Beating the Odds, One Rhythm at a Time
Sithara Madhuwanthi, founder of Sri Lanka’s first award-winning all-female percussion band ‘Thuryaa,’ is a trailblazer who has turned rhythm into a powerful tool for empowerment, unity, and cultural transformation. With a decade of relentless dedication, she has led Thuryaa to inspire and uplift women across the country and beyond, reshaping the image of traditional drumming and redefining what women in music can achieve.
Sithara’s journey began as the first woman in Sri Lanka to earn a degree in traditional drumming from the University of the Visual and Performing Arts. What started as a spark at a Leo Club conference grew into a revolutionary idea — assembling female drummers from different university departments to form a dynamic group. Their first performance in 2015, a university initiative that saw them singing on trains to collect donations, became the stepping stone to an international stage.
The band’s breakthrough came in 2015 at the 18th Global Female Folk Dance Competition in Punjab, India, where they won first place, including Best Dance and Best Music. That victory lit a fire within them and gave them the courage to pursue their shared dream. By 2016, they had staged their first public performance at Sri Lanka’s prestigious Nelum Pokuna Theatre. Over the years, their footprint has expanded across Asia and Europe, performing at major festivals and cultural exchanges.
Thuryaa’s repertoire is vast and impressive. From the New Taipei City International Drum Arts Festival in Taiwan to the International Wesak Festival in the UK, from Saarang World Fest at IIT Madras to UNDP’s Women’s Day Celebrations, their rhythms have echoed globally. They’ve also collaborated with organizations like the International Labor Organization and Plan International, highlighting their deep-rooted mission: “Share the Rhythm of Humanity.”
For Sithara, drumming is not just performance—it’s purpose. “My inspiration comes from the deep love that my team and I have for the art of drumming,” she says. Fueled by Sri Lanka’s rich percussion heritage and her vision for a world connected through rhythm, Sithara sees her role as both a performer and a social pioneer. Her goal is clear: to challenge gender norms, create professional opportunities for women in percussion, and build an inclusive space where drumming is seen as a respected profession for women.
Sithara’s leadership style is defined by patience, collaboration, and deep self-awareness. She values limitless tolerance and mutual respect within her team, encouraging every member to discover their creative identity. Her strength lies in her ability to build and sustain a professional brand against societal odds, with limited resources and unmatched resilience. The biggest challenge, she admits, is finding individuals with the right attitude and mental strength to join and grow with the band. “Building a team that can tolerate pressure and overcome social barriers remains one of the most demanding—yet most meaningful—parts of our growth.”
Despite their success, balancing personal and professional life is not without difficulty. Many team members juggle family responsibilities, academic commitments, and other duties. Sithara believes their journey of finding harmony between passion and life responsibilities has been one of their greatest growth lessons. The unwavering support from families and their shared sense of purpose have been key to their perseverance.
Sithara also believes in nourishing the soul outside of her craft. She unwinds by listening to soulful music, journaling, and spending reflective time with loved ones. Exploring new musical sounds and delving into cultural research feed her creativity, while laughter and shared moments with her team serve as her emotional anchor.
Her journey is rich with accolades: “Peace Messenger” by the World Peace Diplomacy Organization in 2018, recognition from the ILO and Plan International for breaking gender barriers, and appreciation from institutions like the Indian Cultural Center and Charu Castle Foundation. Thuryaa has also gained recommendations from the Folk World Organization (Bulgaria) and the Women’s Chamber of Industry & Commerce (Sri Lanka).
Above all, Sithara offers wisdom rooted in experience: “The real difficulty often lies not in facing challenges, but in identifying what the true challenge is. Reality comes in layers, and it takes clarity and patience to see through them. But once understood, that becomes the map for your path forward.”
From humble beginnings to global stages, Sithara Madhuwanthi continues to lead with vision, heart, and a powerful beat. Her rhythm is not just heard—it’s felt in every life she touches.
