Ms. R. A. N. Nilakshi Inoka De Alwis

Ms. R. A. N. Nilakshi Inoka De Alwis

Senior Lecturer (Grade I)

Faculty of Dance and Drama
Department of Low Country Dance

Qualifications:

  • Certificate in Research Methodology and Scientific writing (2026) – Faculty of Graduate studies, University of Sri Jayewardenepura.
  • MSc Management with Digital Marketing, (2023–2024) University of Hertfordshire, in Hatfield, United Kingdom.
  • National Diploma in Dance Choreography, (2020) Sri Lanka Foundation Institute.
  • Short Course in Research in Performing Arts, (2019) – Faculty of Graduate studies, University of Visual and Performing Arts, Sri Lanka.
  • Master of Performing Arts, (2013) university of visual And Performing Art, Sri Lanka.
  • Certificate in Teaching for Higher Education, (2013) – SDC – university of visual And Performing Art, Sri Lanka.
  • BFA First Class Honours, University of Kelaniya (2000) – University of Kelaniya Sri Lanka.
  • Visharad (First Division), Bhatkhande Institute (1999) – Bathkande Sangeeth Vidyapati in Laknow India.

Profile:

Ranasinghe Arachchige Namida Nilakshi Inoka De Alwis is a distinguished academic, researcher, dancer, and cultural practitioner specializing in Sri Lankan traditional dance forms, particularly Low Country Dance. She currently serves as a Senior Lecturer (Grade I) at the Faculty of Dance and Drama, University of Visual and Performing Arts, Sri Lanka, where she plays a key role in teaching, research, curriculum development, and artistic innovation in performing arts education.

She holds a BFA First Class Honours degree from the University of Kelaniya (2000) and a Visharad (First Division) from the Bhatkhande Institute of Music, Lucknow, India (1999). She further obtained a Master of Performing Arts (2013) and a Certificate in Teaching for Higher Education (2013) from the University of the Visual and Performing Arts, Sri Lanka. Her academic development also includes a National Diploma in Dance Choreography (2020), an MSc in Management with Digital Marketing (2023–2024) from the University of Hertfordshire, UK, and a Certificate in Research Methodology and Scientific Writing (2026) from the University of Sri Jayewardenepura.

As an educator, she emphasizes the integration of traditional knowledge systems with modern pedagogical approaches, encouraging students to understand the cultural, historical, and philosophical foundations of Sri Lankan dance while developing creative and innovative performance skills. She has held several significant academic roles, including Head of The Department (Low Country Dance), Acting Dean, Curriculum Committee Member, IQAC Member, and Coordinator of academic and research programs at the university level.

Beyond teaching, she is actively engaged in research, artistic creation, and cultural preservation. Her research interests focus on Sri Lankan ritual and traditional dance forms, dance pedagogy, cultural symbolism, performance studies, dance therapy, and the preservation of intangible cultural heritage. She has presented and published widely at national and international conferences and has contributed to scholarly discourse in the field of performing arts. Her notable publication includes The Mahasohon Era: Literary Investigations (2019). She has also contributed significantly to practical research and digital learning resources, producing a series of audio-visual teaching materials for school and university students. These include Panchanari Gataya (2025), Shiva Ranga Puja (2015), Kalasa (2015), Sudda Mathra – Mathara Style (2015), Giri Kumari (2015), Paththini (2015), Mathra Paha (2015), Walli (2015), and Suniyame Nanumuraya (2015), which are widely used for practical training and creative learning in dance education.

In addition to her academic work, she has served as a judge, resource person, examiner, and cultural advisor for national and international dance competitions, examinations, and workshops. She is also the founder and director of Nilakshi Dance Studio, Maharagama, through which she continues to train and mentor young dancers. She has been recognized for her academic excellence through scholarships, including the S. Mahinda Tero Academic Scholarship (Highest Marks in Traditional Singing, 1996/97) and the Wasantha Kumara Academic Scholarship (Highest Marks in Low Country Dance, 1996/97) awarded by the University of Kelaniya.

