모이자 CPI

QUESTION 01

Please introduce yourself

I am Chandani Warushakoon from Sri Lanka. I participated in the CPI program at the National Theater of Korea in 2016. I have been working at the Department of Cultural Affairs since 2005. As I’m very interested in art & culture, I had several experiences in this area working as a university lecturer of Visual and Performing Arts, and participated as a member of the state music ensemble and Orchestra.

Figuring out my talents, my workplace gave me opportunities to experience culture and art. In 2002, I went to a cultural village in China named "Ethnic Park". I had an opportunity to visit Korea a couple of years later for participating in the Jeonju Sori Festival. I have been heading the art project which is a CPI Follow-up Workshop since I returned home.

QUESTION 02

What was the most impressive part of the follow-up workshop?

The most remarkable aspect was to produce 2 multi-cultural kinds of music during a brief span of time, in collaboration with the local and Korean professionals. The show we collaborated with 2 separate conventional instruments was even broadcasted on the Sri Lankan national television channel. It has led us to strengthen our friendship and to create improved relations between artists of Korea and Sri Lanka. It was a wonderful remembrance, and it made me proud. In particular, this experience has significantly influenced the way I think about my career aspect. I have always wanted to dream creatively. Also, I successfully organized an international cultural festival in Sri Lanka with the experience I gained.

QUESTION 03

How has my life changed since the COVID-19 pandemic?

Unfortunately Sri Lanka was forced into lockdown starting from the 19th of March to 15th July. I had to remain home throughout the time so my schedule has totally shifted.

The major shift was that I spent much of my time under one roof with my two kids and my parents who gave me the sense of living peacefully and cooperatively. As a mom, I spent a lot of time maintaining an organic vegetable garden for my kids. Most of all, I found the perfect way to prepare various styles of savory foods for my family by following cooking instructions.

I figured that's a perfect opportunity to look after my wellbeing. I exercised and controlled my diet plan and modified my eating style. It kept my body comfortable and healthy to perfection. I tried a ketogenic and weight loss diet which helped improve my vocals.

Staying at home may sound like inevitably boring, but I've been overcoming it by thinking positively. I've seen shows that portray optimistic thoughts and healthy lifestyles. I was able to find out the theory "Law of attraction" from the film "Secret", which reveals that there's a science behind happiness. That changed my whole life and it was a huge support for my turning point. I started to believe in the rule of attraction and slowly it began to resolve everything.

QUESTION 04

What is your future plan for the betterment of Sri Lanka?

I saw the massive Korean cultural and art centers when participating in the CPI program. These creations inspired me to write a concept about a national art center in Sri Lanka. As a result, the place is currently located in Kandy where the CPI follow-up workshop was held in 2019.

I’ve been organizing the “Happy Family Project” as the national coordinator. Its purpose is to strengthen and build family bond through songs, dance, films and lectures. Since a growing number of families have been experiencing problems, I want to give them happiness and help them overcome it.

I believe arts offer messages of hope. I wish to contribute to improving my country with classical and traditional art and this is what I've been pursuing. I will keep learning music to be a great art master to fulfill my dream.