Welcome to International Institute of Music, Speech & Drama

The Lanka Festival of Music, Dance and Speech is the very first  festival established in Sri Lanka in 1998. The idea of a festival was introduced to my Late mother Mrs Joy Ferdinando by Mr Richard Graves who was an adjudicator for the British and International Federation of the festivals UK who was in Sri Lanka at that time. He gave his fullest support whole heartedly to start the festival in Sri Lanka similar to that of the UK.

The very first festival presented to the public was in 1998 was no more than a trial with 1500 participants. It soon gathered momentum as it spread far and wide across the country.

Mr Thimothy McCarthy  of Ireland an adjudicator of Biff has helped the Lanka Festival tremendously through the years with his valuable advice and suggestions and we owe him a “thank you”.

Lanka Festival of Music is the largest and longest annual performing arts festival in Sri Lanka for performers of all ages. Each year the categories increased for music and speech and Drama and the competition became challenging to achieve high standards.

Looking back at the adventurous journey we have had for 27 years with the festival, we are content, confident and copiously blessed! I am truly amazed of the wonderful work my late mother has contributed to the development of Performing Arts in Sri Lanka. My heartfelt thanks and gratitude to all the adjudicators, faithful staff, dedicated teachers, talented students, patient parents and generous well wishers for being part of our journey for 27 glittering years. My earnest request is for you to continue to be a part of this exciting and entertaining annual event in the years ahead.

“Set your goals high, and don’t stop till you get there.”

Shyama  Perera   LTCL., LGSM (Hons), FTCL

Organising Director