“Maathra” – the spell-binding cultural performing arts event produced and performed by Lyceum International Schools is back for the 12^th time!

Over the last 30 years, Lyceum International Schools have continually expanded across the country. They are now established as the largest network of schools providing quality, affordable international/national school education, whilst instilling a love for Sri Lanka’s rich, cultural heritage in the young minds of its students.

In a society where academic excellence is highly valued and appreciated, Lyceum also gives recognition to students who display remarkable skills and abilities in athletics, sports and creative art forms such as music, stage drama and the performing arts as these skills are very rare. Through the introduction of various extracurricular activities, students have always been encouraged to join one they are passionate about to further develop and master these unique skills.

One of the most popular performing art forms that has been incorporated into Lyceum’s formal education is classic Sri Lankan cultural dancing, which displays the true beauty and elegance of our Sri Lankan culture. This type of dancing has not only earned unprecedented recognition both nationally and internationally, but is one that is enjoyed by all generations, regardless of their ethnic or religious background and must be preserved for future generations to come.

This resulted in the concept of “Maathra”, which was conceptualised by Mr. Rasika Kothalawala, Head of Cultural Dancing for Lyceum International Schools, which received the full support of our Founder, Dr. Mohan Lal Grero and by Dr. (Mrs) Kumari Grero, the Coordinating Principal. The first Maathra took place in 2008, with the aim of preserving and showcasing the beauty of Sri Lanka’s rich, cultural dancing heritage by instilling a love for traditional dancing in the young minds of our students. Over the last decade, Dr. Grero’s vision of encouraging a love of culture and traditions was realised as Lyceum students have brought to life the rituals and dances of our ancestors through highly refined, stunning performances that are now on par with Sri Lanka’s high cultural dancing standards. In January 2018, our student artistes demonstrated their performance excellence by winning one of the most prestigious International Dance Awards (First Place – World Best) at the International Cultural Dancing Competition held in Russia.

The successful evolution of “Maathra” was also purely due to the tireless efforts of Mr. Rasika Kothalawala and Mrs. Nisha Kothalawala, the Co-ordinator for Maathra along with the experienced group of teachers and students, who intricately choreograph and create a unique display of mesmerising traditional dances in all of their shows. Over the years, Dr. Kumari Grero the Chairperson and Co-ordinating Principal successfully administered and elevated the presented quality of the show. With nearly 600 performers from Lyceum International Schools’ in Nugegoda, Panadura, Wattala, Ratnapura, Gampaha and Nuwara-Eliya and Kurunegala. The dances created by Mr. Kothalawala and his team incorporate a fusion of Up-Country, Southern, Sabaragamuwa and other dance forms related to Sri Lanka’s multi-ethnic, multi-religious and multi-lingual national culture.

Maathra’s success would also not have been possible without the appreciation and recognition received from Heads of State, Ministers and Diplomats as well as support received from prestigious sponsors, generous parents and well-wishers, who have always come forward to support this major cultural event in our school.

“Maathra 12” will be an amalgamation of the past 12 years of dance excellence and we are excited to put together a series of spell-binding performances to celebrate the return to the stage after 3 years! We hope you will enjoy the show!