Sithara Maduwanthi
Biography

The first female degree holder in the field of Sri Lankan traditional drumming

Founder of “Thuryaa”

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.

Social Background of Thuryaa

Traditionally, Sri Lankan women have been excluded from drumming rituals, a practice passed down through male-dominated generations as part of the caste system. Even today, these norms persist in arts institutions. When I formed 'Thuryaa, ' a women's percussion band, we faced significant socio-economic challenges for breaking these long-standing traditions.

Journey and the milestones

On the 10th of February 2015, our drumming troupe staged a public display of Sri Lankan traditional percussion, using a new experimental model of drumming, which was the first of its kind in Sri Lanka. Following this performance, 'Thuryaa' was given the opportunity to participate in numerous stage shows, competitions, and seminars both locally and internationally. Additionally, 'Thuryaa' was invited to perform at various functions for government and private establishments. We have also been given opportunities to perform abroad in connection with organizations such as SAARC, the SAARC Women’s Association, the International Labour Organization (ILO), the Goethe-Institute, the British Council, the Indian Cultural Center, Folk World, and Plan International. Through these experiences, I have established myself as a professional in the field to a considerable extent

• 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

• 2025 – “Embryonic Wave 2025" Thuryaa's 10th Anniversary mini gig

• 2025 – Thuryaa Studio and Academy opening

• 2024 - Kuweni (Sri Lankan Contemporary Dance Production - London Metropolitan University)

• 2024 - Bharat Sri Lanka Maitri Utsav ( the week-long celebrations commemorating the 78th Independence Day of India)

• 2018 - Plan International Asian Region Research Book lounging ceremony in Bangkok

• 2016 - Thuryaa first public show

• 2015 – Thuryaa First Stage show

• 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