Posts

Who Am I? The Final Chapter !

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​As I reach the 24th and final post of this blog, I want to step away from the academic theories and historical analyses of dance to answer a question that defines everything I do: Who am I? ​My Roots: Rajathalawa ​I am Amali Sewwandi, a daughter of a small, beautiful village called Rajathalawa, nestled near Gampola in the Kandy district. My identity is firmly rooted in my family. I am the daughter of a hardworking father who serves as a security guard at the SLTB depot and a devoted mother who keeps our home together. I grew up alongside two elder sisters one now serving in the Irrigation Department and the other a successful graduate working in insurance and a younger brother who is currently in Grade 9.                 ​The Accidental Dancer ​It’s ironic, but the person you see today deeply immersed in the world of dance was not always a lover of the art. I remember my father practically dragging me to a local Gurunanse’s class when I was a chi...

The Vibrant Tapestry of Sri Lankan Festivals Celebrating Unity in One Island 🌍

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​ Sri Lanka is a land where the sound of temple bells, the church choir, the Islamic call to prayer, and the vibrant Hindu chants coexist in harmony. This diversity is most beautifully expressed through our festivals. These are not just religious events; they are the threads that weave our national identity together, showcasing a rich variety of customs, attire, and flavors. ​1. The Sinhala and Tamil New Year (Aluth Avurudu) ☀️ ​This is the grandest cultural festival in Sri Lanka, marking the end of the harvest season and the movement of the sun.           Rituals : Everything is done according to "Nakath" (astrological timings) from lighting the                                     hearth to the first meal and starting work. ​            Attire : People wear new clothes in colors specified by astrologers for that year, often choosing ...

​How Cyclone Ditwa Shattered Our Village of Rajathalawa 🌀⛈️

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​ The small village of Rajathalawa , centered around Gampola in the Kandy District, was a place of peace until the  " Ditwa Disaster "  struck us in a way we never imagined. From the 23rd to the 26th of November 2025, the rain poured down without a moment’s rest. Although a deep sense of dread lingered in the hearts of the villagers, fearing that something terrible might happen, no one in their wildest dreams thought nature would be this cruel to our village.   ​On the 27th, the streams and trees seemed to turn frantic and wild, bringing us the most tragic news of our lives. The lower part of the village had suffered a massive landslide. Over five or six houses were buried instantly, with people still inside them. The entire village was filled with a single, continuous wail of agony. People ran around like "mad cats," driven by the pure terror of the destruction and the overwhelming grief of losing neighbors who had served our village so selflessly. ​According to t...