The Theertha Performance Platform, a beacon for Sri Lankan performance art since its inception in 2015, is set to mark another milestone in its journey. This year, the platform returns with an inspiring collaboration between The Genesis Project, and the Theertha Performance Platform. Hosted at the historic address of 52 Maligawatte Road—the birthplace of Dilmah’s global legacy—the event will take place on January 6, 7, and 8, 2025.
Local artists
The Theertha Performance Platform has been instrumental in elevating Sri Lanka’s local artists to international stages. Over the years, it has hosted and mentored renowned artists such as Pala Pothupitiya, Jagath Weerasinghe, Anoli Perera, and Dr. Godwin Constantine, who have brought global recognition not only to their craft but also to Sri Lanka. The platform also provides emerging artists with the tools, mentorship, and exposure necessary to break boundaries and reach audiences worldwide.
Pala Pothupitya, Prof. Jagath Weerasinghe and Dr. Godwin Constantine said: the Genesis infrastructure perfectly complements the Theerthaya initiative. The nostalgia of Dilmah’s historic address at 52 Maligawatte Road adds romance to this collaboration.
This partnership aligns with the values of Dilmah’s founder, Merrill J. Fernando—uplifting lives and promoting Sri Lanka on a global stage. We are confident this collaboration will continue to empower artists and bring foreign exchange to Sri Lanka while bettering the lives of those involved.”
A vision for the future
This year’s collaboration between The Genesis Project and the Theertha Performance Platform marks the beginning of a new journey. Rooted in the philosophy of “doing business as a matter of human service,” Dilmah’s support underscores its commitment to fostering diverse exports and uplifting Sri Lankan talent.
Through its dedication to performance art, Theerthaya also promotes Sri Lanka’s cultural heritage, offering a platform for local artists to gain recognition abroad. This aligns seamlessly with the nation’s aspirations for economic sustainability through creative and cultural industries.
Plans are also under way to establish a Contemporary Performance Art Institute in Maharagama, which will serve as a hub for research, artist residencies, and performance studies—further cementing Sri Lanka’s position on the global arts map.
The three-day event promises a blend of workshops, performances, and exhibitions, providing a platform for the next generation of Sri Lankan artists. With the backdrop of Dilmah’s historic location, Theerthaya 2025 seeks to foster creative excellence and global connections.
A Decade of Creative Evolution
Since 2015, the Theertha Performance Platform has been at the forefront of performance art in Sri Lanka, hosting a series of groundbreaking events:
2015: “Borders and Lines,” featuring 8 international and 15 local artists, focused on themes of identity and division.
2017: “Sound and Crossing(s),” which included workshops, performances, and lively dialogues with global artists and academics.
2019: “Texting and Being,” exploring communication and expression through performance art, attracting 25 international and 15 local artists.
2022: After a pandemic-induced hiatus, “Smell” introduced unique sensory performances with 9 international and 18 local artists.
The platform has also played a pivotal role in transforming Sri Lanka’s arts landscape. Universities have incorporated performance art into their curricula, and many young artists mentored through its workshops have gone on to participate in international events, creating a ripple effect of awareness and engagement around performance art.