Overall, she is committed to the preservation, innovation, and global promotion of Sri Lankan traditional dance heritage, combining academic scholarship with artistic practice to contribute meaningfully to both national and international performing arts communities.

Research Interests:

Her research interests include Sri Lankan traditional and ritual performing arts, with a particular focus on Low Country Dance traditions. She is especially interested in dance pedagogy, integrating traditional Gurukula methods with modern teaching approaches, and enhancing creative learning in dance education.

She also focuses on dance therapy, cultural symbolism in ritual performances, and the preservation of intangible cultural heritage. In addition, her research explores the aesthetic, psychological, and anthropological dimensions of Sri Lankan dance traditions.

Research and Publication:

Book Publication – ISBN 978-955-30-9807-8, මහසොහොන් සමයම: සාහිත්‍ය විමර්ශන (The Mahasohon Era: Literary investigations) (2019)

Conference Papers and Journal Articles:

  • The Therapeutic Role Embodied in Sri Lankan Nari kolam Characters: A Cultural Psychological Perspective. (2026)
  • Shanthikarma Traditions and Low Country Theatre Styles (2026) Harshavardhan Publication india.www.vidyawarta.com.
  • The Psychological Background of color Symbolism in Sri Lankan Traditional masks (2025) Poorvam International Journal of creative Arts and Cultural Expressions.
  • ශ්‍රී ලාංකේය නර්තනයේ අධ්‍යාපනික වැදගත්කම සහ එහි භාවිතාව (2025) (The Educational Importance of Sri Lankan Dance And its Practice) නර්තන ගවේෂී” Ministry of cultural Affairs.
  • ඉගැන්වීම් ශිල්පීයක්‍රම භාවිත නර්තන අධ්‍යාපනික අධ්‍යයනය (2023) The Use of Pedagogical Methods in Dance Education) 4th International Conference on Intangible Cultural Heritage ( ICICH), Department of Anthropology, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Sri Lanka.
  • ඉගෙනුම් ඉගැන්වීම් ක්‍රියාවලියේ ප්‍රගති අධ්‍යයනය (2019) (Progress Study in the Learning and Teaching process) ICTM – Joint International Research Symposium, University of Visual and Performing Arts.
  • සොහොන් කුම්භ යාගය (Sohon Kumba Ritual) (2011) Jayasena Kottagoda Abinandana, J.K.Publication.
  • ජන නැටුමෙන් පිළිබිඹුවන ශ්‍රී ලාංකේය සංස්කෘතිය (2010) Sri Lankan Tradition depicted through Folk Dance) නර්තන ගවේෂී” Ministry of cultural Affairs.
  • පාරම්පරික ගුරුකුල සහ පහතරට රංග කලාව (Traditional Gurukula System and Low Country Dance) (2009) රුහුණු සංස්කෘතික මණ්ඩලය’

Practical Research & Students (School & University) Preparation of Audio/ Video Computer Software for Teaching and Creative Part:

Professional Experience:

