Ancient Sri Lanka meets modern Australia, decades on

Half a century since its time-honoured routines were first seen by Australian audiences, the traditional Sri Lankan Chitrasena Dance Company has returned.

The group performed for the media to the beat of drums in front of a spectacular Sydney backdrop at Mrs Macquarie's Chair.

"We try to stay within the traditional vocabulary itself but always experimenting on how far we can push the boundaries" said the founder's grand-daughter and present artistic director, Heshma Wignaraja.

The Kandyan dancers last toured Australia in 1963 and 1972 to sell-out audiences, who rarely had the opportunity to experience South Asian culture.