Life style

Diminishing Dumbara patterns call for revival

Published

5 years ago

2021/02/28

The Anthropology Department of the Colombo National Museum is home to a striking repertoire of Dumbara designs. The collection which is open to the public only through temporary exhibitions, urges the revival of this fast diminishing traditional form of Lankan art which is described as a kind of ‘artistic meditation.’

by Randima Attygalle

The staff of the Anthropology Department of the Colombo National Museum treats me to a feast of painstakingly designed exotic dumbara mats, tapestries, cushion covers, purses and much more. I marvel at the skill of the traditional Lankan artisan which is often taken for granted, bargained over, driven to substitute with other means of income today.

Once the staple of the picturesque Dumbara valley (valley of the mist) or Dumbara mitiyawatha, the craft was even sought by royalty. Some of the descendants of the master weavers who enthralled Kandyan monarchs with their art, still labour to keep their family tradition alive in villages of the Dumbara valley such as Thalagune and Menikhinna. They work against many odds. The base for the craft is the hemp leaf (niyanda hana) botanically termed Sansevieria zeylanica which is hard to source today. This drives the weavers to find substitutes such as cotton.

“The difficulty in sourcing traditional inputs and the poor market price for this time consuming craft force many weavers to abandon it. In the olden days, low pit looms were used to weave hemp. Today these are replaced by cotton and standing looms. The natural dyes are today replaced with synthetics,” notes the Director General, Department of National Museums, Sanuja Kasthuriarchchi.

One of the chief keepers of the tangible history of ours, Kasthuriarachchi with her special interest in traditional local arts, moots public-private collaborations to revive this one-of-a-kind Sri Lankan craft. Unless the weavers are offered incentives and assisted to find markets, their art would soon be confined only to museums, she laments. “This environmental-friendly form of art deserves pride of place in homes, offices and hotels and a national boost is necessary.”

The Colombo National Museum’s collection of dumbara designs are a mix of donations and purchases. The entire collection, however, is not meant for public viewing, given the restrictions in exhibiting space. “We do our best to enable public access through our temporary exhibitions from time to time,” says the DG. The collection also facilitates research. They are important for the study of the use of colours, the distinct patterns of fauna and flora and other inherent weaving skills of master weavers.

An intense research on Dumbara craft by the Anthropology Department of the Colombo National Museum is underway. The community-based research in the traditional weaving villages of Dumbara which was to commence last year was suspended due to the pandemic. Museum officials hope to recommence the project once normalcy returns.

“Today the craft has been diversified and has added handbags, file covers, pencil holders etc. to its portfolio. Yet, unless the craftspeople are given a sense of security including assured markets locally and globally, this craft will not last up to the next generation,” remarks Manoj Hettiarachchi. The Museum’s anthropology curator. Museum officials encourage the public to add to their Dumbara collection.

‘An investment in the national interest, such donated exhibits from private collections will be conserved for posterity. They are treated against possible insect attacksand other hazards.’

The dumbara patterns were perfected by men and women of the kinnaraya caste, notes Ananda Coomaraswamy in his work,
Mediaeval Sinhalase Art. The historian also mentions ballads known as kinnara kavi sung by ancient dumbara weavers.

The labour-intensive fibre-production process is described by Coomaraswamy in his book. The rounded green leaves of the hana plant are gathered and scraped against a log known as the niyanda poruwa with a wooden tool (ge-valla) shaped like a spoke shave. ‘This scraping removes the fleshy part of the leaf, leaving the white fibre, which is oiled and brushed and then ready for use almost immediately. Part of the material is left white, the rest dyed red, yellow or black.’

As Coomsraswamy describes: ‘the red colour is obtained by boiling the fibre with patangi wood, korakaha leaves and gingelly oil or seeds; the yellow from a decoction of venivel; the black with the help of gall nuts, aralu and bulu.’ Added to these three traditionally used natural colours mentioned by Coomaraswamy are an assortment of others including green and blue sourced by artificial dyes.

The loom is described as a ‘low horizontal contrivance’ and the weaver squats on the mat itself, supported by a few flat logs between it and the ground. The pattern is picked up with the weaver’s lathe (vema); this lathe, having an eye at one end, serves as a bodkin called heda liya with which to draw the weft threads through the warp.’

Perfectly plain mats are called pannam kalala, Coomaraswamy documents. These are usually decorated with birds, as is usually are kurullu kalala. Those with a variety of patterns are veda kalala or veda peduru. Among the notable dumbara patterns are toran-petta, tarava,tani-vel iruwa, depota lanuwa, taraka petta, pannam petta, tunpota lanuwa, del geta lanuva and mal gaha. Animal patterns of birds, deer, cobra and elephants were also popular.

