Mahinda Wimalasiri is the Head of History and theory of Dance and Drama Department of the University of Visual and Performing Arts and a Senior Lecturer in its Department of Upcountry Dance. He is a passionate traditional artist of kandyan dance and rituals, and has done many researches with related to his interests. Some of his research work includes, 'A critical study of devotion for Kadawara and Kadawara Kankariya in relation to Sri Lanka', 'Traditional music associated with Buddhism its manifestation and present nature' and 'A study of the usage of Horanewa and its present status. Mahinda completed his Bachelor of Arts and Master of philosophy degrees in the University of Kelaniya and holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Education from the University of Colombo and a Postgraduate diploma in Writer ship and Communication from the University of Sri Jayawardenapura.