NATIONAL LIBRARY AND DOCUMENTATION SERVICES BOARD
NATIONAL LIBRARY AND DOCUMENTATION SERVICES BOARD
Traditional String Puppet Drama, known as Rukada Natya in Sinhala, is a popular form of entertainment practiced by artists of the Gamwari lineage or familial groups connected to them living mainly in the southern and western coastal areas of Sri Lanka. Although its origin is uncertain, researchers believe that migrants from the southern or south-western coastal areas of India might have introduced the art to Sri Lanka several centuries ago. Master puppeteers carve the parts of the puppets from wood, polish, paint, and enjoin the body parts together, while the female members of the family sew the costumes, dress the puppets, and do the make-up and other decorations. Rukada Natya performances are held at temple premises or other public spaces that are easily accessible for rural communities. Buddhist jataka stories, historical narratives or contemporary events provide sources for the puppeteers to prepare their own scripts. The performances with didactic messages, enveloped in full of innocuous humour, allows the community members laugh together, enjoy together, and relax together, thus helping them socialize and connect with each other, strengthen social bonds, and build new relationships. For these and many other reasons, Sri Lankans consider the traditional string puppet drama or Rukada Natya as an important part of the country's intangible cultural heritage.
