DILINI SENEVIRATNE

Dilini Seneviratne is a distinguished British-Sri Lankan Kandyan dance practitioner, choreographer, researcher, and author. Her unwavering dedication to preserving and promoting traditional Sri Lankan dance forms, particularly Kandyan dance, has positioned her as a leading figure in cultural arts within the UK and beyond.

As the founder and director of the Kandyan Dancers Company (KD Co.), based in London, Dilini oversees a team of highly skilled dancers dedicated to showcasing authentic Sri Lankan performing arts. The company offers regular classes, workshops, and event performances to educate, entertain, and connect audiences with Sri Lanka’s rich cultural heritage​​. The company flagship cultural show NARTHANA welcomes dancers from all backgrounds and abilities to learn Sri Lankan dances and provides a platform to perform every June.

Dilini’s remarkable contributions to the arts have been widely recognised. In 2018, she became the first Sri Lankan to receive the Yuva Nritya Ratna Award at the National Indian Arts Awards, organized by Milapfest. This prestigious honour acknowledged her efforts to elevate Sri Lankan Kandyan dancing within the UK​​.

Her extensive portfolio of performances includes appearances at renowned venues such as Lord’s Cricket Ground, Adelphi Theatre, and the ExCel London. She has represented the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau in the UK and Sri Lankan Cricket, performing at high-profile events and cultural showcases organised by the Sri Lankan High Commission​​.

During her academic journey at the University of Southampton, Dilini founded the university’s first classical dance society, Southampton Kandyan and Bharatanatyam Dance (SKBD). She also launched THAALA, the UK’s first inter-university classical dance competition, creating a national platform for classical dancers​​.

Dilini’s commitment to cultural promotion extends to media appearances, including her introduction of Kandyan dance to wider audiences on the BBC Asian Network​​.

In addition to her achievements in dance, Dilini is also an accomplished author. Her book, An Introduction to Kandyan Dance, published in 2021, provides an insightful exploration of Sri Lanka’s traditional dance form. Richly illustrated and accessible, the book delves into Kandyan dance’s history, terminologies, and cultural significance. It has been warmly received worldwide, reaching readers in countries such as Italy, Australia, Chile, Canada, India, and Japan​​.

Dilini’s work continues to inspire a new generation of artists and audiences, celebrating the beauty and depth of Sri Lanka’s cultural heritage.