Biography of Dumitha Gunawardana
Dumitha Gunawardana is a rare combination of intellect and artistry – a professionally qualified B.Sc. Civil Engineer by profession and a highly accomplished Kathak dancer and sitarist by passion. Since 2008, he has been serving at the National Water Supply and Drainage Board, Sri Lanka, while simultaneously nurturing his artistic journey in Indian classical performing arts.
Early Journey in Music and Dance
Dumitha’s artistic path began at the tender age of eight when he started learning North Indian Classical Music. Drawn towards the sitar, he trained rigorously and went on to achieve First Prize for three consecutive years (2000, 2001 & 2002) in the All Sri Lanka Inter-School Music Competitions under the Sitar-Solo category. His passion for music soon expanded into the world of dance, leading him to the classical Indian dance form of Kathak.
In 2000, Dumitha commenced his Kathak training under Prof. Jayasena Kottagoda, a senior exponent of the Raigarh Gharana and former Vice Chancellor of the University of Visual and Performing Arts, Sri Lanka. Later, while pursuing his engineering studies in Lahore, Pakistan (2004), he furthered his Kathak journey under Ms. Naila Riyaz in the Jaipur Gharana style.
After returning to Sri Lanka, Dumitha sought higher training in India and became a disciple of Pandit Rajendra Kumar Gangani, one of the foremost exponents of the Jaipur Gharana Kathak tradition, in New Delhi.
Musical Excellence – Sitar
Alongside dance, Dumitha continued his musical training. While in Pakistan, he studied sitar under Ustad Saleem Khan Paunchwale. In 2007, he won the Gold Medal at the All Pakistan Music Competitions in the Sitar-Solo category, adding an international milestone to his journey.
Professional Training & Qualifications
Dumitha holds a Nipun (Postgraduate Diploma equivalent) in Kathak Dance from Bhatkande Sangeet Vidya Peeth, Lucknow, India, where he graduated with First Division and Distinction. His academic pursuit in the performing arts is a testament to his commitment to mastering the technical, theoretical, and expressive dimensions of Kathak.
Teaching Career
Balancing his engineering profession with his passion for art, Dumitha has become a respected teacher and mentor in Sri Lanka. He has been teaching Kathak as an External Lecturer for the Master’s Degree in Arts (Indian Dancing) at the University of Kelaniya and also for the Bachelor’s Degree course in Arts (Hindustani Music) at the University of Visual and Performing Arts, Sri Lanka.
His teaching integrates not only the rhythm and grace of Kathak but also the cultural depth, storytelling traditions, and nuances of classical performance.
Artistic Style and Contribution
As a Kathak performer, Dumitha blends the Raigarh and Jaipur Gharana traditions, mastering both Lasya (graceful, expressive aspect) and Tandava (vigorous, rhythmic aspect). His performances reflect precision, elegance, and soulful artistry. As a sitarist, his music carries both the meditative depth and rhythmic vibrancy of Hindustani classical traditions.