ගුරු වරම් ලැබ ගෙන
සබයෙන් වරම් ගනිමින
සිව් වරම් බලයෙන
බසී ඇදුරා වරම් ගනිමින!
On August 18th, 2024, the Sri Lanka Foundation Academy of Performing Arts held its annual Silambu Mangalya (Ceremony of Awarding Silambu) at the Mindfulness Meditation Center – Covina Los Angeles Buddhist Vihara. This traditional event celebrates students who are preparing to graduate, marking an important milestone in their journey in Sri Lankan dance and music.
In Sri Lankan arts and cultural traditions, a beginner’s journey in dance or music culminates in becoming formally recognized as a dancer or musician after mastering their craft. As part of this ritual, dancers don a ceremonial headdress, while musicians receive their instruments from their teachers in a significant rite of passage. With blessings from their teachers and family, students then showcase their skills before experts in their respective fields. This process signifies their readiness to practice independently. This cultural rite, known by various names across dance traditions Ves Mangaliyam in the upcountry dance tradition, Madu Basima in the low country tradition, and Guru Varamdeema in the Sabaragamu tradition follows a substantively similar ceremonial procedure.
The Sri Lanka Foundation Academy of Performing Arts extends its gratitude to the dedicated teachers Nirosha Wijegunasekare, Akila Palipana, and Umendra Kahadawaarachchi, who have worked tirelessly to preserve and pass down Sri Lankan traditional dance forms. Special thanks are also due to Achala Weerasinghe, the Operational Director of SLF APA, for her invaluable support in making this event possible, as well as to the dedicated parents whose commitment has greatly contributed to the success of this celebration and to the preservation of Sri Lankan traditions for future generations.
In today’s evolving social and cultural landscape, where many young people are influenced by popular culture, it is crucial to preserve the traditional dances of Sri Lanka, which face the threat of fading away. The Silambu Mangalya ceremony serves as a vital link to these ancient arts, offering young dancers and musicians a chance to connect deeply with Sri Lankan cultural heritage.
