Introduction

My name is Sithara, a pioneering artist passionate about percussion. As the founder and lead artist of Sri Lanka's first female percussion band, I've dedicated my career to redefining women's roles in music. With a master’s degree, I'm now based in the UK, eager to explore international opportunities for women.

My mission is to empower women through music, inspiring them to pursue their dreams in percussion.

In Sri Lanka, traditional drumming has been a taboo for women, but I’ve challenged these norms and now aim to continue this mission globally, motivating Sri Lankan women in drumming arts.

As seen on

Achievements

  • Formed the first ever female percussion band in Sri Lanka introducing a turning point in Sri Lankan art history - 2015
  • Supervise, manage, motivate one of the most talented and dedicated female teams in the performance arts field in the country. Inspired the members to be long-serving professional female drummers in afield without prior-model.
  • The band developed into a brand from 2015 to current date, with national and international awards and recognitions.
  • Succeeded in winning the opportunity to perform in foreign events with strategic leadership. (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), SAARC women’s Association, International Labor Organization (ILO), Goethe-Institute, British Council, Indian Cultural Centre, Folk World, Embassy of Switzerland in Sri Lanka, Charu Castel Foundation, United Nations Development Program and Plan International). Since 2014 - Up to now

Awards & Recognitions

  • Heritage Beatmakers Award for Cultural Innovation at the Passion Vista Glamour & Style Awards, Global Business Leadership Forum - 2025

  • Recognized by the Sri Lankan Women’s Chamber of Industry and Commerce - 2025

  • Gained appreciation from the Indian Cultural Center of Sri Lanka for the contribution and participation in the Bharat-Sri Lanka Maitri Utsav - 2024

  • Achieved Business & Leadership Recommendations from Folk World organization, Bulgaria & Women's Chamber of Industry & Commerce, SriLanka - 2020.

  • Gained appreciation from International Labor Organization (ILO) for successfully establishing an inspiring female percussion team based on the performance of Thuryaa in the 100 Anniversary conference of ILO - 2019.

  • Leadership Awards– “Peace Messenger” World Peace and Diplomacy Organization - 2018

  • Gained recognitions from Plan International, Asian Region for successfully establishing a women’s drumming team against the social gender barriers 2018.

Portfolio

Education Qualifications

  • Master of Business Administration: Level 7 (NQF), UK

    University of South Wales. (Jan 2022- Apr 2023)

    Business Administration | Leadership & HR Management Skills | Strategic Marketing Tools & Technics | Operation Management| Business research & Analytics | Project Management.

  • Bachelor of Arts: Level 6(NQF), SL

    University of the Visual & Performing Arts. (Nov 2010- Apr 2015)

    Entertainment Management | Dance & Percussion Practical trainings| Psychological

Research Work

  • PG Research short course

    Faculty of Graduate Studies- UVPA (2019)

    Developing an entry strategy for introducing new product to the US market: Percussion Music Industry in SriLanka / Women’s Business engagement in SL

Music

  • Completed the Grade 8 Western Drum Kit examination