Ms. Uthpala Gajamanne
Medical Music Therapist | Researcher | Educator | Sitarist & Vocalist
About the Founder
Ms. Uthpala Gajamanneis a qualified Medical Music Therapist and Researcher based in Sri Lanka. Her passion lies in helping individuals reconnect
with themselves holistically and enhance wellbeing through evidence-based Music Therapy interventions that address physical, psychological, emotional, and social health.
Academic Background
Uthpala holds a Bachelor of Science in Physical Science (ICT) from the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Sri Lanka. Guided by her passion to help through music, she pursued advanced studies at the Institute of Salutogenesis and Complementary Medicine, Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be University), Pondicherry, India, where she earned both a Postgraduate Diploma and a Master’s in Medical Music Therapy.
She was awarded Gold Medals for outstanding academic excellence in both programs, reflecting her deep commitment to integrating music and healthcare.
Musical Training and Background
A dedicated Indian Classical Sitarist and Vocalist, Uthpala is a Sangeet Visharad and National Award Winner (Sitar) with over 12 years of formal training and performance experience. Her deep musical foundation continues to inspire her therapeutic practice—blending artistry with clinical understanding.
Clinical Training
Uthpala has completed over 1,500 hours of intensive clinical training across a variety of medical settings.
Her supervised training included hands-on work in Mahatma Gandhi Medical College and Research Institute (MGMCRI) and Indira Gandhi Institute of Dental Sciences (IGIDS), Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth, Pondicherry India, involving the following areas:
Medical Oncology
Neurosurgery
Palliative Care
General Surgery
Pediatrics & Neonatal Intensive Care (NICU)
Obstetrics & Gynaecology
Dentistry
Orthopaedics
Neurology
This extensive exposure has given her a rich understanding of how music therapy complements medical care, promoting healing and improved quality of life.
Clinical Practice & Research
Uthpala’s research explores the role of Music Therapy in Cancer care and chemotherapy support, Dental anxiety and procedural comfort and Community-based wellbeing programs.
She has presented her work at international research platforms and continues to advance music therapy practice in palliative care, pain management, child developmental support, and group therapy for wellbeing.
Programs & Advocacy
Uthpala has conducted Group Music Therapy programs for school students, undergraduates, postgraduates, and corporate professionals across Southern India and Sri Lanka.She actively advocates for wellness, resilience, and emotional balance through music therapy in universities, hospitals, and community organizations.
Drawing from her experience as both an administrator and educator, she designs and facilitates corporate training, skills development, and lifestyle enhancement programs that promote holistic wellbeing through music.
Her Vision
To make Music Therapy accessible, recognized, and integrated into Sri Lanka’s healthcare and educational systems—empowering individuals and communities to experience the transformative therapeutic potential of music.
උத்පල(Uthpala) Swarsthaya - Backstory
Meaning behind the name
“Swarasthaya” combines Swara (musical tone or vibration) and Swasthya (health, balance, and wellbeing).
Together, it reflects the idea that music can restore harmony within body, mind, and spirit.
“උத்පල- Uthpala” (Lotus) symbolizes purity, awakening, and transformation. For us, it is about the process of inner growth, self-realization, and renewal, which are at the heart of therapeutic transformation.
At උත්පල (uthpala) Swarasthaya, we aim to guide our clients / patients to emerge from human struggles as a lotus rises gracefully above the murky water.
Logo Story
Lotus: Purity, transformation, and serenity — the journey from tension to tranquility.
Flowing Lines: The rhythm of life and music — the interplay of sound and silence, movement and stillness, fostering flow and connection.
Quaver Rest (integrated as Y in Swarasthaya): The healing pause — silence that completes the melody, reflecting the inner calm nurtured through Music Therapy.
Color Palette
Lotus Pink – compassion, emotional healing, love, and inner softness
Dull Green – Renewal, grounding, and connection with life’s natural flow
Black Lettering – Stability, strength, and depth
Music is not only an art form — it is a path to reconnect with one’s rhythm, emotions, and wholeness. At Uthpala Swarasthaya, we believe that between every sound and silence, lies the space for connection.
“Between sound and silence lies the space where healing begins.”
— Uthpala Swarasthaya