  • Senior Lecturer (Grade 1) faculty of Dance and Drama, University of Visual & Performing Arts Sri Lanka (Present)
  • Member, State Adversary Councill of Dance & Ballet, Department of Catherall Affairs in Sri Lanka 2025. (Present)
  • Member of Senate, Faculty of Dance & Drama Nomination. UVPA, 2025.
  • Chaiman of the Editorial Board -Student Research Symposium, Faculty of dance & Drama, University of Visual & Performing Arts,2022.
  • Chaiman of the Action Committee-Student Research Symposium, Faculty of dance & Drama, University of Visual & Performing Arts,2022.
  • Chair of the Session – Student Research Symposium, Faculty of dance & Drama, University of Visual & Performing Arts,2022.
  • Head of Department, Low Country Dance, Faculty of Dance & Drama, University of Visual & Performing Arts (2018 – 2021) Sri Lanka.
  • Member of Work plan Implication and Monitoring Committee, Faculty of dance & Drama, University of Visual & Performing Arts, 2019. (My role is to contribute to the effective implementation and monitoring of the faculty’s work plan by supporting and enhancing the quality of teaching and learning activities.)
  • Evaluation Comity Member – International Art Festival, Faculty of Dance & Drama, University of Visual & Performing Arts ,2019. (My role is to review and assess the submitted dance-related creative proposals, ensuring their quality, creativity, and relevance to the festival. I am responsible for helping select suitable works that contribute to the success of the festival.)
  • Letter of Appointment – Member of the Internal Cullity Assurance cell (IQAC) of the faculty of dance & Drama, University of Visual & Performing Arts, 2018.
  • Coordinator of the Paper Submission – The First research Student Symposium, Faculty of dance & Drama, University of Visual & Performing Arts.2018.
  • Appointment as a self-Evaluation Report (SER) Writer – Program Review Report, Faculty of dance & Drama, University of Visual & Performing Arts Sri Lanka, 2018.
  • Appointment as a member of The Curriculum Implication Committee, Faculty of dance & Drama, University of Visual & Performing Arts Sri Lanka, 2018.
  • Coordinator, Diploma in Dance Course, Centre of Open and Distant Learning, University of Visual & Performing Arts (2019 & 2020) Sri Lanka
  • Head of Department, Low Country Dance, Faculty of dance & Drama, University of Visual & Performing Arts (2015–2018) Sri Lanka.
  • Acting Dean, Faculty of Dance and Drama, Faculty of dance & Drama, University of Visual & Performing Arts (2018) Sri Lanka.
  • Supervisor Research dissertation – M.A. program, Faculty of Humanities, University of Kalaniya.2018.
  • Post of Visiting Lecturer M.A. Program in Dance, Batch No 5, University of Kalaniya,2015/2017.
  • Visiting Lecturer, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka. (2001 to 2007)
  • Director, Nilakshi Dance Studio Maharagama in Sri Lanka (2015–Present)
  • Program Director, American Wenesso Foundation in Sri Lankan Branch 2020
  • Acting Director- 1st year, Faculty of Dance and Drama, Kohuwala Premises ,2013. (As Acting Director of the Faculty of Dance and Drama, I am responsible for the proper administration and smooth functioning of the faculty in accordance with the instructions of the Dean. My duties include supervising the attendance and performance of academic staff, ensuring that all administrative and academic activities are properly managed, and addressing the needs and concerns of students. I am also required to monitor day-to-day operations of the faculty and support the overall development and efficiency of the department.)
  • Appoint to the Position of Student Advisor, Faculty of Dance & Drama, University of Visual & Performing Arts 2010.
  • Appoint to the Post of Warden, Faculty of Dance & Drama University of Visual & Performing Arts, 2009.
  • Appoint to the Position of student Advisor, Faculty of Dance & Drama University of Visual & Performing Arts, 2009.
  • Beginner Certificate of National Dance and Music Examination – Low Country Dance & Low Country Drumming (Gandarwa) 1993.
  • Final Certificate of National Dance and Music Examination – Kandyan Dance & Folk Songs (Gandarwa) 1988.
  • Presentation of Study guides – Evaluate the Study Guidelines for the Bachelor of Arts (General) Degree Course (External) Performing Arts (Dance) Low Country Dance part 11.

Awards:

