From Colombo to Jaffna, the 2026 programme of the EurAsia Dance Project International Network, directed by Stefano Fardelli, brought the EurAsia Dance Company back to Sri Lanka with a programme combining performances, workshops and auditions, fostering cultural exchange and supporting the next generation of contemporary and urban dancers.

The programme was presented by EurAsia & DANCEHAUSpiù, with the support of the Embassy of Italy in Colombo, in collaboration with the University of the Visual & Performing Arts of Colombo and the University of Jaffna. In Colombo and Jaffna, the EurAsia Dance Company presented two works, Ommanipadmehum and Svarupa & Vyakta, bringing together contemporary dance, cultural traditions and international artistic exchange through a multicultural cast of artists from Italy, India, Mexico and Bolivia. Almost 500 people attended the performances, sharing a journey through movement, identity and diverse cultural perspectives.

Alongside the performances, the programme brought the EurAsia Auditions to Colombo and Jaffna, creating a bridge between young Sri Lankan talent and professional dance training in Europe. A total of 100 students took part in the auditions, competing for the opportunity to join the international network as EurAsia Students.

In 2026, €180,000.00 in EurAsia Scholarships was made available for Sri Lanka, covering between 30% and 80% of a three-year professional dance training programme at EurAsia partner academies across Europe. The Embassy of Italy is pleased to announce the winners of the scholarships:

• Dinushika Sandamali Rathnayaka, Lakshan Didulanga Silva, Liyanapatabendige Janidu Chamathsara, Thevarasa James Diloshan and Chrishni Haraniha Antony Cyril will join the EurAsia Partner Padova Danza Project in Italy.

• Piyumi Sanjala Samarasiri, Chetana Saumya Herath, Dewni Manodya, Kaushani Bhagya, Sureka Sapna Vijayakumar, Vikkineswaran Kanistan Kanish and Tharshika Mathivannan will join the EurAsia Partner CDSH – Contemporary Dance School Hamburg in Germany.

• Kavithra Shanmugaraja will join the EurAsia Partner DanceHaus – Accademia Susanna Beltrami di Milano in Italy.

The 2026 programme represents a meaningful new chapter for the EurAsia Dance Project International Network, fostering cultural dialogue between Italy and Sri Lanka while creating new connections between artists, institutions and audiences. At the same time, the scholarships and professional training opportunities open new doors for young Sri Lankan artists, supporting their development through international education, artistic exchange and future professional opportunities.