Mr. J. A. Ranjith Jayasinghe

Mr. Ranjith Jayasinghe is an accomplished senior lecturer and researcher in the Department of Kandyan Dance, Faculty of Dance and Drama, University of the Visual and Performing Arts, Sri Lanka. He holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the Institute of Aesthetic Studies and advanced postgraduate degrees including a Master of Arts from the University of Kelaniya and a Master of Philosophy from the University of Sri Jayewardenepura. His academic and professional journey reflects a deep commitment to the advancement, preservation, and innovation of traditional Sri Lankan dance forms. As a versatile educator and performer, Mr. Jayasinghe bridges the gap between traditional practice and contemporary academic discourse. His expertise lies in exploring the ritualistic, aesthetic, and sociocultural dimensions of Kandyan and other indigenous dance traditions of Sri Lanka. Through his dedicated teaching and research, he continues to inspire students and scholars to engage with the deeper spiritual and cultural significance of the island’s performing arts. Beyond the university, Mr. Jayasinghe has made remarkable contributions as an advisor to the Dance Division of ESCO RAHAB Sri Lanka (2008–2025), playing a key role in national cultural development and performance initiatives. He also represented Sri Lanka as the team leader in the prestigious SAMBHV cultural exchange program held in India in 2012, fostering international collaboration in the field of traditional arts. His invaluable service to dance education, research, and performance has earned him recognition and respect as one of the leading figures in Sri Lanka’s performing arts community.

Research Interests:

• Ritualistic Dance Traditions, Sociological and Cultural Studies in Dance
• Religious and Folk Beliefs in Sri Lankan Dance
• Comparative Studies in Kandyan and Sabaragamuwa Dance
• Performance Anthropology and Traditional Aesthetics

Publications and Research Works:

1. A book published in 2018 on the title of “Kadawara Sankalpaya”– Godage Brothers, 2018
2. Presented a paper on “Contribution of your organizing the rights of persons with disability in Sri lanka”.”
3. A Comparative Study of the Kandyan and Sabaragamuwa Shanthikarma Dance Traditions – MPhil Thesis, 2023
4. The Religious Background and Folk Beliefs Underlying the Kandyan and Sabaragamuwa Dance Traditions – 2022
5. The Structure of Literary Features and Singing Genres Underlying the Kandyan and Sabaragamuwa Shanthikarma Traditions – 2025 (Unpublished)

Conference Presentations

1. Integration in Challenged Person Mainstream Society in Sri Lanka
   International Event on Performing Arts and Physically & Mentally Challenged Persons,
   New Delhi, India (2012)
2. Kadawara Sankalpaye Yaksha Namakaranayata Pramanathmaka Arthakathanayak
   UVPA International Research Symposium (2019)
3. A Study of the Sociological Aspects of the Udarata Shath Pada
   International Conference on Fine and Media Arts (ICFM), UVPA (2023)
4. Sociological Features of Yakkamas of Kandyan Dance
   International Conference on Dance Studies, University of Peradeniya (2024)
5. Hisawes Mangallaya Ha Sambanda Nuthana Prawanatha Pilibanda Wimarshanathmaka Addayanayak
   1st International Conference on Performing Arts and Interdisciplinary Research (IPAIR), UVPA (2025)

Awards & Scholarhips:

1. Sri Sucharitha Scholarship – Awarded for achieving the highest marks in Kandyan Dance (1986–1987)
2. Certificate of Appreciation – Education Department of Sabaragamuwa Province, on International Teachers’ Day (1992)
3. Award of Appreciation – For long-term service as a member of the judge panel for the All Island School Dance and Ballet Competition

Other Links :

Google Scholar   |  ResearchGate