Department of Kandyan Dance
Founded in 1952 under the leadership of Dr. Panibharatha with the aim of preserving the traditional art of traditional dance among traditional artists, the Kandyan Dance Department marks the founding foundation of the Faculty of Dance and Drama of the University of the Visual and Performing Arts.
Department of Sabaragamu Dance
The field of Sabaragamuwa dance is a prominent dancing style in the Sri Lankan dancing culture as it exhibits the esteemed and proud Sri Lankan heritage to the world. This program has been designed as a four-year special degree to produce resourceful graduates with a theoretical and practical knowledge of Sabaragamu Dance. Department of Sabaragamu Dance equipped with professionally qualified four Grade I Senior Lecturers, one Grade II Senior Lecturer, one (Probationary) Lecturer and an Accompanist.
Department of Indian and Asian Dance
Bachelor of Performing Arts (Special) Degree – Bharatanatyam / Bachelor of Performing Arts (Special) Degree – Kathak Indian Dances, which consist of a large number of dance forms, have become highly popular in Sri Lanka. Therefore, this degree programme has been designed to meet the demands of the students who wish to be experts in the field of Indian Dance. The Department of Indian and Asian Dance has introduced two special degree programme in Kathak and Bharatanatyam. Courses develop kinetically strong, culturally and conceptually aware dance artists through specialist education in an inclusive range of kathak and Bharatnatyam dance practices, Knowledge of the Traditional Dances and rituals, critical dance studies, choreography and performance.
Department of Theater, Ballet and Modern Dance
The Department of Theater, Oriental Ballet and Modern Dance offers three undergraduate degrees: Bachelor of Performing Arts (Honors) Degree in Acting, Bachelor of Performing Arts (Honors) Degree in Script Writing and Directing, and Bachelor of Performing Arts (Honors) Degree in Oriental Ballet and Modern Dance. By conducting courses related to the above fields, the Department aims to produce individuals who possess the capacity to work as playwrights, theatre directors, actors, oriental ballet and contemporary dancers, producers, composers, choreographers, scenographers, sound designers, voice artists, dramaturgs, theatre technicians and managers, researchers and critiques in the performing arts industry.
Department of Low Country Dance
The Low Country Dance department consist of two courses. They are low country dance and ancillary arts courses. Certainly, local and foreign dance graduates who are well versed in low country dance traditions. The main purpose of these course is to produce graduates who are well versed in dance and allied disciplines.
Department of History and Theory of Dance and Drama
The Department of History and Theory of Dance and Drama one of the recently established department in the Faculty of Dance and Drama. DHTD is offering three unique honor degree courses to students who were studied performing arts for advanced level examination. Students have the advantage of gaining hands-on experience, learning editing, graphics, and special effects using digital technology and specialist computer software, and applying themselves both creatively and theoretically to kick-start a career in media and creative industries undergraduates in all three degrees are experiencing field studies and more practical learning environment with the opportunity to have internships with related institutes and companies to gain there practice to higher standards. the department produces creative well trained innovative graduates for the visual and performing arts industry and institutes.
Department of Instrumental Music
The Department of Instrumental Music is dedicated to excellence in performance, education, and research, with a strong emphasis on Sri Lanka’s rich drumming heritage alongside Indian, Western, and Latin percussion traditions. It offers comprehensive training in instrumental music, traditional dance, sound technology, and music studies through both practical and academic approaches. The department fosters creativity, innovation, and cultural understanding, preparing students for professional careers in performance, teaching, and research while actively contributing to the preservation and advancement of diverse musical traditions through community engagement and artistic practice.
Department of English Language Teaching
The Department of English Language Teaching (DELT) at the University of the Visual and Performing Arts (UVPA) is dedicated to enhancing the English language proficiency of undergraduate students across all faculties. Established in 2011, DELT provides English as a Second Language (ESL) programmes designed to support students’ academic and professional communication skills through effective and student-centered teaching practices.
Department of Information Technology
The Department of Information Technology at the University of the Visual and Performing Arts (UVPA), established in 2022, aims to enhance the employability of arts graduates by equipping them with practical and job-oriented IT skills. It serves all three faculties of Dance and Drama, Visual Arts, and Music by integrating ICT into their academic programs, improving the quality of learning, and preparing students for the competitive job market. The department focuses on producing graduates who are competent in both creative disciplines and modern technology while also promoting interdisciplinary teaching and research that combine IT with the visual and performing arts. Additionally, it supports the university’s digital needs and aligns with Sri Lanka’s vision for digital transformation by providing resources and training that enhance digital literacy among students and faculty.