Prof. (Dr.) Ruwin Rangeeth Dias

Qualifications:

PhD (UPM, Malaysia), Nipun of Music (BSV, India), M.Mus (BHU, India), B.Mus (IKSV, India), National Music Exam (DOV-Sri Lanka), Visharad of Music (BSV, India), Diploma in vocal music (BSV, India)

Profile:

Prof. (Dr.) W.K.R.R.Dias has been working as a professor of music at the University of Visual and Performing Arts (UVPA) in Colombo since March 2023. He joined the university as a lecturer in North Indian music (Instrumental violin) in 2010. Since then he has taught theory and performances of Hindustani instrumental violin music, comparative applied music, music composing, and research methodology & supervised research projects of undergraduate students, Further, he has been supervising several MA, Mphil, and PhD students both in the university and externally. Nine (9) postgraduate students (MA, Mphil) supervised by Prof.Dias have graduated from the University of Kelaniya and the University of Peradeniya upon completing their research.

He was the former Head, of the Department of North Indian Music & a former director of the Career Guidance Unit attached to the University. Furthermore, the proposal titled Roadmap to wellness: exploring customized music therapy and relaxation responses with miRNAs Changes submitted by the research team headed by Prof. Ruwin Dias, won the competitive World Bank-funded research Grant under the DOR /STEM+HEMS projects of AHEAD operation. Moreover, he was the principal researcher & coordinator in that research project, while his collaborators are from the University of Peradeniya, the University of Ruhuna, the University of Colombo, University of Wayamba, the University of Nottingham Malaysia, and the University of Xiamen Malaysia (2019-2023).

He is a founder member of the Master of Music degree program at the University of Kelaniya and has conducted lectures on North Indian violin (practical) & on music composition for five batches. He is interested in popular and traditional music of various Southeast Asian cultures, and general topics related to Popular Music Studies, Migration Music, Music Therapy, Film Music, North Indian Music; Qualitative Research Methods, Teaching Methods in Music, Social Media Studies, Cultural Studies, and Social Psychology.

He is a member of the International Council for Traditional Music and Dance (ICTMD) and the Sri Lankan Music Composers and Directors Association. He was a resource person for many government organizations, including the Ministry of Education and the Department of Examinations, Sri Lanka as a chief examiner, selection committee member, lecturer, etc. He is an editorial board member of “Sangeeth”, the Research Journal published by the Aesthetic Education Unit, Ministry of Education, Sri Lanka since 2016. He is also an outstanding Violinist & Violist in the popular music industry. As a music composer, he has composed music for films, tele dramas, and stage shows, as well as popular songs for the music industry. He has more than 25 years of experience in the field and recently, he has composed music for two Sri Lankan films “Aladine saha Puduma Pahana” and “Akasa Paalama”.

He obtained a PhD with a thesis at the UPM Graduate School and the Music Department of Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) under the supervision of distinguished Prof. Dr. Gisa Jähnichen from 2012 to 2015. Since then, he published several academic papers in this field and presented research outcomes at international conferences in many places of the world. During his studies in India, he learned Hindustani classical music under several Gurus from Khairagarh and Banaras, among them Prof.V.Balaji, Prof. Himanshu Vishwaroop, Prof. Prakash Mahadik, Prof. Mukund Narayan Bhale, Prof. Veena Vishwaroop, Prof. Suneetha Bhale, Prof. R.S Jaiswal, Prof. Pradeep Kumar Dixit, & Pt. Jamuna Patel.

Research Interests:

Ethnomusicology, Musicology & Sociology (Southeast Asian Music Studies, Popular Music Studies, Migration Music, Music Therapy, Film Music, North Indian Music; Qualitative Research Methods, Teaching Methods in Music; Social Media Studies, Cultural Studies, Social Psychology)

Publications:

Papers & book chapters published in Peer-reviewed recognized, indexed Journals & Books

