Mrs. B. W. R. Dilkushi Wijerathne

Mrs. B. W. R. Dilkushi Wijerathne

Senior Lecturer (Grade II)

Faculty of Dance and Drama
Department of Kandyan Dance

Qualifications:

  • Doctor of Philosophy in Fine Arts (Reading) Post Graduate Institute of Humanities and Social Science in University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka.
  • Master of Arts (M.A) in Dancing 2013 – 2015 Faculty of Graduate Studies in University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka.
  • A. (Special dancing) in performing Arts (First class) 2007 – 2011 Department of Fine Arts in University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka.
  • Certificate Course in Yoga and Relaxation Techniques 2024 Faculty of Graduate Studies, Gampaha Wickramarachchi University of Indigenous Medicine.
  • Certificate Course, Inter University Academic Mentoring Program 2022, University of Colombo.
  • SDC; Certificate Course in Teaching in Higher Education 2020, University of Sri Jayawardanapura
  • Certificate Course in Research Methodology 2019, Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of the Visual and Performing Arts.
  • Indian Kathak Nruthya Visharada 2017 – 2011, Bathkande Sangeeth Vidyapith in Laknow, India
  • Diploma in Choreography at Sri Lanka Foundation Institute. 2012 – 2013
  • Sri Lanka National Dance and Music Examination, 2012 – 2013 (Kandian dance and Kathak Dance)
  • Indian Baratha Natyam – Prathama 2007, Bathkande Sangeeth Vidyapith in Laknow, India.

Profile:

B.W.R. Dilkushi Wijerathne is a Senior Lecturer specializing in Kandyan Dance, with research interests in Dance Anthropology, Dance Ethnography, Choreography, Movement Analysis, Sri Lankan Rituals, Sri Lankan Traditional Dance and the Philosophy of Yoga. She holds a B.A. (Special) in Performing Arts (First Class) and an M.A. in Dancing from the University of Kelaniya and is currently reading for a Ph.D. in Fine Arts at the University of Peradeniya.

Dilkushi has presented and published research at both national and international levels, exploring themes such as ritual embodiment, movement documentation, and the aesthetic and spiritual significance of dance traditions. Her work bridges theory and practice, offering a holistic understanding of dance as both a cultural artifact and a living spiritual practice.

An award-winning researcher, performer and choreographer, she has received multiple national honors for outstanding solo and group performances and has choreographed numerous cultural productions at national and international levels, showcasing the richness of Sri Lankan dance heritage.

Driven by a passion for preserving Sri Lanka’s intangible cultural heritage, Dilkushi continues to mentor students, conduct ethnographic research, and contribute to the evolving discourse of dance as a profound form of cultural knowledge and human expression.

Research Interests:

Dance Anthropology, Dance Ethnography, Choreography, Dance Movement Analysis, Sri Lankan Rituals and Philosophy of Yoga.

Research and Publications:

  • “Wvrg k¾;k iïm%odfha p,k l%shdldÍ;ajh iy .=re;aj flakaø ixl,amh” 11th International Conference on Multidisciplinary Approaches (ICMA 2025), Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Sri Jayawardanapura.
  • “Wvrg k¾;k iïm%odfha p,k ixialD;sh(” the International Conference of Performing Arts (IPAC – 2025), Faculty of Dance and Drama, University of the Visual and Performing Arts.
  • “YS% ,dxflah hlaf;dú,a moaO;sfha fn!oaOd.ñl miqìu” 17th International Conference on Pali and Buddhist Studies(ICPB 2024), University of Sri Jayawardanapura
  • “YS% ,dxflah hlaf;dú,a moaO;sfha wka;¾.; fjiuqKs ixl,amh” in Literary Art Investigations Anthology of Academic Letters, 2023.
  • “Important of Documenting the Sri Lankan Dance Motion and Notation” at the 19th International Postgraduate Research Conference (IPRC 2018), Faculty of Graduate Studies, university of Kelaniya.
  • “Ea-gasa used in Sri Lanka Rituals” (ICH 2015), International Conference on the Humanities: New Dynamics, Directions and Divergences, Faculty of Humanities, University of Kelaniya.
  • Published book
  • “foaYSh hd;=l¾u moaO;sfha Ndú; B .i ” 2017
  • Published an article
  • “cklú ßoauh yd ixialD;sl idrO¾u ” in Sadesa(ifoi) Magazine Publish by Department of Cultural Affairs 2017.
  • “k¾;kuh yia;dNskfha ,dxlSh uqyqKqjr ” in Sadesa(ifoi) Magazine Publish by Department of Cultural Affairs 2018.
  • Study guide
  • Low country dance, Centre of distance & continuing education, University of Keleniya 2018

