educational and cultural relations between India and Sri Lanka.

Ms. Amani Wickramaarachchi – Completed her M.Phil degree in Hindi, year 2018 in University of Kelaniya and Hindi diploma course (400) in year 2004 in Kendriya Sansthan, India. Hindi teacher in Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre since year 2010.

Ms. Achala Kariyakarawana, completed her B.A special degree in Hindi at the Kelaniya University and Diploma in Hindi language at Kendiriya Hindi Sansthan, Agra, India. Former visiting lecturer, University of Kelaniya and University of Sabaragamuwa.Hindi higher certificate in Hindi part 1 and 2, Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre, Colombo.

Ms. M. Nadheera Shewanthiis a highly accomplished Hindi language professional, educator, and media personality with over twenty years of dedicated service to the field. Her extensive academic credentials include a BA in Hindi from the University of Shri Jayawardenapura, an MA in Linguistics from the University of Kelaniya, a PGDE from the National Institute of Education in Maharagama, a Visharad & Praveen BA in Hindi from the Dakshina Bharat Hindi Prachar Sabha in Chennai, and a Postgraduate Diploma (400) from the Central Institute of Hindi in Agra. Currently working as a Hindi teacher at a leading government national school in Colombo and at the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre (SVCC), she actively fosters language development through diverse roles as a TV and FM presenter, animation lesson creator, translator, interpreter, and announcer. Furthermore, Ms. Shewanthi has significantly contributed to cross-cultural literature as a frequent writer for Sri Lankan and Indian magazines, and by serving as both editor and co-editor of the Sri Lanka Hindi Samachar, an annual magazine published by the SVCC. 

As on 22 July 2026