Mr. M. P. Sandapathi Priyadarshana

Mr. M. P. Sandapathi Priyadarshana

Senior Lecturer (Grade II)

Faculty of Dance and Drama
Department of Kandyan Dance

Qualifications: MPA, BPA , Certificate Course in Teaching for Higher Education(UVAP)

Profile:

Mr. Sandapathi Priyadarshana is a senior lecturer, traditional ritual artist, and researcher representing the field of Kandyan dance at the University of the Visual and Performing Arts. He is a highly respected practitioner of Udarata Shanthikarma (ritual performance traditions of the Up country) and serves as a chief ritual performer of the Kohomba Kankariya, rooted in the Sat Korale dance tradition. With mastery in Kandyan dance, singing, Geta Bera drumming, Hevisi drumming, and ritual craftsmanship, Mr. Priyadarshana possesses exceptional practical expertise across multiple traditional art forms. His artistry and scholarship combine to sustain the living heritage of Sri Lankan ritual performance. A former Head of the Department of Kandyan Dance, he is also recognized for his deep understanding of the social, anthropological, and performative aspects of Sri Lanka’s Shanthikarma traditions. His research focuses on the interrelationship between ritual performance, culture, and society, and he is committed to the global promotion and preservation of Sri Lankan traditional dance. Mr. Priyadarshana has been an active researcher and creative artist, contributing to national and international discussions on dance heritage and ritual practice. His dedication to teaching and performance continues to inspire a new generation of Kandyan dancers and scholars. He has rendered exceptional academic and administrative service to the university through various positions, including Head of the Department of Kandyan Dance, Student Advisor, and Student Counsellor of the Faculty of Dance and Drama. He has also served as a member of the Faculty Appeals Committee, Department Web Committee, and Curriculum Development Committee (Faculty/Department level). In addition, he has contributed as the Online Examination Coordinator of the Department of Kandyan Dance, Event Organizer at university, faculty, and departmental levels, and Subject Coordinator of the Department of Kandyan Dance.

 

Research Interests:

  • Kandyan dance
  • Drums
  • Ritual and Performance Traditions of the Up Country (Udarata Shanthikarma)
  • Cultural Anthropology and Performing Arts
  • Preservation and Global Promotion of Kandyan Dance
  • Interdisciplinary Studies in Ritual, Religion, and Society
  • Practice-Based Research in Traditional Dance

 

Publications:

  • Udarata Gini Mangalya Shanthikarmaya – 2017
  • Veeramunda Dewiyo – 2018

 

Achievements:

National-Level Participation:

  1. National Dance Festival – 2003
  2. SAARC Cultural Festival – 2012
  3. National Literary Festival – 2015

International Participation and Cultural Representation:

Mr. Priyadarshana has represented Sri Lanka in numerous international cultural and religious festivals, promoting the spiritual and artistic essence of Kandyan ritual traditions on the global stage.

Selected international representations include:

    1. South Asian Universities Youth Festival – Jammu, India (2006)
      Representing the University of the Visual and Performing Arts
    2. Dancing Festival – Canberra, Australia (2008)
      Representing Sri Lanka with the Ministry of Cultural Affairs and National Heritage
    3. Cultural Performance – Chennai, India (2009)
    4. Vesak Ceremony – Chennai, India (2010)
    5. Cultural Performance – Dubai (2011)
    6. Buddhist Cultural and Art Festival – Malaysia (2007)
    7. 4th International Buddhist Convention, Day of Wesak 2550 – Thailand (2007)
    8. Cultural Festival – Lithuania (2009)
    9. Cultural Festival – Czech Republic (2009)
    10. Cultural Festival – Malta (2010)
    11. Cultural Performance – Dubai (2017)

Other Links :

Google Scholar   |  ResearchGate