Qualifications:
BPA (UVPA) Hons, MA (Kelaniya), PhD (India), CTHE (Sri Jayawardenepura)
Profile:
Dr. Tharanga Dissanayake is a dedicated academic and practitioner specializing in Kandyan Dance, a traditional art form of Sri Lanka. With an educational background from prestigious institutions, including a BPA from the University of the Visual and Performing Arts (2012), an MA from the University of Kelaniya (2019), and a Ph.D. from Manipur University-India (2024), he has developed a profound understanding of the historical, cultural, and philosophical aspects of dance. As a Lecturer in the Department of Kandyan Dance at the University of the Visual and Performing Arts, Dr. Tharanga emphasizes bridging tradition with contemporary philosophy in dance. His teaching inspires students to appreciate their cultural heritage while fostering innovative artistic expression. He focuses on cultivating cultural guardianship, exploring dance’s philosophical dimensions, and encouraging collaborative innovation among artists and researchers. Beyond academia, Dr. Tharanga actively participates in community outreach programs and international cultural events, promoting Kandyan Dance to global audiences. His efforts as a cultural ambassador have enhanced cross-cultural understanding and elevated Sri Lanka’s rich heritage on international platforms. Dr. Tharanga’s research interests span cultural anthropology, performance aesthetics, ritualistic traditions, gender and identity, and dance pedagogy. His contributions to academic discourse through peer-reviewed publications and international conference presentations highlight his commitment to advancing dance scholarship. Recognized with awards like the Aesthetic Talent Award, Dr. Tharanga’s accomplishments reflect his passion and dedication. He continuously engages in international workshops and scholarly exchanges, ensuring his work remains dynamic and impactful. As an educator and researcher, Dr. Tharanga is committed to preserving and innovating within the realm of Kandyan Dance, fostering a legacy of cultural appreciation and academic excellence.
Research Interests:
Cultural Anthropology of Dance, Performance Aesthetics, Ritualistic Dance Traditions, Gender and Identity in Dance, Community Engagement through Dance, Dance Pedagogy and Education
Publications:
Peer Reviewed and Referred Journal
1. “Sustaining Tradition: The Guru Kula System and the Preservation of Kandyan Dance in Sri Lanka”
Interdisciplinary Journal of Contemporary Research (An International Peer Reviewed Refereed Research Journal)
Vol. 11, No. 7, July, 2024
ISSN: 2393-8358 (UGC Approved Journal No. 48416)
2. “The Evolution and Distinctive Features of Kandyan Dance: Religious, Social, and Political Influences”
Shodh Drishti (An International Peer Reviewed Refereed Research Journal)
Vol. 15, No. 8.1, August 2024
ISSN: 0976-6650 (UGC Approved Journal No. 49321)
3. “Exploring the Buddhist Art and Crafts of Sri Lanka; Based on the Udekki Drum in Kandyan Dance Tradition”
Sri Lanka Journal of Aesthetic Studies – Swami Vipulananda Institute of Aesthetic Studies, Eastern University, Sri Lanka
Volume 02, Issue 01, 2024 Jun
1-6 ISSN 2989-0225
4. “Contribution of Yoga Exercises to Developing Physical and Mental Fitness of a Dancer”
Journal of Indian Health Psychology (International Peer Reviewed & Refereed Journal)
VOL. 18, NO. 2, July 2024
5. “Exploring the Significance of Sinhalese Folk Songs: In the Context of Themes, Symbolism, and Social Commentary”
Shodh Drishti (An International Peer Reviewed Refereed Research Journal)
Vol. 15, No. 4.1, April 2024
ISSN: 0976-6650 (UGC Approved Journal No. 49321)
6. “A Comparative Study of Basic Foot Posture (Padha Bedhas) in Kandyan Dance, Indian Dance and Western Ballet”
Bharatiya Shiksha Shodh Patrika (भारतीय शिक्षाध पत्रिका)
Vol. 43, No. 1(II), January – June: 2024
ISSN 0970-7603 with IF=7.28 (UGC Care Journal)
7. “Exploring the Socio-cultural Significance of Kandyan Dance in Srilankan Society: A Social Science Perspective”
Published by Echo Publication Team
MUSU 2022-23
Manipur University
8. “A Study of Religion, Spirituality, and Inclusion as Embodied in the Manipuri Rass Leela”
Global Journal of Business Management
Global Vision Publishing House- New Delhi (INDIA)
Vol. 17, No. 2, December 2023
ISSN: 0973-8533
9. “Historical Influences on Kandyan Dance in Sri Lanka: Comparative
Analysis of Indigenous, Hindu, and Buddhist Elements”
Journal of Human-centric Research in Humanities and Social Sciences – Australia
Vol.4, No.1, November 2023.
