Vision
To be a leading center in the field of Aesthetic studies, towards teaching, learning, research, and dissemination of the system.
Mission
To produce competent graduates with sound knowledge and skills in performing and visual arts and innovation in performing and visual arts with special emphasis on the social and spiritual development based on cultural heritage.
Welcome to Sir Ponnambalam Ramanathan Faculty of Visual and Performing Arts
We warmly welcome you to the Sir Ponnambalam Ramanathan Faculty of Performing and Visual Arts, a center of excellence dedicated to nurturing creativity, culture, and artistic expression. With a proud history dating back to 1960, the institution has evolved from the Ramanathan Music Academy into a distinguished faculty of the University, reflecting decades of growth in arts education. Today, it comprises six specialized departments: Music, Instrumental Music, Dance, Painting, Sculpture, and Drama & Theatre Arts. We are committed to preserving cultural heritage while embracing contemporary artistic practices, preparing students to excel both locally and globally.
Milestones of the Faculty
The journey began with the establishment of the Ramanathan College of Fine Arts at Maruthanarmadam on 9 October 1960, founded through the vision of Mr. S. Nadesapillai to preserve and promote Tamil arts and culture.
The prestigious “Sangeetha Rathnam” title was formally awarded to students who completed the four-year music programme, marking an important step in organized arts education.
The institution was taken over by the Government of Sri Lanka, renamed it as Ramanathan Government College of Fine Arts and integrated into the Jaffna Campus of the University of Sri Lanka.
The Department of Fine Arts was established within the Faculty of Arts, and the academy began functioning as a unit under this department.
A major restructuring created separate divisions for Vocal Music, Pannisai, Instrumental Music, and Dance, giving each discipline a clearer academic identity
Introduction of Bachelor’s Degree Programmes in Music and Dance, marking a major advancement in higher arts education.
Creation of independent Departments of Music and Dance, expanding specialized academic training in performing arts.
A new Art and Design unit was introduced under the Department of Dance, expanding the academic scope into visual arts support and creativity
The institution was formally established as the Sir Ponnambalam Ramanathan Faculty of Visual and Performing Arts under the University of Jaffna through Gazette Notification No. 2293/22.
The Faculty conducted its first International Conference, reflecting its expanding global reach and growing academic excellence.
Our Six Departments
Faculty Events
Inauguration Ceremony 2023/2024
Inauguration Ceremony for the students of the Academic Year 2023/2024 of the Sir Ponnambalam Ramanathan Faculty of Performing and Visual Arts was held from 16.02.2026 to 18.02.2026.
Second International Conference 2025
The Second International Research Conference of the Faculty was successfully held on 14 November 2025 at the Thiruvalluvar Cultural Centre under the theme “Tamil Arts – Tradition and Transformation".
Notices