  • Award Recipient (Honored Guest) at the All-Island Schools Dance Competition Award Ceremony – Ministry of Education, 2016
  • (To attend the award ceremony as a recognized recipient for contributions to the All-Island School Dance Competition organized by the Ministry of Education.)
  • National Literary and Arts Festival – Certificate of Award, Creating the Dance Thalam Dance, The Ministry of Cultural and National Heritage in Sri Lanka 2005.
  • National Literary and Arts Festival – Certificate of Award, Creating the Dance Naga Raksha,Naga , Gurulu and Naga Kanya Dance, The Ministry of Cultural and National Heritage in Sri Lanka 2005.
  • National Literary and Arts Festival – Certificate of Award, singing for the Dance Maura (Peacock) Dance the Ministry of Cultural and National Heritage in Sri Lanka 2005
  • National Literary and Arts Festival – Certificate of Award, Creating the Dance Sudda Mathra Dance, The Ministry of Cultural and National Heritage in Sri Lanka 2004.
  • National Literary and Arts Festival – Certificate of Award, Singing for the Dance Hansa (Swan) Wannama Dance, The Ministry of Cultural and National Heritage in Sri Lanka 2004.
  • National Dance Festival – Certificate of Award, Creating the Dance Nanumuraya Dance
  • The Ministry of Human Resources Development Education and Cultural Affairs in Sri Lanka 2003.
  • National Dance Festival – Certificate of Award, Creating the Dance Wadigapatuna Dance the Ministry of Human Resources Development Education and Cultural Affairs in Sri Lanka 2003.
  • National Dance Festival – Certificate of Award, Creating the Dance Suraba walliya Dance, The Ministry of Human Resources Development Education and Cultural Affairs in Sri Lanka 2003.
  • All Island Dance Competition – Certificate of Award, Creating the Drumming, Low Country Magul Bera Wadanaya 1st place wells Kumari College Moratuwa,2001.
  • Youth awards Competition – 1st place (Group) Kathak Dance, The Ministry of Youth Affairs, Sports & Rural Development in Sri Lanka.1995.
  • Youth awards Competition – 1st place (Solo) Low Country Dance, Ministry of Youth Affairs, Sports & Rural Development in Sri Lanka.1995.
  • Youth socio-Cultural Competition – 1st place (Solo) Low Country Dance, Ministry of Youth Affairs, Sports & Rural Development in Sri Lanka. 1994.
  • Youth awards Competition – 1st place (Group) Kandyan Dance, Ministry of Youth Affairs, Sports & Rural Development in Sri Lanka.1991.
  • Youth awards Competition – 1st place (Solo) Folk Dance, Ministry of Youth Affairs, Sports & Rural Development in Sri Lanka.1990.
  • Youth awards Competition – 1st place (Group) Low Country Dance, Ministry of Youth Affairs, Sports & Rural Development in Sri Lanka.1990.

Scholarships:

  • Mahinda Tero Academic scholarship – Highest Marks for Traditional Singing 1996/1997- Institute of Aesthetic sturdies, University of Kelaniya.
  • Wasantha Kumara Academic scholarship – Highest Marks for Low Country Dance, 1996/1997- Institute of Aesthetic sturdies, University of Kelaniya.

Appreciation (Letter & Certificate):

  • Appreciation for Acting Coordinator – 77th Independent day Calibration, Department of Low Country Dance,2025. (Served as the Coordinator representing the Department of Low Country Dance for the 77th National Independence Day Celebration, training students and coordinating dance performances to promote cultural heritage.)
  • Certificate of Appreciation -All Island Dance Competition, Ministry of Education, 2025.
  • Certificate of Appreciation -All Island Dance Competition, Department of Education, Southern Province, 2025.
  • Letter of Appreciation – Training Program Creative Concept Development and Performing Arts, University of Uva Wellassa, Sri Lanka, 2020.
  • (Resource Person (Trainer / Facilitator) for the “Creative Concept Development and Performing Art” training program.)
  • Appreciation for Acting Coordinator – 71 Independent day Calibration, Faculty of Dance & Drama, Tea Dance 2019.
  • Certificate of Appreciation, International Research Symposium, Presented, University of Visual & Performing Arts, 2018.
  • Evaluation of Contribution – Suryabisheka Mahanagare. Maha Awurudu, Urban Development Authority, Ministry of Mega Police & Western Development.2018.
  • Letter of Appreciation- Develop the Curriculum workshop, University of Visual & Performing Arts,2018.
  • Certificate of Appreciation – All Island Dance Competition, Ministry of Education, 2017.
  • Letter of Appreciation- Develop the Curriculum workshop, University of Visual & Performing Arts,2017.
  • Certificate of Excellence -Chamber of Friendship of Lanka and China, University of Visual and Performing Arts, Sri Lanka, 2016.
  • Certificate of Appreciation -All Island Dance Competition, Ministry of Education, 2016.
  • Certificate of Appreciation -All Island Dance Competition, Ministry of Education, 2015.
  • Certificate of Appreciation -All Island Dance Competition, Ministry of Education, 2014.
  • Certificate of Appreciation – All Island Dance Competition, Ministry of Education, 2013.
  • Certificate for Service Evaluation – From Department of Anthropology and Musicology, Faculty of Music,2013. (I contributed to the successful organization and delivery of a practical lecture on Low Country Sindhu Waththam and Shanthikarmaheld on 15th July 2013 for undergraduate students of the Department of Musicology. My role involved supporting the academic and practical activities, assisting in coordination, and ensuring the program was conducted successfully and effectively.)
  • Certificate of Training – Faculty Development and Institutional Development, Faculty of Dance & Drama University of Visual & Performing Arts, 2008 & 2009.
  • Certificate of Appreciation – Teacher Service Tribute Ceremony, C. W. W. Kannangara College,2006.

