Hettipola, Kurunegala (February 21, 2023) — Celebrating traditional performing arts and cultural heritage, a distinguished delegation from the Shri Hela Cultural Collaboration Foundation (SHCCF) and the Special Monitoring Mission of the International Human Rights Commission (IHRC SMM) attended the prestigious Ves Mangallaya (Traditional Kandyan Dance Graduation Ceremony) organized by the Threethal Ranga Bhoomi Kalayathanaya in Hettipola.
The ceremonial graduation marked the official debut (Kala Eli Mangallaya) of a newly trained cohort of young traditional dancers dedicated to preserving Sri Lanka’s intangible cultural legacy.
Honoring Veteran Choreographer Vasantha Kumara Hettiarachchi
The Threethal Ranga Bhoomi Kalayathanaya was founded and is led by Mr. Wasantha Kumara Hettiarachchi—recipient of the Shri Hela Abhiman Award, alumnus of Kuli/ Hettipola Mahindodaya Maha Vidyalaya, Performing Arts (Honors) graduate from the University of the Visual and Performing Arts in Colombo, and Development Officer at the Kuliyapitiya High Court.
In recognition of his untiring dedication to nurturing future generations of traditional artists, Mr. Hettiarachchi was conferred the prestigious "Shri Hela Abhiman Lanka Puthra Award" by Dr. Chrishantha J.K.M. Dissanayake alongside eminent cultural scholar Prof. Mudiyanse Dissanayake and accompanying academic professors.
Preserving Indigenous Cultural Arts and Heritage
The ceremony showcased traditional drumming, ritualistic dance routines, and the solemn Ves headgear consecration, reflecting the deep cultural value SHCCF places on supporting traditional arts education across Sri Lanka.
Speaking at the ceremony, institutional leaders reaffirmed the ongoing commitment of SHCCF and IHRC to support local cultural academies, foster artistic excellence, and preserve national traditions among the youth.
Distinguished Delegation and Attendance
The ceremony was attended by key executive officers, directors, and cultural consultants from both organizations, as well as distinguished academics:
SHCCF & IHRC Leadership: Dr. Chrishantha J.K.M. Dissanayake (Founder, President & Director General, SHCCF / Sri Lankan Commissioner, IHRC), Mr. Chaminda Nishantha (Director of National Educational Affairs), Deshabandu Pandit Amaradasa Delankarachchi (Director of Cultural Affairs), Mr. Sadeva Amaradasa (Deputy Director of Cultural Affairs), and Mrs. Wasanthi Priyangani (Assistant Director of Cultural Affairs & Veteran Dance Instructor).
Eminent Academics & Guests: Prof. Mudiyanse Dissanayake (Senior Professor of Aesthetic Studies) along with university professors, traditional dance instructors, and community leaders. Official Event Record
Date: February 21, 2023
Venue: Wadumunna, Kuratihena, Hettipola, Kurunegala
Reported by:
Hemantha Vitharana
Senior Executive Director — Shri Hela Cultural Collaboration Foundation