ISSN No: 2652-9793
10. “The Human Body Structure And Function On Dance Performance”
Rabindra Bharati Patrika: Rabindra Bharati University
Vol.: XXVI, No. : 9, September 2023
ISSN No: 0937-0037 (UGC Care Journal)
11. “Performance of Dance and The Body of The Dancer”
Journal of Education and Society (शिक्षण आशण समाज)
Vol-47, Issue-1, No.-11, January-March: 2023
ISSN: 2278-6864 (UGC Care Journal)
12. “Traditional Dance of Sri Lanka”
Shodha Samhita: Journal of Fundamental & Comparative Research
Vol. X, Issue-I, Book No.1, January – June: 2023
ISSN: 2277-70 (UGC Care Journal)
13. “Performance Characteristics of Sinhalese Dance”
Shodha Samhita: Journal of Fundamental & Comparative Research
Vol. VIII, Issue-II, No.13 July – December: 2022
ISSN: 2277-7067 (UGC Care Journal)
14. “A Study of the History of the Musical Instruments Used in the Traditional Kandyan Dance of Sinhalese”
Spectrum: An International Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences-Imphal (India)
Volume 10 (DEC-2022)
ISSN 2319-6076
15. “Historical Background and Evaluation of Udekki Drum in Sri Lanka”
Performing Arts and Culture
First Edition: 2022
ISBN 978-81-952743-3-8
16. ’ සිංහල ශාන්තිකර්ම පුද චාරිත්රයන්හි මානව සාරධර්ම ගොඩනැගීමේ ලා දායකත්වය’
නර්තන ගවේශී : 2021
ISBN 978-624-5726-10-3
Conference/ Seminar:
1. INTERNATIONAL SEMINAR ON DANCE AND MUSIC: UNIVERSAL PEACE AND HARMONY THROUGH DANCE AND MUSIC
Department of Dance and Music, Manipur University, India. 29 April,2024
“Techniques and Styles in Kandyan Dance: An Analytical Study”
2. INTERNATIONAL SEMINAR ON ANTHROPOLOGY IN PRACTICE: HEALTH, CULTURE & SECURITY
Manipur University, India 15-17 February, 2024
“The Enchanting Singing Style of Kohombakankariya in Kandyan Dance: A Melodic Journey”
3. 2nd INTERNATIONAL RESEARCH SYMPOSIUM ON MULTIDISCIPLINARY APPROACHES IN INDIGENOUS KNOWLEDGE SYSTEMS – 2024
The Gampaha Wickramarachchi University of Indigenous Medicine, Sri Lanka, 01 March, 2024
“Exploring the Cultural Significance of Taubal Chongba in Manipuri Society”
4. 1st INTERNATIONAL RESEARCH CONFERENCE ON GENDER STUDIES 2023
The University of Jayawardenepura, Sri Lanka, 12-13 October, 2023
“Holi Festival: An Exemplification of Gender Equality in Manipur Society – A Study on Cultural Identity and Gender”
5. INTERNATIONAL SEMINAR ON DANCE AND DRAMA TRADITIONS OF SOUTH-EAST ASIAN COUNTRIES (Socio-Cultural Inter-relationship)-2023
Banaras Hindu University, India. 8th, 9th September 2023
“Unveiling historical influences: Indigenous, Hindu and Buddhist elements in Southeast Asian Dance and their impact on Kandyan Dance”
6. 6th INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON HUMANITIES: (ICH- 2023)
University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 27-28 July, 2023
“The Role of Art in Sinhalese Village Society (Based on Udakki’s Literary and Religious Background)”
7. 4th INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON INTANGIBLE CULTURAL HERITAGE (ICICH-2023)
University of Jayawardenepura, Sri Lanka, 21-22 September, 2023
“Lai Haraoba (Agricultural and fertility rites): An ancient traditional Manipuri Folk theatre”
8. INTERNATIONAL SEMINAR ON “PERFORMING ARTS AND CULTURE” 2021
Manipur University, India
“Historical Background and Evolution of Udekki Drum in Sri Lanka”
Awards/ Scholarships:
1. Aesthetic Talent 2010 –Best Traditional Kandyan Dancer, University of the Visual and Performing Arts
2. Pannibharatha Scholarship 2009/2010 – University of the Visual and Performing Arts
3. Indian Postgraduate Scholarships -2023/2024 (Nehru Memorial Scholarships) Ph.D. (Nominated)
Achievements:
International Cultural Events.
1. International Art Festival 2007 – New Delhi:
Participated as a skilled dancer, contributing to a diverse range of artistic expressions.
2. Lokotsav 2016 Falk Festival – Sanskruti Bhavan, Patto, Panaji, Goa:
Took on the roles of both dancer and choreographer, showcasing Sri Lankan dance traditions and fostering cross-cultural understanding through artistic exchange.
3. Dance & Music Festival 2016 – J&K Dance Academy, Jammu:
As a cultural ambassador, shared the rich heritage of Sri Lankan dance with a diverse audience, forging connections and celebrating the universal language of movement.
4. Sri Yasodya Mahotsav 2017 – Thiruvananthapuram:
Played a pivotal role as a dancer, contributing to the cultural performances, and enriching the cultural dialogue and the collective artistic experience.
5. Glimpses of Dambadiva 2018 – Bodh Gaya, India:
As both a dancer and cultural advocate, showcased the essence of Sri Lankan dance, highlighting its spiritual and cultural resonance at this historically significant location.
6. International Dance Day 2022 – Manipur:
Participated as a passionate dancer, uniting with fellow artists to commemorate the art form that transcends borders and cultures, nurturing a global appreciation for its beauty and significance.
Participation in International Work Shops & Discussions:
1. Research Methodology, Its Scope, and Students Motivation – Research Club, Manipur University, India
2. D. (ELT) Talk Series EP.2 – Buriram Rajabhat University, Thailand
3. Implementation of N.E.P 2020: way forward with reference to Employability, Vocational Studies & Skill Development- Manipur University, India
4. International Dance Day – Manipur University, India
5. Axiology of Manipur Culture and Book Releasing Function of Panoramic Views on Manipuri Culture, Manipur University, India
6. Abhiram prasanga: A View on Manipuri Performing Arts, Manipur University, India
7. Udhukhol Leela: A Traditional Manipuri Performing Arts, Manipur University, India
8. Lai Haraoba – UGC STRIDE COMPONENT 01, Manipur University, India Manipuri
9. Sanskritida Sankirtana – UGC STRIDE COMPONENT 01, Manipur University, India
10. Manipuri Diaspora – UGC STRIDE COMPONENT 01, Manipur University, India
11. Perspectives on Manipur culture – UGC STRIDE COMPONENT 01, Manipur University, India