SINGAPORE’S METTA SCHOOL TROUPE BRINGS TRADITIONAL LION DANCE TO Gangaramaya Perahera

The Gangaramaya Temple Perahera, held from January 31 to February 1, was enriched by an international cultural presence with the participation of the Metta Dragon and Lion Dance Troupe from Singapore, highlighting unity, harmony, and cultural diversity.

Comprising students and alumni of Metta School, Singapore, the troupe’s participation marked a meaningful cultural exchange between Sri Lanka and Singapore. The visit was organised at the invitation of  chief incumbent of the Gangaramaya Temple ,Venerable Assaji Thero and reflected the long-standing friendship and mutual respect shared between the two countries.

The Lion Dance, with a history spanning more than 1,000 years, is a traditional Chinese art form commonly performed during festivals and significant occasions. It is believed to bring good fortune, prosperity, and happiness while warding off evil spirits and misfortune.

Speaking about the importance of taking part in the perahera, Vice Principal of Metta School Raymond Koh highlighted the importance of cultural exchange and the value of participating in religious and cultural traditions beyond national boundaries.

“We have brought two lions for the Perahera, each brought to life by a pair of dancers working in complete unity. One dancer controls the lion’s head, expressing its eyes, ears and mouth, while the other forms the body and tail, providing balance, strength and movement. Together, they embody the spirit of the lion, sometimes playful, sometimes powerful, and always alert. Music is essential to the lion dance. The drum represents the heartbeat of the lion and guides its strength and rhythm, while the cymbals and gongs reflect the lion’s thoughts and emotions. Every movement, from the lifting of a leg to the blinking of an eye, is carefully choreographed to the beat of the music.

Red is the dominant colour of our lions. In Chinese culture, red symbolises joy, prosperity, vitality and good fortune, and in lion dance tradition, a red-coloured lion represents courage and wisdom,”  Raymond Koh said.

Metta School operates under the Metta Welfare Association of Singapore, an organisation dedicated to education, inclusion, and community service. Members of the troupe described their participation in the Gangaramaya Perahera as a memorable and enriching experience and expressed appreciation for the warm welcome extended to them.

The troupe also noted that the visit provided an opportunity to witness a wide range of cultural performances by groups from different countries, reinforcing shared values of respect, unity, and harmony across cultures.

Ee Tiang Hwee, Supervisor, Metta School Management Committee and former students and current students of Metta School also shared their experience.

By Poojathmi Rivithma