-ගංගා රාජිණී දිසානායක-
Ganga Rajinee Dissanayaka, a distinguished ethnographer and art historian with a PhD, is widely recognized for her groundbreaking research in Sri Lankan temple art, architecture, and culture. With a specialization in participatory research methodology, Dr. Dissanayaka’s current focus lies in unravelling the social and political intricacies of 17th-century Image Houses in Sri Lanka. Her expertise has been instrumental in numerous projects, including those funded by the World Bank.
Beyond her academic pursuits, Dr. Dissanayaka is a prolific author, having published several books and directed numerous documentary films exploring the rich heritage of Sri Lankan temples. Her contributions extend to ARUNA Sunday newspaper, where she regularly pens insightful full-page research articles on temple designs and architecture.
As a visiting lecturer at the University of Visual and Performing Arts and the University of Kelaniya, Dr. Dissanayaka shares her wealth of knowledge with eager students. Her commitment to multidisciplinary research is evident in her latest endeavours, which delve into Discourse Communities and the historical significance of museum artefacts.
Dr. Dissanayaka’s involvement in international research projects is notable, particularly her membership in the “PPROCE-Netherlands” team dedicated to repatriating Sri Lankan objects from prestigious institutions like the Rijksmuseum. Her research on LEWKE Cannon, featured in “The Rijksmuseum Bulletin,” is a testament to her scholarly rigor and expertise.Furthermore, Ganga is a member of the “Assessment Committee for Research into Collections with a Colonial Context 2024” under the “Dutch Research Agenda-(NWA)”.
Currently, Dr Dissanayaka is embarking on new projects, including the development of a teacher’s guide for government schools on teaching history through museum artefacts. Additionally, her research interests extend to the ethnographic collections and histories surrounding them, as well as the intricate relationship between trade, Buddhism, and art, particularly in the context of Trincomalee Harbour and East Asia.
Her latest study focuses on “Colombo in the colonial context”.
Dr. Ganga Rajinee Dissanayaka continues to be a pioneering force in the field of ethnography and art history, bridging the gap between academia and cultural heritage preservation with her insightful research and scholarly contributions.