Kandyan Dancers Company Announces Its First Principal Dancers

Kandyan Dancers Company (KD Co.) is proud to announce the appointment of its very first Principal Dancers, recognising four artists whose commitment, leadership and contribution have helped shape the organisation since its earliest years.

Presented at The Bhavan London, the appointments mark an important milestone in KD Co.'s fifth anniversary celebrations and establish a new pathway recognising artistic excellence and long-term contribution within the company. 

The inaugural Principal Dancers are:
Nisali Sisirakumara
Santhoshi Ekanayake
Devangee Marasinghe
Nimna Perera

Each has demonstrated exceptional dedication to the preservation and promotion of Sri Lankan dance in the UK through years of performance, teaching, choreography and mentorship. 

For Founder and Creative Director Dilini Seneviratne, the recognition represents something much greater than a title. "A Principal Dancer is someone who doesn't simply perform well on stage. They lead with humility, inspire others, uphold our values and help carry the future of the company. These four dancers have each played a significant role in the journey of KD Co., and this recognition celebrates not only what they have achieved, but the example they continue to set for the next generation."

Since its establishment in 2022, Kandyan Dancers Company has become one of the UK's leading organisations dedicated to Sri Lankan performing arts, creating opportunities for dancers of all ages and backgrounds while presenting Kandyan, Pahatharata, Sabaragamu, Folk and contemporary Sri Lankan dance across theatres, festivals and national events.

The Principal Dancer appointments recognise artists who have demonstrated sustained commitment to the company over a number of years, made outstanding artistic contributions and actively supported the development of fellow dancers and the wider Sri Lankan dance community. 

The announcement formed part of the company's fifth anniversary celebrations at **Narthana 2026**, where more than 150 performers came together to celebrate the diversity and richness of Sri Lankan dance.

As KD Co. looks towards its next chapter, the introduction of the Principal Dancer pathway reflects the company's ongoing commitment to developing leadership from within and creating meaningful opportunities for artists to grow beyond performance. 

"Our hope is that today's younger dancers will one day aspire to become Principal Dancers themselves. Recognition should celebrate not only talent, but generosity, consistency and the willingness to help others succeed. These four artists embody those values, and I couldn't think of a more fitting group to become our first Principal Dancers." (Dilini Seneviratne)