Puppet art was popular all over the world but in Sri Lanka it has been inherited from earlier generations due to the cultural inter-relationships that coexist within the Sri Lankan society. Traditional offerings, devil dances, healing rituals, Kolam & Nadagam were all contributors to the hereditary puppet art of Sri Lanka. It has been evident that Sri Lankan puppet art have gained influence from the province of Rajasthan, India. However, Sri Lanka has been blessed with an extraordinary skill to move the puppets in a dance form adorned with masks and costumes with strings attached which are used for folk dance characters and healing rituals. The ‘Rookada’ figures (puppets) have been handcrafted by local puppet artists. Puppet shows portray stories giving emotions such as sympathy, fear, humour and wit through dialogues, poems or speeches using traditional music.
Located in Dehiwala, this puppet art museum was established with the sole intention of preserving the puppet art within the country and was founded by Mr. Sarath Wijaya Abeygunawardene. There are some galleries at the museum explaining stories such as the story of Maddum Bandara, the Vidura Jathakaya, the Wessanthara Jatakaya, the Dikhthala Kalagola story and the Saliya Asokamala story. Training sessions, puppet shows, seminars and lectures are conducted at this venue. This museum features a separate gallery for traditional masks created by local artists from the Ambalangoda area which is famous for traditional mask making. Puppet shows are shown in the mini theatre; however visitors who wish to witness a puppet show will have to call the museum in advance to arrange a puppet show. A ticket costs just Rs. 50 and visitors can purchase puppets that are available for sale.
