By The Great Kandyan Dancer Peter Surasena has bid his last good bye – but memories linger.
Lord Soulbury, the distinguished front-row noble, was seated with great honor. Before him, the stage was set for a grand performance. This was during the period when Ceylon transitioned from being a British colony to gaining Dominion status. The Governor responsible for the Crown was none other than Lord Soulbury.
At that time, a young boy of just nine years old was about to step forward and showcase his talent before the esteemed Governor. His performance was on the udäkkiya (a traditional Sri Lankan drum). This boy, the third son of Gunaya and Siripina from the Polwatta household, was none other than Peter Sura Sena. He was born into the prestigious lineages of Bali ritual priests from Kandy, Hanguranketha, and Kotmale.
Peter Sura Sena was born on January 13, 1940, in Aruppola, Kandy. At the age of seven, he embarked on a journey to study dance, and twelve years later, he made his debut at the historic Degaldoruwa Raja Maha Viharaya, dressed in traditional attire for the first time, as per the auspicious rituals of the art.
1947 – A Memorable Year for Peter Sura Sena
“Our entire lineage was dedicated to dance and Bali (ritualistic exorcisms). My elder brother, Heenbaba Dharmasiri, was already a well-known artist who performed in royal courts abroad. That’s when I thought, ‘Why not learn to dance too?’ Looking back, I now feel that this passion was embedded deep within me.
My father’s side of the family was from Polwatta, and my mother’s side was from Mudadeniyā—both were artistic lineages. So, I told my father that I wanted to study the art of dance. He agreed and said, ‘Alright, let’s go.’ That’s how I became a student of the world-renowned master dancer, Amunugama Suramba. He was my Guru.”
Peter Sura Sena formally commenced his dance training under the guidance of Amunugama Suramba in strict adherence to traditional rituals and auspicious timings.
“To seek the blessing of the master, we went with offerings—bundles of rice, coconuts, oil cakes, milk rice, betel leaves, and incense. That was the tradition in 1947. But before accepting a student, the master would examine their physical attributes. If a child’s physique was unsuitable, even their own father wouldn’t allow them to dance. When my father and I approached him, Guru Suramba was pleased and accepted me as his student.”
Guru Suramba Moved to Tears
During his rigorous twelve-year training under the master, Peter Sura Sena had the rare opportunity to study the three classical dance lineages of Kandy: Tittapajjala, Nittawela, and Rangama. This knowledge was imparted through the Central Sri Lankan Dance Academy, established by Guru Suramba himself.
“Guru Suramba taught me with immense love, and I learned with deep devotion. He knew I was dedicated,” Peter recalled.
Among his students, Peter Sura Sena was one of the most talented, and his master treated him like his own son.
One day, as a form of discipline, Guru Suramba struck Peter with a cane for being late to a performance meant for foreign dignitaries. But that night, the master was deeply troubled. His daughter, Dr. Rajapaksha, later revealed that her father had sorrowfully said, ‘Today, I had to hit Peter, and it pains me deeply.’
A Rising Star in the Dalada Perahera
As Peter’s skills flourished, he was invited to perform in the Kandy Esala Perahera, one of Sri Lanka’s most prestigious cultural events. His master himself played the drums while Peter danced.
On the day Peter first donned his elaborate dance attire, he received the blessings of legendary dancers such as Nittawela Gunaya, Nittawela Ukkua, Sri Jayana, Tittapajjala Suramba, and Rangama Gunamala. The occasion was marked by traditional blessings, drum performances, and chants.
Wearing his jatawa (sacred headgear) and donning the ves (elaborate Kandyan dance costume), he pledged his life to the art of dance.
The Master Who Taught Colombo’s Aristocracy
Among Kandyan dancers, Peter Sura Sena stood out for his striking physique, much like his elder brother Heenbaba Dharmasiri, who was instrumental in bringing him to Colombo.
Through Heenbaba’s influence, Peter became a member of Sri Lanka’s first state dance troupe and joined the historic 1956 cultural tour to India, alongside renowned artists Panibharatha and Amaradeva.
Heenbaba Dharmasiri was a sought-after dance instructor for Colombo’s aristocratic families. When he passed away suddenly in 1978, it was Peter Sura Sena who was entrusted with the task of teaching dance to the Bandaranaike daughters, Chandrika and Sunethra, and the elite Cecilia Kotalawala.
Later, Peter continued his career as a dance teacher in several schools, before retiring from teaching in 1993.
A Career of International Acclaim
Among his most memorable moments was performing at the Carnegie Hall in the USA alongside his brother and Cecilia Kotalawala. Later, he performed at London’s Albert Hall alongside Chitrasena, another dance legend.
Having traveled to 48 countries, Peter Sura Sena showcased the magnificence of Kandyan dance on international stages.
Winning 35 Presidential Awards
Peter initially performed in the Kandy Esala Perahera as part of his guru’s udäkki drum team. But later, he rose to become its chief masked dancer.
Over the years, he received 35 Presidential Awards for his outstanding performances in the Esala Perahera.
Peter was also known for his exquisite butterfly dance, a style originally created by Nittawela Gunaya, which he elevated to new artistic heights—earning him the title of “Butterfly Dancer” on the world stage.
Passing the Legacy to His Son
In his later years, Peter entrusted the future of Kandyan dance to his son, Susanta Sura Sena, who was also a Presidential Award-winning dancer.
Today, the great master Peter Sura Sena has taken his final breath in Kandy. His absence will leave an irreplaceable void in the Kandy Esala Perahera.
It remains to be seen whether Sri Lanka’s cultural authorities truly comprehend the magnitude of his loss.
-By Lasanta de Silva
