23/09/2026
Namo Vajiraye- In Memory of Guru Vajira
Today marks one year since Namo Vajiraye was first presented — a productions conceived and directed by her granddaughter and Artistic Director of the Chitrasena Dance Company, Heshma Wignaraja, as a tribute to the extraordinary life and legacy of Guru Vajira.
Through Namo Vajiraye, Heshma re-imagined some of Guru Vajira’s most iconic roles, dance pieces and creations, honouring her remarkable artistic journey as a dancer, choreographer, teacher and visionary artist.
Guru Chitrasena paved the way for Guru Vajira to carve out her own identity and vision. Together, they transformed the landscape of Sri Lankan dance on stage, with Guru Chitrasena opening new possibilities for the art form and Guru Vajira carrying that vision forward with her own unique artistic voice, discipline and imagination.
Guru Vajira was a visionary artist, far ahead of her time- a perfectionist, a disciplinarian and a woman who held her art above herself. She devoted her life to the pursuit of excellence, and to creating successive generations of dancers.
Today, as we mark Guru Vajira’s second death anniversary, we remember not only the artist she was, but the immense legacy she left behind- a legacy rooted in tradition.
One year on, Namo Vajiraye remains a celebration of that legacy.
To Guru Vajira — our beloved Guru, our inspiration
Namo Vajiraye.
