Nilantha Karunarathna began dancing at the age of seven under the guidance of Guru Suranga Dinesh Chandrasiri at the Sarasavi Rangayathanaya in the Kandyan and Low Country dance forms that are native to Sri Lanka.

During his school years, Nilantha won the All-Island Competition for excellence in Kandyan dance on five occasions. At the age of 19 he was recruited to the prestigious Western Province Dance Troupe and performed with them for three years including tours to Thailand.

Later, he joined the Sri Lanka State Dance Troupe and travelled all over North America. In 2006, Nilantha received the Best Actor Award from the Government of Sri Lanka’s National Ballet Festival.

He has also earned a diploma from the Sri Lankan government in Kandyan dance and folk singing. At present he is studying Kathak under the guidance of Guru Saveeta Sharma and is a member of Upasana’s dance company, Saveeta's Company.