About Dr. Kanchanamala Ranasinghe (Kanchi)
Dr. Kanchanamala Ranasinghe is a multifaceted artist, medical professional, excelling in music, theater, medicine, and sports. Her passion for music and the arts has performed and produced many song videos, captivating audiences with her soulful voice and dynamic stage presence. She has starred in renowned Sri Lankan theater productions and melodious musical events, making significant contributions to the preservation and evolution of Sri Lankan music and drama. Beyond the arts, she is a specialist medical doctor, senior lecturer, and international researcher, actively involved in clinical practice, medical education at Griffith University, Australia and groundbreaking international research. She is also a skilled table tennis player, showcasing her versatility and competitive spirit. Dr. Ranasinghe’s extraordinary ability to balance art, science, and sports with passion and dedication makes her a truly inspiring and accomplished individual.
Kanchi’s artistry extends to the stage, where she stars as Suppa Devi in Sinhabahu, Sri Lanka’s iconic opera-style drama, continuing a family legacy in theatre that is globally celebrated.
Musical Journey
Dr. Kanchanamala Ranasinghe’s musical journey is a testament to her deep passion for the arts and her commitment to preserving and evolving Sri Lankan music. With a distinctive voice and a soulful approach to music, she has performed and produced many song videos, each reflecting her profound artistic sensibilities. Her music blends traditional Sri Lankan melodies with contemporary influences, creating a unique sound that resonates with audiences across generations.
She trained under esteemed music educators, Sangeeth Nipun Chandani Warusakoon and Sangeeth Nipun Asith Athapaththu and many others mastering both vocal techniques and the sitar. Her music is a perfect symphony of tradition and modernity, drawing inspiration from Hindustani music and Sri Lankan classical traditions. This deep musical foundation has shaped her artistry, allowing her to bridge cultural influences while staying true to her roots.
Over the years, she has graced prestigious stages in Sri Lanka and Australia, captivating listeners with her heartfelt renditions. Her live performances, including concerts such as “Sanda Pahan Re” at Lionel Wendt Theatre, have cemented her reputation as a dynamic and expressive performer. Kanchi’s groundbreaking work has also been featured in leading media outlets such as The Sunday Times (Sri Lanka) and eLanka, further solidifying her role as a cultural ambassador for Sri Lankan classical music. Through her artistry, she continues to inspire, educate, and elevate Sri Lankan music on the global stage.
Live Performances
Dr. Kanchanamala’s live performances are captivating. She has graced stages across Sri Lanka and Australia, endearing audiences with her powerful presence and heartfelt renditions. Her ability to connect with audiences through music and storytelling makes each performance a memorable experience.
Notable performances include:
- “Sanda Pahan Re” – musical event at Lionel Wendt Theatre, Colombo, Sri Lanka.
- Lead roles in renowned Sri Lankan theatrical productions – Showcasing her talent in traditional and contemporary stage dramas.
- Numerous cultural and musical festivals – Celebrating global music traditions and sharing her artistic journey with diverse audiences.
- Her dedication to live performances reflects her deep passion for music and theater, ensuring that each stage she steps on becomes a platform for artistic excellence.
A Remarkable Journey on Stage
Raised in a family of legendary performers—her parents, Malini and Terence Ranasinghe, hold the Guinness World Record for the longest-running theater performers—Kanchi’s artistic journey was shaped from an early age. Beyond music, she has made a significant mark in Sri Lankan stage drama, carrying forward a rich family tradition. In 2019, she stepped into the iconic role of Suppadevi in Prof. Ediriweera Sarachchandra’s legendary stylized play “Sinhabahu”—a role her mother, Malini Ranasinghe, portrayed for over three decades, earning a Guinness World Record.
Her performance as Suppadevi was more than just a tribute; it was a powerful testament to her deep connection with Sri Lanka’s rich theatrical heritage. With her commanding stage presence, expressive storytelling, and refined artistic sensibilities, she captivated audiences, breathing new life into a role that has defined generations of Sri Lankan theater.
Dr. Ranasinghe’s commitment to the performing arts reflects her ability to seamlessly blend tradition with personal expression. Her portrayal of Suppadevi was widely acclaimed, not just for its authenticity but for the emotional depth and elegance she brought to the stage. As she continues to balance her medical career with her artistic passions, she remains a shining example of how art and profession can harmoniously coexist.
A Dedicated Medical Professional
Dr. Kanchanamala Ranasinghe is a highly accomplished specialist medical doctor based in Australia, where she practices full-time in clinical medicine. With a deep commitment to healthcare, she has built a distinguished career in both patient care and medical education.
She serves as a Senior Lecturer at the School of Medicine, Griffith University, mentoring and shaping the next generation of medical professionals. Beyond teaching, she is actively involved in international medical research, contributing to advancements in the field.
Dr. Ranasinghe holds an impressive array of qualifications, reflecting her extensive expertise:
- MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery)
- FRACGP-RG (Fellow of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners – Rural Generalist, Emergency Medicine)
- FACRRM (Fellow of the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine)
- FARGP (Fellow of Advanced Rural General Practice)
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MPhil (Master of Philosophy)
- CWH – RANZCOG (Certificate of Women’s Health, Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists)
- AMEE (Association for Medical Education in Europe)
- PhD (Doctor of Philosophy, University of Queensland, Australia)
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Her dedication to medicine, education, and research underscores her passion for improving healthcare outcomes while nurturing future medical leaders.
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FRACGP – Fellow of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners