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Biography of Professor Ariyarathne Kaluarachchi

Dean - Faculty of Dance & Drama, University of the Visual & performing Arts
President of the Folk Arts Research Center

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.

 

 

CONTRIBUTION TO TEACHING AND ACADEMIC DEVELOPMENT

  • Participated in a Research Fellowship Programme organized by the University of Oslo, 1994
  • Participated in a Seminar on "Harnessing Heritage for Sustainable Development for Countries in the South Asian Region" from 18th to 20th October,  2004
  • Participated in the Staff Development Workshop organized by the Faculty of Dance & Drama held from 27th to 29th December, 2006
  • Took part in a Subject Review Training Workshop held on 28th July, 2006
  • Took part in a Strategic Management Workshop on Saturday, 16th June, 2007
  • Prepared a Cooperate Plan for the University of the Visual & Performing Arts on 7th Saturday, July 2007
  • Participated in a Staff Development Programme held at Bandaragama
  • Took part in the workshop "An Introduction of the Citizens'/ Clients' Charter" organized by the U.G.C. on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, 15.12.2008
  • Took part in the Staff Development Programme held on 28th & 29th March, 2009
  • Organized a Curriculum Development Workshop for the Academic staff members of the Faculty of Dance & Drama, on 20th July, 2009 at Bandaragama
  • Attended a short-term Training Programme at the Indira Kala Sangit Vishwavidyalaya Kairagarh and Rabinda Bharath University of India, 2009
  • Organized an English course for probationary lecturers of the Faculty of Dance & Drama, 25.07.2009
  • Began a Computer course for  academy staff members of the Faculty of Dance & Drama on 07th July, 2009

 Institutional Development

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.)

As requested by the Deputy Minister of Education, I arranged for the students to perform in an entertainment show held at the Hasalaka Mahapola Festival - 02.04.1981

Organized a cultural show in Thissamaharama to celebrate the "Gam Udawa", 1982

Got the students to participate in a dance performance consisting of a Buddhist theme "Mara Parajaya" for a Bakthi Geetha Festival held in Horana in 1982

Organized a cultural show in order to celebrate the fourth anniversary of the Institute of Aesthetic Studies at Horana, 1983

Form 1985 to 1989, organized various programmes for the welfare of the students at the Aesthetic Institute. Got all the students to learn about stage directing by getting them to perform on stage every month in a show called "Masika Wivida Prasanga" and evaluated and gave feed back about their performances and creative works

Gave the students an understanding of how traditional dance and drama performances can be adapted to suit the modern theatre Combining both the students following the stream of Dance and Music, I managed to put on stage their productions which included the "Sadhakinduru" Kolam drama. This event was held at the John de Silva Theater on 31st May, 1988. The income generated from this event was presented to the "Wajira" Orphanage in Kotte.

VIII.    Introduced  the Low-Country dance forms "Pan" Dance, "Kadu" Dance and Indian Folk Dance under the subject of Low-Country Dance in to the university curriculum for the first time

Was the lecturer-in-charge of Western Ballet and got this dance form introduced in to the curriculum for the first time

Made arrangements to hold a creative talent show called "Bhawodhdeepana Sankalana" in which students studying in the streams of Music, Dance and Drama can demonstrate their creative talents. Presented the students with certificates - 2004

Held a creative talent show "Bhawodhdeenapa Sankalana 2" in which students following in the streams of Dance and Drama can demonstrate their creative talents. Gave twenty two awards and certificates to the winners and participants. These were sponsored by the members of the Academic staff

Organized a Kolam- a Traditional Mask Play and held a lecture demonstration at the Institute of Aesthetic Studies for the benefit of students

For the first time in the Institute of Aesthetic Studies, I organized a Sokari drama and an   Up-Country Folk play and it was recorded for the benefit of future students, 2001

Trained students of the Institute of Aesthetic studies who took part in the "Bhawaleela", a cultural and creative dance recital at the Elphinston  Theater

At present, Kolam is one of the dying Arts forms in Sri Lanka. so, I trained some of the Artists who belong to the Academic staff of the Department of Dance and organized several programmes in our university as well as in  various other Aesthetic Institutions in Sri Lanka.

