Veteran musician late Lionel Ranwala founded the Thaalama Foundation in 2000 to preserve the folk music culture for the next generation. His son Sahan Ranwala who has proven his creative spirit in numerous ways continues his father’s legacy, rejuvenating our folk music culture. As said by Sahan Ranwala, a big thank you should go to Dr. Sunil Jayantha Nawaratna for the endeavour.
Lanka E-School
Lanka E-School established by artiste Sahan Ranwala as a digital platform for children can be viewed as a digital bridge which links children to our folk culture. Children who continue studies in the English medium can follow the courses conducted by the Lanka E-School in English.
Sahan Ranwala together with the Ranwala Balakaya established the digital platform during the Covid-19 pandemic. However, the Ranwala Balakaya has taken steps to conduct courses which cover subjects such as the folk music, performing arts and drumming at Battaramulla ‘Apey Gama’ and Gampaha ‘Niwahana’ for those who are between 6 and 28. The six-month course will be conducted on every Sunday at 10.30 am. Those who complete the course will receive certificates.
There are 55 qualified and experienced instructors to conduct each session. You can get more details about the courses by visiting their face book page ‘Ranwala Balakaya’ and the website www.lankaeschool.com.
Objective
As said by artiste Sahan Ranwala, the main objective of the course is to provide knowledge - seeking children enriched with sensitivity and good art appreciation to the country. “It is important to explore Western culture, Western dancing and music. But when we are going abroad, the international community never demands “Kabuki” or “Noh” from us. They never demand pop or hip-pop styles from us. But what is new for the international community is our folk music. That is why foreigners get bewitched by our “Kandy Perahera.” We need to be aware of our cultural values. Our purpose is to make children aware of our folk music and our cultural values,” Sahan said.
Achievements
In 2011, the Ranwala Balakaya won the award for the “Best Performing Folk Song Troupe” at the Folk Songs Festival at Guangxi, China. They have conducted many folk musical concerts in countries such as India, Japan, China, South Korea, New Zealand and Australia. The Ranwala Balakaya inspires our talented children and youth who live in far-flung villages to step into a giant league.
Blurb: Lanka E-School established by artiste Sahan Ranwala as a digital platform for children can be viewed as a digital bridge which links children to our folk culture. Children who continue studies in the English medium can follow the courses conducted by the Lanka E-School in English