Pic credit: Department of National Museums

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Life style

Beauty of Sri Lanka in focus: Global showcase blends art, diplomacy and conservation

Published

1 day ago

2026/04/12

Thilina Walpola

Ambassador Jovita Neliupsiene, Head of the EU Delegation to the US, and Mahinda Samarasinghe, Ambassador of Sri Lanka to the US, joined a special viewing of the exhibition

By Ifham Nizam

The sixth edition of the “Beauty of Sri Lanka” Photography Exhibition is set to unfold across North America this April, transforming the power of visual storytelling into a compelling platform for cultural diplomacy, environmental advocacy and nation branding.

Organised by the America Sri Lanka Photographic Art Society in collaboration with key diplomatic and institutional partners, including the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Washington, D.C., the Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka to the United Nations, the Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Los Angeles and Toronto, and the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau, the exhibition will run from April 22 to May 4 across Los Angeles, Toronto, New York and Washington, D.C.

Held in conjunction with Earth Day, the exhibition continues to evolve as a globally recognised initiative that brings together art, conservation and international engagement. What began as a photography showcase has now matured into a dynamic soft-power platform that tells Sri Lanka’s story to the world—through its landscapes, biodiversity, and deeply rooted cultural heritage.

Photographers from Sri Lanka at Nigara State Park

The 2026 tour will feature prestigious venues that reflect its growing international stature. These include the iconic Church of Scientology Celebrity Centre International, Metro Hall in Toronto—marking the exhibition’s debut in Canada—the Permanent Mission in New York, and the Sri Lankan Embassy in Washington, D.C., as part of the widely celebrated Passport D.C. event. Each venue represents not only a geographic expansion but also a widening of the exhibition’s global audience and influence.

Exhibition

At its heart, “Beauty of Sri Lanka” is a vivid narrative of a nation’s natural and cultural wealth. From the mist-covered central highlands and pristine coastal belts to dense rainforests teeming with endemic wildlife, the exhibition captures Sri Lanka’s ecological richness through the lenses of talented photographers. These images serve as both an invitation to explore and a reminder of the urgent need to protect fragile ecosystems.

This year’s programme takes a significant step further by integrating real-world environmental action. The “ReTree Los Angeles” initiative, launched in line with Earth Day, focuses on tree planting, urban restoration and community engagement. It also includes a children’s painting competition aimed at fostering environmental awareness among the younger generation. Organisers believe that nurturing creativity at an early age can instil a lifelong commitment to conservation.

Adding a scientific dimension to the event, Dr. Sarath Gunapala will deliver the keynote address on “The Journey of Infrared Photography,” exploring how advanced imaging techniques can reveal unseen dimensions of the natural world. His participation highlights the exhibition’s interdisciplinary approach, where art meets science to deepen understanding and appreciation.

The exhibition will also feature a vibrant cultural segment designed to immerse international audiences in Sri Lanka’s living traditions. A carefully curated lineup of performances—including the sacred Wes Pooja, the dramatic Naga Raksha mask dance, the rhythmic Thelme ritual dance and the light-hearted Salu Paliya—will bring to life the island’s folklore, rituals and performing arts heritage. These performances are expected to add colour, rhythm and emotional depth to the visual experience offered by the photographic displays.

ASPAS President Suria Perera emphasised that the exhibition is more than a display of images. “It is a celebration of Sri Lanka’s identity—its natural beauty, its cultural vibrancy, and its responsibility to future generations,” she said. “Through photography and community engagement, we aim to inspire a deeper connection between people and the environment.”

Over the years, the exhibition has drawn a diverse audience, including diplomats, policymakers, conservationists, art collectors and members of the Sri Lankan diaspora. Its ability to connect these varied groups underscores its role as a bridge between cultures, fostering dialogue and mutual understanding while strengthening Sri Lanka’s global presence.

The continued support of diplomatic missions, cultural institutions and tourism authorities has been instrumental in elevating the exhibition’s profile. Their collaboration reinforces the role of art as a powerful tool in shaping perceptions, building partnerships and promoting sustainable tourism.

As the 2026 edition prepares to open its doors, “Beauty of Sri Lanka” stands as a testament to the island nation’s enduring appeal and its commitment to conservation. It is not merely an exhibition, but a movement—one that celebrates beauty, inspires responsibility and connects Sri Lanka to the world through the universal language of art.