Under the supervision of the Vice-Chancellor, I was able to open the Library for the use of the students of the Faculty of Dance & Drama and donated 10 Books which were written by me.

Delivered lectures on the topic of "Dances and Characters of Folk Dramas" to students of the Faculty of Visual Arts: 2005, 2006, 2007

Memberships

  • Member of the Curriculum Development Committee for the Drama and Theatre course of the Department of Drama, Oriental Ballet & Modern Dance  (2nd Year)
  • Members of the Examination Malpractices Committee
  • Member of the Curriculum Development Committee for the Drama and Theatre course of the Department of Drama, Oriental Ballet & Modern Dance.  (3rd  Year)
  • Member of the Curriculum Development Committee for the Drama and Theatre course of the Department of Drama, Oriental Ballet & Modern Dance (Final Year)
  • Member of  the Student Disciplinary Committee
  • Member of the Curriculum Development Committee for the Acting course of the Department of Drama, Oriental Ballet & Modern Dance (3rd Year)
  • Member of the Curriculum Development Committee for the Acting course in the Department of Drama, Oriental Ballet & Modern Dance (2nd Year)
  • Member of the curriculum Development committee for the Acting, Script Writing and Directing course of the Department of Drama, Oriental Ballet & Modern dance (Final Year)
  • Was appointed as Coordinating officer to the  C de S Kulathilake Centre for Research and Information of the Faculty of Dance & Drama, 2005 onwards
  • Member of the curriculum Development committee for the Acting, Script Writing and Directing course of the Department of Drama, Oriental Ballet & Modern dance (2nd  Year)
  • Member of the Curriculum Development Committee for the Acting, Script Writing and Directing course of the Department of Drama, Oriental Ballet & Modern dance (3rd  Year)
  • Member of the Curriculum Development Committee for the Oriental Ballet & Creative Dance course of the Department of Drama, Oriental Ballet & Modern dance (2nd  Year)
  • Member of the Curriculum Development Committee for the Oriental Ballet & Creative Dance course of the Department of Drama, Oriental Ballet & Modern dance (3rd   Year)
  • Member of the Curriculum Development Committee for the Video Dance course of the Department of History and Theory of  Dance (1st  Year)
  • Appointed as Person-in-Charge (A) IRQUE Project, 2008
  • Member of the Curriculum Development Committee for the Video Dance course of the Department of History and Theory of  Dance (2nd Year)
  • Member of the Curriculum Development Committee for the Low-Country Dance course of the Department of Low-Country Dance  (2nd year)
  • Member of the Curriculum Development Committee for the Sabaragamu Dance of the Department of the Sabaragamu Dance (2nd year)
  • Member of the Curriculum Development committee for the course on Sinhala Traditional Dances of the Faculty of Dance & Drama (1st year)
  • Member of the Curriculum Development Committee for the Indian Dance courses of the Faculty of Dance & Drama (1st year)
  • Member of the Curriculum Development Committee for the Kathak Dance course of the Department of Indian & Asian Dance
  • Member of the Curriculum Development Committee for the Baratha Natyam course of the Department of Indian & Asian Dance
  • Member of the Curriculum Development Committee for the Indian Dance courses of the Faculty of Dance & Drama
  • Chairman of the Ensemble Curriculum Committee
  • A member of the curriculum Evaluation Committee, 2008 onwards

Employment History

Dean - Faculty of Dance & Drama,
University of the Visual &  Performing Arts    
2008 onwards

Acting Dean - Faculty of Dance & Drama
University of the Visual &  Performing Arts   
2008

Head of the Department - Department of Drama, Oriental Ballet & Modern Dance
Faculty of Dance & Drama
2008

