16 Facts About Vajira Chitrasena

Deshamanya Vajira Chitrasena was a Sri Lankan traditional dancer, choreographer and teacher.

Vajira Chitrasena is the first Sri Lankan woman to practise the traditional Kandyan dance which was traditionally performed only by men.

Vajira Chitrasena was married to Chitrasena who was a well known legendary dancer and dance guru.

Vajira Chitrasena was born on 15 March 1932 and was introduced to the arts at a very young age by her parents, especially her mother, Lilian.

Vajira Chitrasena completed her primary and secondary education at the Methodist College, Colombo.

Vajira Chitrasena's sisters including Vipuli and the oldest sister were dancers.

Vajira Chitrasena's mother sent Vajira Chitrasena to Sri Palee in Horana, to study dancing.

Vajira Chitrasena's husband had founded the Chitrasena Dance Company in 1943.

Vajira Chitrasena died in September 23 2024, at the age of 92.

Vajira and Chitrasena were known for their close bond with India and for their contributions in strengthening the ties between the two countries in the field of arts.

Vajira Chitrasena made her debut as soloist in the role of Prakriti in the ballet 'Chandali' in 1952.

Vajira Chitrasena's rise to stardom was coupled with unswerving discipline and dedication not only as a teacher, but as a performer and a choreographer as well, even as she illumined her husband's career.

Vajira Chitrasena choreographed several acclaimed productions and taught dance to students for over 60 years.

Vajira Chitrasena taught teaching to a few prominent actresses such as Nilmini Tennakoon and Jeevarani Kurukulasuriya.

Vajira Chitrasena was felicitated by the High Commission of India on her 81st birthday on 15 March 2013.

Vajira Chitrasena was announced as an honourable recipient of the Padma Shri award for her achievement in arts in January 2020 and the award was given by Indian President Ram Nath Govind during the Padma Awards Investiture Ceremony which was held on 8 November 2021.