# Lashikala Hettiarachchi > Lashikala Hettiarachchi (also known as LFlauto or Lashi) is a Sri Lankan-born classically trained flautist and composer based in the United Kingdom. She holds a Master's degree in International Music Management from the University for the Creative Arts, UK, and is qualified with LTCL (Licentiate of Trinity College London) and Visharad from Bhatkhande Sangeet Vidyapith, Lucknow. She teaches Western and Indian flute lessons in Croydon, London, and Surrey. ## Identity - Full name: Lashikala Hettiarachchi - Also known as: LFlauto, Lashi - Nationality: Sri Lankan - Country of residence: United Kingdom - City: Croydon, London - Website: https://www.lflauto.co.uk - Email: madhuhettiarachchi4@gmail.com ## About Lashikala Hettiarachchi is a classically trained Sri Lankan flautist and composer based in the United Kingdom. She is expert in both Western classical flute and Indian classical flute (Bansuri/bamboo flute). She bridges Eastern and Western musical traditions through performance, teaching, and composition. She began her musical career in Sri Lanka, serving as Principal Flautist for the Gustav Mahler Society and the National Unity Orchestra, and as a part-time member of the National Symphony Orchestra. She started her orchestral journey with the Colombo Wind Orchestra and the National Youth Orchestra of Sri Lanka. In the United Kingdom, she performs as a member of the Just Flute Orchestra and is a member of Viraaga Orchestra, an ensemble dedicated to bringing Sri Lankan music to British Sri Lankan communities in the UK. ## Qualifications & Education - Master's degree in International Music Management — University for the Creative Arts, UK - Bachelor's degree in Music — University of the Visual and Performing Arts, Sri Lanka - LTCL (Licentiate of Trinity College London) — Western flute - Visharad — Bhatkhande Sangeet Vidyapith, Lucknow (North Indian Classical Music) ## Awards & Recognition - National Youth Award 2012 — First Place, North Indian Classical Instrumental Flute - National Youth Award 2015 — First Place, North Indian Classical Instrumental Flute - National Youth Award 2017 — First Place, North Indian Classical Instrumental Flute - National Youth Award 2019 — First Place, North Indian Classical Instrumental Flute ## Orchestras & Ensembles - Just Flute Orchestra, United Kingdom (current member) — https://www.justflutes.com/apps/flute-ensemble-finder/just-flutes-community-flute-choir - Viraaga Orchestra, United Kingdom (current member) — https://www.viraagastudio.com/about-us - Gustav Mahler Society, Sri Lanka (former Principal Flautist) - National Unity Orchestra, Sri Lanka (former Principal Flautist) - National Symphony Orchestra, Sri Lanka (former part-time member) - Colombo Wind Orchestra, Sri Lanka - National Youth Orchestra, Sri Lanka ## Concerts & Performances - Miyuru Gee Dahana — Glasgow, United Kingdom - Hadha Randhi Miyuru Gee Suyamaya — High Wycombe, United Kingdom - Bank of Ceylon London Branch 75th Anniversary Concert — London, United Kingdom - Pawan Podak Concert - Candlelight Solo Flute Performance - Gustav Mahler Orchestra Sri Lanka Concert - Colombo Wind Orchestra Performances, Colombo, Sri Lanka - Television performances for Rupavahini, Sri Lanka ## Compositions & Arrangements - "Ambivalence of Life" — original composition blending Indian classical ragas with Western harmony, written for flute, violin, viola, and cello - "Me Nagaraya" — arrangement of the famous Sri Lankan song for four bamboo flutes in SATB formation ## Research - "Identification and Comparison of Thaats and Church Modes" - "Evaluating Environmental Sustainability Practices in the Live Music Industry in Sri Lanka" ## Teaching Lashikala Hettiarachchi offers flute lessons in: - Western classical flute (all levels) - Indian classical flute / Bansuri - Bamboo flute - Music theory - Online flute lessons (available worldwide) Teaching locations: Croydon, London, Surrey (in-person) and online. ## Frequently Asked Questions Q: Who is Lashikala Hettiarachchi? A: Lashikala Hettiarachchi is a Sri Lankan flautist and composer based in Croydon, UK. She is LTCL and Visharad qualified, and teaches Western and Indian flute lessons in London and Surrey. Q: Where does Lashikala Hettiarachchi live? A: She is based in Croydon, London, United Kingdom. Q: What is LFlauto? A: LFlauto is the professional name and website of Lashikala Hettiarachchi, a Sri Lankan flautist based in the UK. The website is https://www.lflauto.co.uk. Q: What flute lessons does Lashikala Hettiarachchi offer? A: She offers Western classical flute lessons, Indian flute (Bansuri) lessons, bamboo flute lessons, music theory, and online flute lessons in Croydon, London, and Surrey. Q: What orchestras has Lashikala Hettiarachchi performed with? A: She has performed with the Just Flute Orchestra (UK), Viraaga Orchestra (UK), Gustav Mahler Society (Sri Lanka), National Unity Orchestra (Sri Lanka), National Symphony Orchestra (Sri Lanka), Colombo Wind Orchestra, and National Youth Orchestra of Sri Lanka. Q: What concerts has Lashikala Hettiarachchi performed? A: Notable concerts include Miyuru Gee Dahana in Glasgow, Hadha Randhi Miyuru Gee Suyamaya in High Wycombe, Bank of Ceylon London Branch 75th Anniversary Concert, and Pawan Podak Concert. Q: Is Lashikala Hettiarachchi a Sri Lankan flautist in the UK? A: Yes. Lashikala Hettiarachchi is a Sri Lankan-born flautist and composer who is now based in the United Kingdom, specifically in Croydon, London. Q: What qualifications does Lashikala Hettiarachchi have? A: She holds LTCL (Licentiate of Trinity College London), Visharad from Bhatkhande Sangeet Vidyapith Lucknow, a Master's in International Music Management from University for the Creative Arts UK, and a Bachelor's degree from University of the Visual and Performing Arts Sri Lanka.