• Palihaderu, P. A. D. S., Mendis, B. I. L. M., Premarathne, J. M. K. J. K., Dias, W. K. R. R., Yeap, S. K., Ho, W. Y., … & Satharasinghe, D. A. (2022). Potential role of microRNAs in selective hepatic insulin resistance: From paradox to the paradigm. Frontiers in Endocrinology, 13.
• Palihaderu, P. A. D. S., Mendis, B. I. L. M., Premarathne, J. M. K. J. K., Dias, W. K. R. R., Yeap, S. K., Ho, W. Y., … & Satharasinghe, D. A. (2022). Therapeutic Potential of miRNAs for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: An Overview. Epigenetics Insights, 15.
• Dias, R., Mendis, L. & Palihaderu, D. (2022) Music Therapy for Wellness. Edited by D.A. Satharasinghe and J.M.K.J.K. Premarathne, Colombo: VAPA Publication. ISBN 978-624-99421-2-7
• Mendis, B. I. L. M., Palihaderu, P. A. D. S., Satharasinghe, D. A., Premarathne, J. M. K. J. K., Dissanayake, A. S., Rajapakse, H., … & Dias, W. K. R. R. (2021). Exploration of Music Preferences among the Socioeconomic Stereotypes: A Cross-Sectional Study. Journal of Advanced Research in Social Sciences, 4(4), 1–
• Palihaderu, P. A. D. S., Mendis, B. I. L. M., Premarathne, J. M. K. J. K., Dissanayake, A. S., Rajapakshe, H., Karunanayake, P., Senarath, U., Wijesuriya, W., Yeap, S. K., Ho, W. Y., Dias, W. K. R. R., & Satharasinghe, D. A. (2021). Impact of age and social class on individual music preference in selected urban and sub-urban areas of Sri Lanka. 7th International Research Conference on Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Sri Jayawardhanapura, Sri Lanka.
• Wariyagama, A.A.A.B.M.R.D.B., Mendis, B.I.L.M., Palihaderu, P.A.D.S., Satharasinghe, D.A., Premarathne, J.M.K.J.K., Dissanayake, A.S., Rajapakse, H., Karunanayake, P., Senerath, U., Wijesuriya, W., Swee, Y.K., Ho, W.Y., Subasinghe, W., Dias, W.K.R.R. (2021. October). Investigation of the preferred music styles, singers, and instruments in Sri Lanka: A basic study. Proceedings of the Young Scientists Conference on Multidisciplinary Research-2021, Young Scientists’ Association.

• P.A.D.S, Palihaderu and B.I.L.M., Mendis and J.M.K.J.K, Premarathne and A.S., Dissanayake and I.H., Rajapakse and P, Karunanayake and U., Senarath and W., Wijesuriya and Swee Keong, Yeap and Ho, Wan Yong and W.K.R.R, Dias and D.A, Satharasinghe, Impact of Age and Social Class on Individual Music Preference in Selected Urban and Sub-urban Areas of Sri Lanka (March 21, 2021).

• A.D.S. Palihaderu, B.I.L.M. Mendis, D.A. Satharasinghe, J.M.K.J.K. Premarathne, A.S. Dissanayake, I.H. Rajapakse, P. Karunanayake, U. Senerath, W. Wijesuriya, Yeap Swee Keong, Wan Yong Ho, W. Subasinghe, W.K.R.R. Dias (2021). Perceived stress and preferred music genres of Sri Lankans lived in urbs and sub-urbs- A Pilot study. Rajarata Journal:6(2): 22–28.
• Mendis, B. I. L. M., Palihaderu, P. A. D. S., Satharasinghe, D. A., Premarathne, J. M. K. J. K., Dissanayake, A. S., Rajapakshe, H., Karunanayake, P., Senarath, U., Wijesuriya, W., & Dias, W. K. R. R. (2020). Music preferences across different socio-economic classes in selected urban and sub-urban areas of Sri Lanka. 3rd International Conference on Research in Humanities and Social Sciences, Brussels, Belgium.
• Mendis, B. I. L. M., Palihaderu, P. A. D. S., Satharasinghe, D. A., Premarathne, J. M. K. J. K., Dissanayake, A. S., Rajapakshe, H., Karunanayake, P., Senarath, U., Wijesuriya, W., Yeap, S. K., Ho, W. Y., & Dias, W. K. R. R. (2020). Stress across different social demographic groups in suburban areas of Sri Lanka. 133rd Anniversary International Medical Congress. Sri Lanka Medical Association (SLMA).
• Palihaderu, P. A. D. S., Mendis, B. I. L. M., Satharasinghe,D. A., Premarathne, J. M. K. L. K., Dissanayake, A. S., Rajapakshe, H., Karunanayake, P., Senarath, U., & Dias, W. K. R. R. (2020). Music preference among different age groups in selected urban and sub-urban areas of Sri Lanka. The 7th International Conference on Arts and Humanities,Bankok, Thailand.

