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Kulasiri Budawatte:
Heralding the tradition
Ishara Jayawardane
Dance is the powerful movement of muscle that binds this world. It is
in vogue among every single country in this world because it is such a
powerful medium of entertainment and communication. Dance, the
mesmerizing flow of energy concentrated on one stage.
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Kulasiri Budawatta |
The Kandyan dance traditions are mostly spread in the area known as
Sathkoralaya and Mahanuwara. One of the most prominent dancing schools
known as Budawatte dancing family is found in Satharakoralaye.
The village Budawatte is located in Satharakoralaya and it was given
to the artistes in Budawatte in Budawatte clan during the time of King
Dhupulussam. Kulasiri Budawatte�s father was also a well known dancer
named Punchi Guru Budawatte and his mother was P. N. Alpi Nona.
Kulasiri Budawatte celebrated his 60th birthday on May 6 this year.
In his words it was a turning point in his career and he had to face the
option whether to continue with his career or if it stops here.
�May 27 is the date when my wife, son and pupils pay tribute to my
services rendered to the field of dance, at the BMICH,� said Kulasiri
Budawatte.
For many years he has disciplined hundreds of pupils. Some of these
pupils are still continuing in the field of dance and are dancers and
teachers.
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Kulasiri Budawatta with his family. Picture by Saman Sri Wedage |
�I have produced a number of creative works of massive scale, local
and international for this country. However if there is one thing that I
have not received it is a State award. Up until now I have not received
any State award. I am also not expecting any State award.� pointed out
Budawatte.
Budawatte narrated an incident when the Cultural Department once
requested him to apply for a State award.
They requested him to fill an application form stating name, details
and qualifications. He replied:
�I have no need or desire to fill in application form. If you have
seen and appreciated my dancing that is another story.�
With the money he has made he has used it for the field of dance.
�I have built a huge building called the Budawatte Rangayathanaya in
Maharagama. It is an institute with all the necessary facilities to
promote dance in Sri Lanka. My son Rangana Ransilu Budawatte is in
charge of the management. Nowhere in Sri Lanka, is there a private or
public owned institute which facilitates exchange students.
For example; dance students from abroad can come to our country to
learn dance and in turn students from our country can go to those
countries to learn dance there. My ambition is to introduce this
international exposure,� explained Budawatte.
Right now there are 2800 students learning at the Budawatte
Rangayathanaya. Every student is enthusiastic about dance. They speak
Kulasiri Budawatte as a powerful dancer. They know the service he has
rendered to this country.
�When I was young I was so strong as a performer. That performance is
still in my body. On the 27 there will be a dance item by me along with
my senior students.� |