Course Coordinator - Kohuwala Premises,
Faculty of Dance & Drama     2004

Senior Lecturer(Grade II) 
Institute of Aesthetic Studies, University of Kelaniya

Senior Lecturer (Grade I)
University of the Visual &  Performing Arts
1992 onwards

Honors & Awards

Narthana Prathibha (Oceanic Dancing Academy) 1996
Narthana Keerthi Pranama            2006
Rangabhimani Department of Cultural Affairs       2009
Wishwarangabhimani University of the Visual & Performing Arts              2009
Certificate of Award Ambassador of Sri Lanka in the U.S.A.    1998

Contribution to University Activities

  • Senior Lecturer (17 years of experience in teaching)
  • Secretary - Research & Performing Committee
  • Chief Organizer - Research & Performing Committee
  • Student Counselor
  • Senior Student Counselor 
  • President - University Sports Advisory Board
  • Senior Treasurer - Student Council
  • Member - Curriculum Development Programme
  • President - Federation of the Institute of Aesthetic Studies Teachers' Association
  • President - Federation of the University Teachers' Association
  • Member - Board of Studies, Faculty of  Dance & Drama
  • Member - Building Progress Committee
  • Member - Board of Management
  • Senate Nominee to the University council, 2005 onwards
  • Director - Career Guidance Unit
  • Member - U.G.C. Standing Committee
  • Chief Organizer & Advisor - "Bhavoddepana Sankalana" the students' skill Development Programme
  • Member - Higher Degree Committee of  the Faculty of Dance & Drama
  • Member - Library  Committee
  • Coordinator - IRQUE  Project
  • Member - Student Disciplinary Committee
  • In charge of the C. de S. Kulathilake Centre for Research Information

 Publications

Books
"Kolam Nataka Vimasuma"        2006               
"Devol Deva Sankalpaya saha Samajaya"   2007
Kathakali    (The Dance Theatre)       2009
Oprah,Ballet, Geetha Natya Mudra Natya 2010

Editing of Journals

  • Editor, "Puppetry Theatre" special journal published by the Ministry of Cultural Affairs                                                            2005
  • Member of the editing Panel, Oriental Ballet in Sri Lanka. A special journal published by the Ministry of Cultural Affairs                  2001
  • Co-editor of "SANKA" A special journal issued for the National Drumming Festival published by the Department of Cultural Affairs 2004

Articles

  • The Kandyan costume ensemble : An analysis of its evolution and present usage. Samajja Sanhitha - 4 - April 2000 Page. 230 - 242
  • Various Legends in relation to the Ritual  of Sanniyakuma "Sanniyakuma or Ritual of Eighteen Demons" Published by S. Godage & Brothers  Page. 365 - 372
  • Is it possible for Western Ballet to be considered an equivalent to Oriental Ballet.  "Sanka" - 2002   Published by the Department of Cultural Affairs Page. 86 - 92
  • The worshipping of the god of Katharagama in the ritual of the Low - country Dance form. "Kala", published by the Department of Cultural Affairs 2008 - Page. 1 - 10The present and Future state of the Arts of Puppetry. Special Journal published by the Department of  Cultural Affairs           Page. 119 - 128
  • Oriental Folk Drama & Modern Stage Drama. "Samajja Sanhitha - 2007 Page. 177 - 191
  • Chithrasena's symbol of the Oriental Ballet form in Sri Lanka. Special Journal published by the Department of Cultural Affairs 2007
  • God of Devol and its Rituals, Lalithakala sara Sangrahaya. published by Fine Arts Educationist Union of the Institute of Aesthetic studies 2002 page 210-227

Creative Works

"Sadakiduru" a Traditional Kolam  play was produced and directed for the modern stage in 1988. All the performers were students of the Departments of Dance & Music

Directed and staged "Bhawaleela", a dance recital programme at the Jhon de Silva Theatre. All Participants were students of  the Department of Dance,   2000

Oriental Ballet Productions

  • Nisachara
  • Bericil
  • Bala Biduma
  • Yakadurage Diyaniya.
  • Mahasohon watha
  • Paththini watha
  • Wasawarthi