Life style

Vibrant celebration of tradition and togetherness

Published

1 day ago

2026/04/12

Thilina Walpola

This holiday season, City of Dreams Sri Lanka invites guests to step into the heart of a truly Sri Lankan celebration with Signature Avurudu—a four-day cultural experience taking place.

Blending time-honoured traditions with contemporary flair, the festivities promise to capture the spirit of the Aluth Avurudda (Sinhala and Tamil New Year) in all its colour, rhythm, and warmth. From the moment guests arrive, they will be welcomed into a space transformed with festive décor, echoing the charm of a village celebrations brought to life in the city.

At the centre of the celebration is the Pahan Pujava, a symbolic lamp lighting ceremony led by the management, setting a tone of unity, prosperity, and new beginnings. This meaningful ritual reflects the essence of the New Year—a time to pause, reflect, and step into the new year with hope and positivity.

Throughout the four days, guests can experience the rich cultural heritage of Sri Lanka through a series of traditional performances. The rhythmic beats of raban and drums, alongside vibrant dance acts, will fill the air, creating an atmosphere that is both nostalgic and celebratory. Adding to the experience are elegantly dressed Sri Lankan hostesses, offering a warm, authentic welcome that embodies the island’s renowned hospitality.

No Avurudu celebration is complete without its flavours, and City of Dreams Sri Lanka delivers a feast to remember. Guests can indulge in an array of traditional sweets and savouries, alongside curated Avurudu-themed buffets and creative beverages inspired by local ingredients. Passing canapés and festive treats ensure there is something to enjoy at every turn—whether you’re reminiscing over childhood favourites or discovering new twists on beloved classics.

Designed as a celebration for all, Signature Avurudu brings together families, friends, and visitors from around the world to share in the joy of the season. It is a reminder that Avurudu is more than a festival—it is a feeling of togetherness, renewal, and shared happiness.

This April, celebrate the sights, sounds, and tastes of Avurudu at City of Dreams Sri Lanka—where tradition meets modern celebration, and every moment feels like home.

Life style

Thomian sailors secure many medals in India

Published

1 day ago

2026/04/12

Thilina Walpola

Thomian sailors witj official

Students of S. Thomas’ College recently demonstrated commendable performance at two international sailing events held in India: the inaugural Indian Sailing Regatta and the 4th North-East Regatta. Both events featured participation from foreign teams, including Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Malaysia, Russia, Great Britain, South Korea, Singapore, and India.

The inaugural Indian Sailing League (ISL), held at Umiam Lake, Shillong, India, marked a significant milestone in the sport and was prominently featured in The Times of India. The ISL is a first-of-its-kind franchise-based sailing league, bringing together 14 teams, 182 sailors, and 58 international participants from eight countries.

The ISL follows a concept similar to the Cricket Indian Premier League, where top sailors are “bid” and selected into franchise teams representing different regions. The competition introduced an innovative team-based format in which the best sailor from each team in each category competed, combining multiple race formats such as fleet racing, team racing, marathon races, and rig-and-race challenges. This pioneering structure, widely regarded as a first in global sailing history, has significantly enhanced the spectator appeal and competitive depth of the sport, while promoting youth, women, and high-performance sailing on a single platform.

At the first Indian Sailing Regatta, in the Boys’ Optimist category, Haren Wickramatillake secured 3rd place and was also awarded a special medal for his courage during the rig and race event. Dhiren Perera achieved 3rd place in the rig and race event alongside his team member.

At the 4th North-East Regatta, performances continued to be noteworthy. In the Main Optimist Boys category, Haren Wickramatillake was placed 6th, while Shem Fernando secured 19th place out of 32 participants. In the Junior Green Fleet Optimist Boys category, Anuruth Tennakoon achieved 2nd place and Dhiren Perera was placed 4th out of 10 participants. In the ILCA 4 Boys category, Akaine Ubayasiri was placed 11th out of 22 participants.

These achievements highlight the high level of skill, determination, and sportsmanship demonstrated by the young sailors, while also reflecting Sri Lanka’s strong presence in an emerging and globally significant sailing platform.

Upcoming international sailing events, featuring students of S. Thomas’ College, include the Asian Beach Games 2026, to be held in China ,in April 2026, and the International Optimist Dinghy Association (IODA) competition, scheduled to take place at Port City, in Sri Lanka, in December 2026. These events will provide valuable international exposure and further opportunities for the young college sailors to compete at a high level.