College of Fine Arts
Nurturing Talent, Preserving Tradition
Founder
Founder & Director – College of Fine Arts, Panadura
Late Mr. Karunadasa Athukorala was a visionary arts educator whose life reflected deep cultural values, disciplined training, and an unwavering commitment to Sri Lankan traditional arts. Born in Maahena, Raigam Korale, he received his early education at Bellapitiya Boys’ School and Horana Vidyarathna University College, where his artistic foundations were shaped under esteemed teachers.
Trained by legendary masters—including Nartanacharya Sathischandra Athukorala. He became a celebrated performer, mime artist, and the only student to receive Udarata dance training from Sathischandra Athukorala. After completing his studies at the Heywood Institute, he served as a respected instructor at the Sri Palee Institute before founding the College of Fine Arts, Panadura, which officially opened on 07th of August 1959. Through this institution, he nurtured generations of artists and played a defining role in strengthening the region’s cultural identity.
He is especially honoured as the master teacher of Hasitha Vandabona, Sri Lanka’s first deaf Ves Kandyan dancer, marking a historic milestone in inclusive traditional arts education.
Throughout his life, Mr. Athukorala remained devoted to cultural service and community leadership, continuing his work as Chairman of the Madurawala Samatha Moola Mandalaya. His legacy endures as a guiding light in Sri Lanka’s artistic landscape.
Our Teachers
Asha Chandani Wijesekara
Professional Dance Educator | Performer | Cultural Contributor
Asha Wijesekara is a distinguished Sri Lankan dance educator and performer with over four decades of service in traditional and contemporary dance.
Her career spans government service, cultural representation, and mentorship, with a legacy of shaping generations of dancers through formal education and national arts initiatives.
Recognized with the prestigious Kalashoori Award, she is celebrated for her artistic excellence and lifelong dedication to Sri Lanka’s cultural heritage.
Dinithi Peiris
Dinithi Peiris is a distinguished Sri Lankan dance practitioner, educator, and cultural ambassador with over 25 years of experience in classical and traditional South Asian dance. She holds a BA (Special Degree) in Cultural & Aesthetic Studies from the University of Sri Jayewardenepura (2008) and advanced certifications in Bharatanatyam and Kathak from Bhatkhande Lucknow University. She has also completed the full Government Dance Academy examination series (Prathama, Madhyama, Final),
Since 2000, Dinithi has been a dedicated teacher at the College of Fine Arts, Panadura, and is one of the first two students from the institution to complete the Visharad in Bharatanatyam with a First Division. She is also celebrated as the first female practitioner in Sri Lanka to gain national recognition in traditional drumming competitions.
Nilusha Fernando
Nilusha Fernando is a dedicated educator and classical dance practitioner whose career began in 2000 at the College of Fine Arts, Panadura. With academic qualifications including a Master of Arts and a Postgraduate Diploma in Education, she blends scholarly depth with artistic mastery.
Trained in Bharatha Natyam and Kathak, she has over 10 years of experience as a Drama and Dancing Teacher in the Education Department, nurturing students through disciplined training and cultural expression. Her professional journey is strengthened by additional qualifications in ICT and success in competitive examinations for the Sri Lanka Principal Service.
Her work reflects passion, confidence, and a commitment to shaping future generations through the performing arts.
Our Stories
Hasitha Vandabona was born a normal, healthy child, but at the age of three he became deaf. Despite this life-changing challenge, his journey into the world of dance began remarkably early. At seven years old, he enrolled at the College of Fine Arts in Panadura, where his passion for dance took root.
He studied Kandyan dance under the guidance of Master Karunadasa Athukorala, and later trained in Bharatha Natyam under Asha Chandani Wijesekara. With deep gratitude, he remembers the teachers who supported and mentored him throughout his artistic journey—Nilusha Fernando, Dinithi Peiris, and Sujeewa Priyadarshani—especially during the preparations for his Wes dance ceremony.
His Wes ceremony, held on 28th April 1999 at the Bellanwila Temple, marked a profound milestone in his life. The chief guest for this significant occasion was Ven. Prof. Bellanwila Wimalarathana Thero, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Sri Jayewardenepura.
Today, Hasitha continues to shine as a professional dancer, performing with the renowned Chandana Wickramasinghe Dance Academy. His journey stands as an inspiring testament to resilience, dedication, and the power of art to transcend limitations.
OUR FIRST ARANGETRAM STUDENTS
(14th JANUARY 2002 HELD AT PANADURA TOWN HALL)
Dinithi Peiris & Nilusha Gayomi Fernando
We are deeply proud to celebrate our very first Arangetram students from the College of Fine Arts, Panadura — Dinithi Peiris and Nilusha Gayomi Fernando.
They have created history as the first students from our institution to pass the Bhathkhande Visharad examination with First Division. Their dedication, discipline, and artistry stand as a true reflection of our values and vision.
It is an honour to have nurtured their journey, and they remain a source of inspiration to our entire community.
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