Srilanka, April 15 -- Emeritus Professor Jayasena Kottegoda, former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Visual and Performing Arts and a pioneering figure in Sri Lankan aesthetic studies, has passed away at the age of 72.

Born on November 22, 1952, in the village of Kottagoda, Matara, he was the second of seven siblings. His educational journey began at Godauda Junior College and continued at Godauda Maha Vidyalaya, later leading him to the Government College of Dance and Printing.

Prof. Kottegoda was among the first batch of Fine Arts graduates from the Institute of Fine Arts. He began his academic career on October 31, 1978, as a visiting lecturer in the Department of Fine Arts at the University of Kelaniya.

Regarded as a leading a...