• Dias, R.R. (2019). Sri Lankeya Gee Thanu Kalawe Ran Salakuna. In S. R. Gamage, Rohana Lakuna. Colombo: Fast Publishing PVT LTD,215–242.
• Dias, R.R. (2018). Idiosyncratic and mutual features of violin playing in Kaffirinna and Joget. Journal of Visual and Performing Arts, 92–104.
• Dias, R.R. (2018). Behind the Curtain: The Visharad Exam Procedure and its Quality in Sri Lanka.Proceedings of UVPA International Research Symposium, Colombo, Sri Lanka.
• Dias, R.R. (2016). Sri Lanka Kapirinna saha Malesiyanu Joget Pilibanda Vimarshanayak. Sangeeth Magazine, Ministry of Education, 80–97.
• Dias, R.R. (2015). A Musical Analysis of Laxmikant & Pyarelal’s Hindi Film Song Satyam Shivam Sundaram. UPM Book Series on Music Research No. 7: Music: Ethics and the Community. Edited by Gisa Jähnichen, Made Mantle Hood, and Chinthaka Meddegoda. Serdang: UPM Press. 73–90.
• Gisa J, Meddegoda, C.P. & Dias R.R. (2015). Experiencing the Viola in Classical Hindustani Music. Journal of the American Viola Society, 31: 29–36.
• Dias, R.R. & Nettavong K (2015). Instrumental Sound in Music Therapy. Studia Instrumentorum Musicae Popularis IV (New Series). Edited by Gisa Jähnichen. Münster: MV-Wissenschaft, 53–68.
• Dias, R.R. & Gisa J. (2015). Creativity and Meaning in Rahul Dev Burman’s Film Music: The Case of Churaliya Hai Thumne. International Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences, 4 (13), 78–86.
• Dias, R.R. (2015). North Indian Ragas and Western Harmonic Progressions in Laxmikant and Pyarelals Compositions. Proceedings of the HETC symposium “National Development through Research and Innovation”. Edited by Munasinghe et al.
• Dias, R.R. (2014). Idiosyncratic and Mutual Features of Violin Playing in Malaysian Joget and Sri Lankan Kaffirinna. Proceedings of the 3rd Symposium of the ICTM Study Group on the Performing Arts of Southeast Asia. Edited by Mohd Anis Md. Nor.
• Dias, R.R. (2014). Music Relaxation for Music Teachers. UPM Book Series on Music Research No. 6: Music and Mind. Edited by Gisa Jähnichen, Made Mantle Hood and Chinthaka Meddegoda. Serdang: UPM Press. 215–228.
• Meddegoda, C. P. & Dias, R.R. (2013). Interaction of Musicians and Audience during Performances of Hindustani Classical Music. UPM Book Series on Music Research No. 5: (Music ^ Dance) Environment. Edited by Gisa Jähnichen and Chinthaka Meddegoda. Serdang: UPM Press. 83–94.
• Jinadasa, M.P.K, Dias R.R. (2010). The changing pattern of Classical Song on the impact of electronic media; (With special reference to Radio and T.V media in Sri Lanka) The 11th Annual Research Symposium 2010, Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Kelaniya.
• Dias, R.R. (2010). An analysis study of North Indian ragas uses for the prevention of illnesses (with special reference to focus situations of patients). The 11th Annual Research Symposium 2010, Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Kelaniya.
• Dias, R.R.(2010). A study of the specific definition of two thatas avoiding the classical formation of a North Indian Tata system (with special reference to two thatas; Khamaj and Marwa) The 11th Annual Research Symposium 2010, Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Kelaniya.
• Dias, R.R. (2009). Invention 22 additional Tatas for the Classification of ragas in North Indian Music The 10th Annual Research Symposium 2009, Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Kelaniya.

• Dias, R. R. (2009). Techniques of Violin Playing – Exercises for the Virtuoso Violinist (1st ed.). Author. ISMN: M 9006461-0-1
• Dias, R. R. (2009). Hindustani Sangeethaye Prayogika Darshanaya (1st ed.). Author. ISBN: 978-955-51793-3-1
• Dias, R. R. (2009). Hindi Songs Based on North Indian Ragas (1st ed.). Author. ISBN: 978-955-51793-5-5

• Dias, R.R. (2007). A Study of Music Therapy in Hindustani Ragadari Music: with special reference to psychotherapy of music. The 8th Annual Research Symposium, Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Kelaniya.

