The 15th edition of “Maathra,” an annual cultural dance and musical event organized by Lyceum International Schools, was held on August 27 at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall in Sri Lanka. The production featured over 700 students from eight different branches, marking a significant milestone in the school’s longstanding commitment to cultural education.
Established in 2008, Maathra aims to foster a connection between young learners and Sri Lankan heritage through performing arts. Over the years, it has evolved into a prominent platform that not only entertains but also serves as an educational experience emphasizing national identity and cultural preservation.
The event showcased a diverse range of Sri Lankan traditional dance forms, including Kandyan dance, incorporating historic themes, folk tales, religious motifs, and local legends. The performances were designed to engage students deeply with their culture, encouraging them to understand and appreciate it beyond academic study through creative expression in movement, music, and storytelling.
Lyceum International Schools combines this focus on cultural heritage with a quality English education, emphasizing that students’ upbringing within Sri Lanka’s social and cultural context is an integral part of their overall development. Maathra embodies this ethos by promoting discipline, teamwork, responsibility, confidence, and creativity among participants. The large-scale production requires rigorous rehearsals and cooperation, reinforcing these values.
In addition to preserving traditional elements, Maathra incorporates contemporary choreography, modern music, and advanced stagecraft, aiming to keep Sri Lankan culture relevant in today’s globalized world. The event’s reach extends beyond the student body, as it attracts parents, educators, artists, and members of the wider community, thus broadening public engagement with national heritage.
The programme also serves as a unifying force in Sri Lanka’s multicultural society by bringing together students from various ethnic, religious, and regional backgrounds to celebrate their shared and diverse cultural wealth. Over 15 consecutive years, Maathra has established a legacy of passing down knowledge and enthusiasm for Sri Lankan culture through successive generations.
Dr. Mohan Lal Grero, founder of Lyceum International Schools and the visionary behind Maathra, emphasized the importance of preserving the nation’s cultural heritage and fostering appreciation for it among young people. He acknowledged the contributions of educators, students, and families who have played vital roles in sustaining the production.
Ultimately, Maathra stands as a significant educational and cultural initiative that enriches Sri Lankan youth by connecting them to their roots while preparing them to become confident global citizens grounded in their national identity.