Mr. H. A. M. Ajith Rohana Kumara
Senior Lecturer (Grade II)
Qualifications:
- MPA in Performing Arts – University of the Visual and Performing Arts, Sri Lanka (2014)
- BPA in Dance and Drama – University of the Visual and Performing Arts, Sri Lanka (2006)
- Sound Management – Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation (SLBC), Sri Lanka (2008)
- Video Camera & Lighting Course (2008)
- Film Making – National Film Corporation, Sri Lanka (2007)
- Video Technology – Televiw Academy, Sri Lanka (2007)
- Neo Lighting Control Training – Philips, Hong Kong (2018)
- Showline Lighting Conference – Florence, Italy (2017)
- Staff Development Certificate – University of the Visual and Performing Arts (2014)
- Staff Development Certificate in Teaching – University of the Visual and Performing Arts (2021)
- Research Methodology & Creative Writing (Postgraduate Studies) – 2019
- Research Methodology – University of Sri Jayewardenepura (2021)
Profile:
Mr. H.A.M. Ajith Rohana Kumara is a Senior Lecturer specializing in Performing Arts, Stage Lighting Design, and Theatre Technology. His academic and professional expertise focuses on exploring light as a creative and expressive medium in both dance and theatrical performance. Over the years, he has played an instrumental role in curriculum development, stage production management, and the integration of technological innovations into performing arts education. Through his teaching, research, and artistic practice, he has made significant contributions to enhancing stagecraft and lighting design within the Sri Lankan performing arts landscape. In addition to his academic and creative pursuits, Mr. Kumara has undertaken several administrative and service roles, including serving as Faculty Student Counselor and Faculty Board Member at the Faculty of Dance and Drama. He has also served as Subject Coordinator for Common Theory Modules, Kandyan Common Theory, and Theatre Technology, and has coordinated the First Year academic program of the Faculty. Among his major initiatives, he has designed and developed the Theatre Technician Diploma Course for the Open and Distance Education Unit of the University of the Visual and Performing Arts, scheduled for implementation in 2025. He also serves as the Theatre Academic Supervisor for the Panibharatha Theatre and as a member of the Faculty Sports Advisory Board (2020–2025). Additionally, he has contributed as a Consultant for Program Design and Development (2018), drafted and implemented the official Guidelines for Panibharatha Theatre (2011–2012), and developed proposals for online examination procedures during the COVID-19 pandemic (2021), which were successfully implemented in the Faculty’s distance learning system. Looking ahead, Mr. Kumara’s research aims to establish a comprehensive theoretical framework for lighting aesthetics in traditional Sri Lankan performance contexts. His vision is to bridge the gap between cultural expression and technological innovation, contributing to the development of a uniquely Sri Lankan approach to stage lighting and performance design.
Teaching Experience:
- Senior Lecturer in Stage Lighting Technology and Sound Management
- Conducted undergraduate and postgraduate modules in:
- Stage Craft and Lighting Design
- Dance Theory
- Production Management
Research Interests:
- Kandyan Dance
- Theater Lighting
- Sound Design
- Theatre Lighting Design in Performing Arts
- Film and Video Lighting
- Sound Management for Dance Performances
Publications:
- Challenges Facing Sri Lankan Proscenium Theatre in the Face of COVID-19, International Research Dialogue, Faculty of Dance and Drama, UVPA (2020)
- Technical Use of Stage Lighting, Research and Publication Unit, UVPA (2019)
- Dance in Sandesha Kavya, UVPA Research Symposium (2011)
- Stage Lighting and Dance, UVPA Research Symposium (2012)
- A Study of Factors to Consider in Stage Lighting, Samajja Samhita, Faculty of Dance and Drama, UVPA (2014)
- A Study on the Creation of Theatrical Lighting Script, Research Paper, UVPA (2014)
- Theatrical Lighting in Folk Dance, Dance Research, Department of Culture Publications (2015)
- Lighting Pool Design for Creative Dance, UVPA Research Symposium (2023)
- Side Light Techniques for Dance, UVPA Research Symposium (2024)
- RANGALOKAYA (Maayawa and Prasangikathwaya), VAPA Press
Professional and Artistic Contributions:
- Lighting Designer for stage productions – Faculty of Dance and Drama
- Lighting Designer for stage productions – Faculty of Music
- Conducted numerous workshops on Lighting Design for:
- Undergraduate students of the Faculty of Dance and Drama
- Undergraduate students of the Faculty of Music
- Members of the National Institute of Education (NIE)
- School Dance Teachers (organized by the Ministry of Culture)
- A/L School Students – Kalutara Division
- Designed lighting for notable stage productions and dance shows, including:
- Maathra – Lyceum International School (2008–2025)
- NATANDO – Artiste Rasika Kothalawala (2023)
- NORA Dance Drama – Artiste Chandana Wickramasinghe (2025)
- Resurrection of Kuweni – Artiste Thelma Mendis (2025)
- Sigiri Tharana Opera – Artiste Sagara Wijesinghe (2024)
- Music Opera – Artiste Indika Upamali (2024)
- Nelum Pokuna Dance Shows – Royal Institute International School (2025), Asian Grammar International School (2025)
- Conducted specialized workshops on advanced stage lighting and theatrical design for academic and professional audiences.
Awards:
Achievements: