K. M. Rathnapala

K. M. Rathnapala (born 26 March 1965), is a Sri Lankan music teacher, multi-instrumentalist, educationalist and a pioneer in national school talent management.

Career Early years Rathnapala started his teaching career in 1990 when he was appointed the first music teacher in Ihalagama Gemunu Vidyalaya. and 'Prashasthi' for multiple years. He was known not only for teaching his assigned students who studied music as a subject, but also for guiding students from other academic streams who wished to learn music from him. Being a student centered disciplinarian and due to his lively and optimistic demeanor, Rathnapala was additionally entrusted as the teacher-in-charge of 'Ananda College Drug Prevention Association' and 'Ananda College Radio Club', making him the first and only teacher-in-charge of four clubs and societies in school's history. In 2021, after twenty three years of service in Ananda College, Rathnapala was transferred to Ananda Sastralaya, Kotte to continue his visionary teaching. His student Kasun Kalhara made a tribute by dedicating the song Sithija Rekha from his 2005 album Radical Premaya to Rathnapala.

In 2025, Rathnapala obtained his Master of Music from the University of Kelaniya, and initiated 'Rathsara' school of music.