Dilini Seneviratne, British-Sri Lankan Kandyan dance practitioner in the U.K. launches her first book, called An Introduction to Kandyan Dance, written by herself and illustrated by artist Kavisha Rodrigo. It features a number of chapters introducing Sri Lanka and its history to the reader, its history and practices as well as terminologies associated with the Kandyan dance. The book also offers a number of creative activities to engage the younger readers.
The author, Dilini Seneviratne has been teaching, choreographing, performing, and practicing Kandyan dance in England for over 10 years. She has performed at various reputable Sri Lankan events and venues under the guidance of Kalashoori Mrs. Kumudu Perera and Professor Mudiyanse Dissanayake in the U.K. Her main research area lies in Kandyan dance and its practices beyond Sri Lanka.
The official book launch event was held at the DoubleTree by Hilton London West End Hotel. The Book Launch was well attended and amongst distinguished invitees were Harrow Councillor Ms. Karima Marrikar, Kalashoori Mrs. Kumudu Perera, Association of Professional Sri Lankans (APSL) President Mr. Thushara Madurasinghe and member Ms. Leena Karkera, Former Sri Lanka Tourism Bureau Mr. Nalin Perera, Director of Bollywood Company Mrs. Nileeka Bose and BBC Broadcaster & Film Critic Ms. Ashanti Omkar.
The event started with the traditional lighting of the oil lamp, the traditional Kandyan Dance act by Dilini’s current students, and included a discussion forum with illustrator Kavisha Rodrigo, video presentations, and speeches by key guests and well-wishers from the global Kandyan Dance network @KandyanDancers. Amongst the worldwide well-wishers were Chief Incumbent of Heathrow Athula Dassana International Buddhist Vihara Ven Wanduraba Kassapa Thero, Choreographer and principal dancer at Sri Lanka’s Budawatta Dance Troupe, Ms. Ashini Budawatta, Director of Thaala Asapuwa (Australia), Mr. Chalanka Athalage, Director of Jayamini Madura Dance Association (France), Ms. Sujeewa Janaki and Director of Dance Sri Lanka Narthana Nikethanaya (Italy), Manel Jayashanta.
Dilini presented the first copy of the book to Kalashoori Mrs. Kumudu Perera and delivered an emotional closing speech saying that the release of her first book was a “dream come true” and thanked all the guests in attendance for coming to show their support.
The book will be available for purchase on Amazon and via shop.kandyandancers.com for signed copies worldwide.