On 20 June 2026, Kandyan Dancers Company proudly presented Narthana 2026 at the Shaw Theatre, King's Cross, marking the fifth anniversary of its annual celebration of Sri Lankan performing arts in London.
Since its launch in 2022, Narthana has become one of the UK's leading showcases of Sri Lankan dance, bringing together performers of all ages and backgrounds to celebrate the richness of the island's cultural heritage. This year's sold-out production featured 12 original acts, performed by an incredible 161 dancers, presenting a vibrant programme of Kandyan, Pahatharata, Sabaragamu, Folk, Bharatanatyam, Kuthu and Contemporary dance.
The milestone production was honoured by the presence of Professor Mudiyanse Dissanayake, one of Sri Lanka's most respected dance educators and Dilini Seneviratne's guru, alongside Ms Kumudu Perera, whose decades of teaching in the UK have inspired generations of Sri Lankan dancers. During the evening, Dilini was presented with a commemorative wooden plaque recognising five years of Narthana and her contribution to preserving and promoting Sri Lankan dance in the UK.
To celebrate the anniversary, Kandyan Dancers Company also hosted its first-ever Narthana Exhibition at The Bhavan, supported by The Bhavan and the High Commission of India in London. The exhibition showcased costumes, photography, memorabilia and highlights from all five productions, while recognising the many performers who have helped shape Narthana's journey since its inception.
Remaining true to its values of giving back, Narthana 2026 proudly supported Their Future Today, a charity dedicated to keeping vulnerable children with their families and transforming the lives of children across Sri Lanka. Through the generosity of performers and audiences, the production continued its tradition of using the arts to make a positive impact beyond the stage.
Under the artistic direction of Dilini Seneviratne, founder of Kandyan Dancers Company, Narthana continues to preserve, promote and celebrate Sri Lankan performing arts while creating opportunities for the next generation of dancers, choreographers and cultural ambassadors. Five years on, the production has become far more than an annual performance, it is a platform that strengthens community, inspires creativity and raises awareness of Sri Lanka's rich dance traditions across the United Kingdom.
Photography by Praneeth Hettiarachchi and Team