Achievement:

  • Certificate of Participation – Classical Dance & Cultural showcasing as Team Manager,12th south Asian university Festival, Organized by   Ravishanker Shukla University, Raipure, India, 2019.
  • Certificate of Participation- IDF- International Dance Festival- The Low Country Paththini Dance Performed at the Layanal Vent Theater, Sri Lanka,2018.
  • Samudra Art International festival- Dance Group Coordinator – Sri Yasodya Mahothsawa Thiruvanthapuram, India 2017.
  • To contribute to the creation of the necessary dance pieces for this cultural show and to organize it by bringing together students and lecturers from the Kandyan, Lowcountry, Sabaragamuwa and Indian Dance Departments of the Faculty of Dance and Dramatic Arts.
  • Judge for the Dance Competition- Urban Settlement Development Authority.2025. (To judge dance performances, evaluate participants, award marks, and assist in selecting the winning teams.)
  • Judge for the Competition- University of Jayawardanapura,2025
  • (Panel Judge (Judge Board Member) for the Inter-Department Music Competition “RANRASU 2025”)
  • supervisory Officer / Examination Board Member – G.C.E. A/L Dance (Local) Practical Examination, Department of Examination, 2018.
  • (To supervise practical examination boards, ensure proper conduct of the exam process, attend coordination meetings, and support fair and accurate evaluation of candidates.)
  • Judge for the Competition- National Deaf Schools and Units Dance Competition – Sri Lanka Association of Parent of Deaf Chuldren,2017.
  • (To evaluate dance performances of children with hearing impairments, judge according to the competition criteria, and assist in selecting the winners.)
  • Member Of Examination – Research Methodology and Proposal writing- M.A. in Dance University of Kalaniya.2017.
  • Panel Judge for Literary and Dance Competitions (Municipal Cultural Competitions) – 2014
  • (To serve as a member of the jury panel, evaluate participants’ performances in dance and literary competitions, and assist in selecting winners based on merit.)

Workshop:

  • Member – SER preparation Workshop- writing self-evaluation Report, Criteria titled “Distance Education” University of Visual and Performing Arts,2022.
  • Resource Person – Conducting a workshop and providing guidance on traditional low Country dance to the First year and special degree 2nd year student, Visual Arts & design and Performing arts unit of the Department of Fine Arts, University of Kalaniya.2017.
  • Resource Person- Ministry of Internal Affairs, Wayamba Development & Cultural Affairs.2016.
  • I served as a resource person and contributed to the evaluation panel for the selection of dancers for the Ministry’s cultural troupe, as well as participated in related training workshops aimed at improving the artistic standards of selected performers.
  • Resource Person – Training Program to sensitize Resource Person regarding the Syllabus – Ministry of the Culture & the Arts,2014.
  • Resource Person – Workshop was held on the Syllabus for resource teachers at Culture centers affiliated to the Ministry. 2014.
  • Certificate of Participation- Training Workshop, Designing ODL material for EDP & Distance learning, University of Visual and Performing Arts, (HETC) Sri Lanka,2014.
  • Certificate of Participation – Activity Development Workshop for proposal writing” of the Accelerating Higher Education Expansion and Development (AHEAD) Project, Faculty of Dance & Drama, University of Visual & Performing Arts, 2018.