Asith Chanushka Atapattu, born in 1983 is a very talented Hindustani Classical Vocalist who possesses a fascinating vocal tone. He started learning Hindustani Classical Music at the age of 10 under the guidance of Dr. Premadasa Mudunkotuwa. He obtained Sangit Visharad degree in Hindustani Vocal and Violin in 1998 & 2001 respectively. He learned Carnatic Music under the guidance of Dr. Arunthathy Sri Renganathan.

 

Then he got the opportunity to study at Bhatkhande Music University, Lucknow, India in 2004 as a scholarship holder of ICCR New Delhi, India. In 2007 he completed the Bachelor of Performing Arts in Hindustani Vocal Music with first class distinction under Dr. Sunita Bhale. While studying in Lucknow, he completed the degree of Sangit Nipun in Vocal with First Class Distinction in 2007 under the guidance of Pt. Ganesh Prassad Mishra (renowned vocalist of Banaras Gharana) & Prof. Krishna Kumar Kapoor. In the meantime, he got the opportunity to complete Sangit Visharad degree in Tabla under the guidance of Senior Lecturer and veteran artist Darshanapathi Wijerathne Ranathunga and Prof. Sudheer Kumar Verma renowned Tabla Guru of Farrukhabad Gharana.

 

In 2009 he entered Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India for his postgraduate studies where he completed his Master of Music degree with merits and won the B.H.U. Gold Medal for standing first at the M.Mus Vocal examination in 2009.

 

During his musical journey, he has achieved many awards for his talent. He won 1st place in Solo Singing – Hindustani Classical Music from 1996 to 1999 at all Island School Music, Dance, and Drama Contests conducted by the Education Department of Sri Lanka. He won 1st place at All Island National Youth Awards in Solo Singing – Hindustani Classical Music in 2001 - 2003, and Sri Lankan Folk Singing in 2003.

 

During his stay in India, he achieved first place in the “Bhatkhande Sangit Pratiyogita” contest organized by Bhatkhande Music University, Lucknow, India in 2007. He won first place for Hindustani Solo Singing in the “SPANDAN” music competition organized by Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India in 2008. In 2016, he achieved the “Best Upcoming Singer” award at the State Music Festival Sri Lanka for his song “Sasare Patha”.

 

He has performed in several areas in India as well as in Indian Universities. He gave number of Hindustani Vocal recitals in Sri Lanka Rupavahini Cooperation and Sri Lanka Broadcasting Cooperation. He is an “A” grade Hindustani Classical Vocalist in Sri Lanka Broadcasting Cooperation.

 

Presently he is attached to the University of the Visual & Performing Arts, Colombo 07 as a Lecturer in Hindustani Classical Music and reading for his Ph.D. degree at Visva-Bharati University, Santiniketan, W.B., India.