Narendra Gunarathna

Narendra Gunarathna is a prominent Sri Lankan musician, composer, and percussionist, best known for his dynamic tabla performances and exceptional musical talent. He studied at Mahanama College in Colombo. Narendra started his career as a tabla artist by joining as a young student at the age of 12 under Dharshanapathi Wijeratne Ranatunga, who was a renowned tabla artist in Sri Lanka.

Later, Narendra was admitted to Bhatkhande Music Institute Deemed University in India, where he earned his Bachelor of Performing Arts and Master of Performing Arts degrees. He further gained practical skills in playing percussion, brass classical instruments, and other Western instruments.

Under the guidance of Ustad Ilmas Hussain Khan from the Lucknow Gharana and Pt. Ravinath Mishra from the Benares Gharana, he learned advanced techniques in handling musical instruments to a highly accomplished level.

  “It is the greatest achievement of a teacher to enable his students to surpass him.”