Creation of New Vannams

  • Egalum Vannama
  • Gurudeva Vannama
  • Manthiri  Vannama

The Directing of Stage Dramas

  • Niladari Kolama
  • Semata Hoda Padamk    2006
  • Jasa Kolama (a new creation for the modern stage)

Lyrics, Music Composition and Singing

  • Yana Tenakata
  • Api Novemu Ballo
  • Punchi Punchi
  • Banku Rabane
  • Nada Nidiyan
  • Yauvaniyo
  • Sakala Bujan
  • Then Nathdo
  • Koho Nadin
  • Rubara Aganaki
  • Surangana Katha Kiyala

Choreography in film

  • Uthpalavanna (Directed by Prof. Sunil Ariyarathna)
  • Ran Kevita

Choreography in Stage Dramas

  • Elova Gihin Melawa Ava
  • Raththaran
  • Vella Vahum
  • Ekata Mata Hina
  • Mahasara
  • Kakul Hathare Ilandariya (R.R. Samarakoon)
  • Kuveni Nadagama (Kauya Indrajith)
  • Mama Thama Pana Piti n(Anuara Dhanayaka)
  • Padada Asapuwa (Sriyantha Mendis)
  • Sukiri Batillo  (Ananda Wijesiri)
  • Otunna
  • Gabbara Minisa
  • Choregrapher of the cultural programme held for the opening ceremony and closing ceremony of the 10th South Asian Games,     2006
  • Staged "Jasa Kolama" under my direction on World Drama Day, orgarnized by the Mahaweli Centre, held in Dehiatta kandiya.

Choreography in T.V. Programmes Telecasted

  • Gam Medde Aurudde (New Year Programme) Swarnavahine              2004
  • Gam Medde Aurudde (New Year Programme) Swarnavahine              2005
  • Surya Mangallaya (New Year Programme) Sirasa Channel                           2008
  • Surya Mangallaya (New Year Programme) Sirasa Channel                           2009
  • Presented a Cultural Programme at a Felicitation ceremony held at the Elphinston  Theatre, sponsored by the Media Foundation
  • Participated in the cultural programme "Jana Raga Madala" held at the Police Ground in Kegalle
  • Director and a performer in the "Jasa Kolama" in order to celebrate the fifth Anniversary of Swarnavahini  
  • "Sahithya Sesatha" I.T.N. (Literary Programme)                    17.02.2008
  • "Kalavata Welavak" Max T.V. Customs of the NewYear       07.04.2008
  • Special New Year programme, I.T.N.
  • Participated in a discussion on "Folk dance and the New Year"   Swarnawahini       15.04.2008
  • Participated in "Gam Medde Aurudde" a Special New Year programme Telecasted by Swarnawahini                                                   14.04.2007
  • Took part in "Apegama", A weekly programme telecasted by the Rupavahini corporation
  • Participated in "Kamatha", a special cultural & literary programme - Telecasted by Sirasa T.V.   2004/ 2005

Participation in International Programmes

  • Participated in "Sirisagabo" as a performer (The first Drama ever to be staged abroad. It was staged in Hong Kong, Thailand & China)      1982
  • On behalf of the Department of Dance participated in a Cultural Programme staged in the U.K. & Holland          1986
  • Participated in a cultural programme as a director and choreographer and accompanied a Group of Dancers and Performers to Dubai    1988
  • Took part in a cultural programme held in the Maldives   1994
  • Took part in a cultural programme held in the Maldives       1995
  • Participated in the Singapore Chingay Parade of Dreams 2005 as the choreographer of a dancing troup     2005
  • Took part in a cultural programme as a choreographer and performer held in Finland
  • Participated in the SAARC writers and Literature programme in 2010 in Chandigarh Organize by the SAARC APEX body
  • Participated in the SAARC writers and Literature programme in 2011 in Agrah Organize by the SAARC APEX body