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Veteran Kandyan dancer’s death: A knell for traditional dance
View(s):By L. B. Senaratne
Veteran Dancer Peter Surasena, who had performed since he was 12 years old in the Kandy Esala Perahera, dancing in front of the relic-bearing tusker and also in the frontline of dancers before the former Diyawadana Nilames Nugawela, Ratwatte and Wjeyaratne, and the present incumbent Pradeep Nilanga Dela, passed away after a brief illness and was cremated at Mahiyawa, Kandy.
It was sad to note that the only official who could be seen at the obsequies was the former Buddhist Commissioner A.B. Damunupola.
Veteran Dancer Surasena was the son of the famous Ammunguam Gurunnanse and together they danced from Peter’s early days until he fell sick and his feet could not stand the strain.
The bleak future of traditional dancers is highlighted with the maestro’s death. He has left two sons following the same scared vocation but what place they may have in modern society is not clear, and their knowledge and skill will be irrevocably lost with their passing.
It is commendable that the Sri Dalada Maligawa has provided a place for their practices during the Perahera period, and also premises at Pallekelle, but this is not enough for the profession. The State has to intervene.
The veteran dancer’s death highlights the need for a plan to ensure this ancient art does not pass into oblivion.
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