Young dancers to continue in the footsteps of legendary :

Chitrasena and Vajira

In a bid to foster a new generation of artistes skilled in the art of indigenous Sri Lankan dancing, HSBC partnered with the Chitrasena and Vajira Dance Foundation to launch a scholarship program. Through this one year scholarship, 20 deserving children between the ages of 14-16 years will be provided with an opportunity to pursue their dream in traditional Sri Lankan dancing.

The scholarships were handed over by Nick Nicoloau, Chief Executive Officer HSBC Sri Lanka and Maldives and Vajira Chitrasena to the recipients at a special ceremony held at Chitrasena Vajira Dance Foundation on 26 July 2010.

‘The Chitrasena-Vajira Dance Foundation is not like any other, it is the birth place of two of Sri Lanka’s greatest dancers of all time. It is also known internationally for its work in establishing a modern Sri Lankan tradition of dance and popularizing traditional Sri Lankan dance forms worldwide, Nicoloau said.

‘As the world’s local bank HSBC is committed to give back to local communities where it operates, and where better than to partner a foundation with similar interests of working towards the enrichment and preservation of national culture and heritage.

Whilst wishing all young aspiring students the very best, I urge you all to be committed and passionate in this endeavour to help sustain this indigenous dance in Sri Lanka. Talented students who showcased the potential and flair for traditional Kandyan and low country dancing were identified for their genuine interest, by legendry dancers, Vajira and Upeka Chitrasena themselves, through auditioning rounds held on 28 June and 5 July at the Chitrasena-Vajira Dance Foundation,’ he said.

The Chitrasena- Vajira Dance Foundation was established in 1944 by the late Chitrasena and was the first School of National Dance in Sri Lanka, the birth place of two of Sri Lanka’s greatest dancers of all time, Chitrasena and Vajira.

The dance centre where the late Chitrasena worked for over 50 years has become a landmark and a renowned cultural centre for dance enthusiasts and connoisseurs of the arts. The Foundation is also considered the cultural epicentre for Sri Lankans and is renowned internationally for having established a modern Sri Lankan tradition of dance and popularizing traditional Sri Lankan dance forms worldwide.