Awards and Honors:

International Level:

  • Awarded the “Gold Medal” in the Poster Presentation, 11th International Conference on Multidisciplinary Approaches (ICMA 2025) organized by the Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Sri Jayewardenepura.
  • 5th Youth Festival of South Asian Universities, BRAK University, Bangladesh 2010

–  Awarded the “Best Team” performance.

– Awarded the “Best Instrumental Music Team.”

National Level:

  • All-Island 1st place for Low-Country Dance of “State Dance Award – 2018” Organized by the Department of Cultural Affairs.
  • Inter University Best Female Dancer Award of “Kavitha Talent 2012” Organized by Ministry of Higher Education.
  • All-Island 1st place for Kandyan Dance of National Youth Award 2011, National Youth Services Council, Ministry of Youth Affairs & Skills Development.
  • All-Island Skills Awards for Kandyan Dance (Group) of National Youth Award 2011, National Youth Services Council, and Ministry of Youth Affairs & Skills Development.
  • All-Island 1st place for Low-Country Dance of Inter Cultural Center, Dance and Music Competition 2010, Ministry of National Heritage and Cultural Ministry.
  • All Island 2nd place for Kandyan Dance (Group) of Inter Cultural center Dance & Music Competition 2010, National Heritage & Cultural Ministry.
  • All Island skill certificate for Kandyan Dance of National Youth Award 2010, National Youth Services Council, Ministry of Youth Affairs & Skills Development.

University Level:

  • 2nd place for Kandyan Dance “Rasakalana,” Dance competition 2009, Commerce and Management Faculty of University of Kelaniya.
  • 2nd place for Kandyan Dance, “Bihidora Abiyasa,” Art Festival 2010, University of Kelaniya.

Other:

  • 1st place for Kandyan Dance of District Youth Award 2012, National Youth Services Council, Ministry of Youth Affairs & Skills Development.
  • 1st place for Sabaragamu Dance of District Award 2012, Inter Academy Dance Competition, Organized by the Department of Cultural Affairs.
  • 2nd place for Kandyan Dance of District Youth Award 2011, National Youth Services Council, Ministry of Youth Affairs & Skills Development.
  • 1st place for Kandyan Dance of District Youth Award 2010, National Youth Services Council, Ministry of Youth Affairs & Skills Development.

As an Instructor and Choreographer:

  • Contributed as an Official Choreographer of the “Bhawa 2024″ Cultural Performance organized by the Metropolitan Campus, Sri Lanka.
  • Contributed as an Official Choreographer of the “Tha 2018″ Cultural Performance organized by the Performing Art Society, University of Kelaniya.
  • Contributed as an Official Choreographer of the “Tha 2017″ Cultural Performance organized by the Performing Art Society, University of Kelaniya.
  • Contributed as a Consultant Lecturer of the “Tha 2017″ Cultural Performance organized by the Performing Art Society, University of Kelaniya.
  • Contributed as a Choreographer & a Coordinator to the “Memories of Kavitha 2013″ Dancing Talent Show Program in University of Kelaniya.
  • Served as an Instructor of the “Kavitha Talent Show 2013” representing Wickramarachchi Ayurveda Institute affiliated to university.
  • Contributed as a Dancing Choreographer of the “úY%dka;s pd;+rHd 2013” organized by Sports and Recreation Management Degree Program, University of Kelaniya.

As an Performer:

  • Participated in “Sri Lanka-Vietnam Inter cultural Conference 2013” which held at Vietnam, organized by National Heritage & Cultural Ministry.
  • Participated in “Sri Lanka- Korea Inter Cultural Program 2013” organized by National Heritage & Cultural Ministry.

Other Links :

Google Scholar   |  ResearchGate