Ariyarathne Kaluarachchi is a renowned Sri Lankan choreographer, Writer, Dancer & actor. He has directed a number of Oriental Ballets dance dramas and choreographed films and national level cultural programmes. Kaluarachchi was former chairman of the National Dance, Oriental Ballet and Puppetry panel of the Ministry of cultural affairs. Presently he is chairman of the Folk Arts Research centre. He has authored and editored several books on Sri Lankan folklore, Dance & Folk Dramas. He has delivered guest lecturers and performances in Locally & International level. Kaluarachchi is currently Dean of the Faculty of the Dance & Drama, University of the Visual & Performing Arts, Sri Lanka.
At the Department of Music & Drama of the Institute of Aesthetic Studies (before it was established as a university) there was a major lack of resources; mainly that of buildings. With my initiation, I, along with our present Vice-Chancellor, Professor Jayasena Kottegoda and Professor Daya Edirisinghe (the former Director of the Institute) engaged in discussion with the Deputy Minister of Finance in order to find a solution for this problem. As a result, we were able to find a solution to our building crisis.
Apart from my teaching activities, I took keen interest in promoting extra curricular activities amongst students and assisted in improving students' creative talents by organizing various special activities done under my supervision and involvement.
As requested by the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, I organized a cultural show at Matara in lieu of the National Day Celebrations held in 1980. (Both the students as well as the academic staff members participated in this events.)
Videos
Manthree Wannama
Sakalabujan
PUBLICATIONS
Kolam Nataka Vimasuma (2006)
Devol Deva Sankalpaya saha Samajaya (2007)
Kathakali The Dance Theatre - Translation (2009)
Oprah,Ballet,Geetha Natya Mudra Natya (2010)
AWARDS
Narthana Prathibha (1996)
Narthana Keerthi Pranama (2006)
Rangabhimani (2009)
Wishwarangabhimani (2009)
Certificate of Award (1998)
RESEARCH
"Kolam" is one of the dying art forms in Sri Lanka. I engaged in an extensive research on this topic by covering all expenses personally as I trained a group of artists and produced CDs & VCDs and wrote a book on this subject.
Folk Art Research Centre
Kolam is a kind of dramatic and colorful performance which was considered to be a very popular traditional dance drama in the Sothern and South Western parts of Sri Lanka about three/ four decades ago. According to historical evidence, Kolam drama has existed from the time of 5th century B.C. With regard to some legends, it is said that this genre of drama has a history spanning more than 2500 years.
University Activities
- Senior Lecturer (17 years of experience in teaching)
- President - Federation of the Institute of Aesthetic Studies Teachers' Association
- Member - Board of Studies, Faculty of Dance & Drama
- Chief Organizer & Advisor - "Bhavoddepana Sankalana" the students' skill Development Programme