Other Presentations without proceedings at National and International Conferences

• Dias, R.R. (2019). The Importance of Tempo in North Indian Music Therapy: A Special Reference to Hypertension Patients. The 45th ICTM World Conference, Bangkok, Thailand.
• Dias, R.R. (2019). The Sri Lankan Violin in Contemporary Kaffirinha: Imagined Sound and Sounding Images. The 22nd Symposium of ICTM Study Group on Folk Musical Instruments, Lisbon, Portugal.

Achievements: Awards/ Scholarships/ Grants

• Vice Chancellors Award for the Best Senior Scholar – Outstanding (Teaching, Research and Creative Works) in Vice Chancellors Award Ceremony, UVPA 2022.
• Vice Chancellors Award for the Best Senior Scholar – Teaching in the Vice Chancellors Award Ceremony, UVPA 2022.
• Appreciation Award from the St Peter’s College Colombo, for the contribution done for the field of music (2018).
• Janakala Sasthri Hones Award from Ministry of Education, Sri Lanka in 2007
• Gulab Suraj Memorial Gold Medal for standing first of the batch in the Bachelor of Music examination, Indira Kala Sangit University in 2001
• Award for obtaining overall highest marks in Master of Music entrance examination in Banaras Hindu University in 2001
• Merit award for Creative Song in Youth Awards Festival, Sri Lanka in 1997
• Scholarship from HETC (World Bank) to pursue PhD studies in 2010
• Scholarship from NCAS to pursue PhD studies in 2011
• Scholarship from Indian Council for Cultural Relations to do higher studies in India in 1998
• Won World Bank-funded Research Grant for a Music Therapy Research Project (2019-2024)

Professional Memberships & Experiences

• Member of the International Council for Traditional Music (ICTM/UNESCO) since 2013.
• Member of Sri Lankan Music Composers and Directors Association.
• Member of ICTM Study Groups: Musical Instruments, Music and Minorities, Performing Arts of Southeast Asia.
• Member of the Outstanding Song Creators Association Sri Lanka (OSCA), since 2009.
• Editorial Board Member of “Sangeeth”, the Research Journal published by the Aesthetic Education Branch, Ministry of Education, Sri Lanka since 2016.
• Former Director, Career Guidance Unit, University of the Visual and Performing Arts.
• Former Head, Department of North Indian Music, University of the Visual and Performing Arts.
• Member, Standing Committee for Career Guidance, UGC Sri Lanka (2019-2021).
• Principal Investigator and Coordinator, AHEAD Music Therapy Research Project, funded by the World Bank (2019-2024).
• Establish a modern Music Recording Studio, at the Faculty of Music, University of the Visual and Performing Arts under a World Bank Funded Research Grant won by Dr.Dias and his team.
• Collaborated in establishing the Molecular Biology and Nutritional Biochemistry Laboratory, University of Peradeniya, under a World Bank Research Grant won by Dr.Dias and his team.
• Member, Auditorium Management Committee, Faculty of Music (2022).
• Chairperson, Technical Evaluation Committee for Procurements under the ELTA/ELSE World Bank Grant.
• Member, Project Procurement Committee (PPC) – Minor for OTS office (2021).
• Member, Regional Procurement Committee (RPC) – Minor for OTS office (2020).
• Member of the drafting Committee for the Strategic Plan 2019-2021, University of the Visual and Performing Arts.
• Chief Organizer, four-day Training Workshop by the Career Guidance Unit with the National Enterprise Development Authority on Business Proposal Writing (2019).
• Member, Local Arrangement Committee, ISME- South Asia Regional Conference (2021).
• Student Counsellor, University of the Visual and Performing Arts (2008-2009, 2009-2010, 2013-2014, 2015-2016).
• Member, Leave and Award Committee, University of the Visual and Performing Arts (2017-2023).
• SER Writer, Institutional Review Report (IR) for the University of the Visual and Performing Arts (2017).
• SER Writer, Program Review Report (PR) for the Faculty of Music, University of the Visual and Performing Arts (2018).
• Circular Drawing Committee Member for All Island Music Competitions – Ministry of Education, Sri Lanka (2009-2018).

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