Features

Folk Museums- A NEW CONCEPT

Published

3 years ago

2023/05/14

by Dr.PG Punchihewa

Folk museums lately are receiving more and more attention They deal with and . Such museums cover local life in rural communities. A folk museum typically displays historical objects that were used as part of the people’s everyday lives. Examples of such objects include clothes and tools. Many folk museums are also and some cover (Wikipaedia)The concept of open-air museums originated in in the late 19th century .While they serve as centers of a sub culture They are also increasingly becoming tourist attractions.

In Sri Lanka there are two well known folk museums’ one at Anuradhapura and the other at Koggala which exclusively deals on life and works of Martin Wickremasinge..

A folk museum has to focus on a particular community or a locality .In a particular case it can include certain subcultures which have an affinity to the main one. Folk culture and tradition can encompass a wide area or subjects. It can be common or individual objects.For the sustenance of a folk museum it is fitting that one or more supportive sub cultures be there. They can be symbiotic. .One feeding the others.

Mirissa

Mirissa a small town on the south coast of Sri Lanka located in the of the . It is approximately 150 kilometers south of and is situated at an elevation of four meters (13 ft) above sea level. Mirissa’s beach and nightlife make it a popular tourist destination. It is also a fishing port and one of the island’s main whale and dolphin watching locations. Mirissa is one of the most popular beach destinations in southern , and for a good reason! The area has it all, ,

But Mirissa is not all about the beaches and sea food The Legend

The legend about Mirissa goes back to the time of Viharamaha Devi.It is said that she developed a desire to eat from a 16-foot long honey comb and it was found on a fishing boat near Mirissa . But there are no historical records which refer to Mirissa.

How ever there are more.legends,traditions and cultural objects and artifacts at Mirissa which are not found in any one spot along the south west coast Sri Lanka.At Mirissa there are two subcultures dependent on the vocation of the people – fisheries and agriculture-based activities. It also has a group which specializes in tovll -a ritualistic performance and drumming. Like two seeds in a pod the two communities have led to a peaceful co-existence. Kolam dance is common to both.

Kolam Dance of Mirissa

Kolam dance in a rudimentary form had its origin in South India and probably was introduced to Sri Lanka about two to three centuries ago. In a background which had a form of ritualistic dance in thovil, kolam added a new dimension in the form of local characters like vidane, panikkiya nonci, mudali, hewa and duraya. They brought in a sense of humor to Kolam dance.

Kolam dance is chiefly distinguished by the fact that the actors wear masks that are carved out of soft wood like kaduru and is mainly concentrated in the Southwest of the island, more particularly in Ambalangoda and Mirissa . It may be due to ritualistic dance, thovil was accepted and practiced in these two villages for a long time.

However, Kolam performance did not last long in its original form even in these localities. It had to give way to a form of drama called nurti introduced from North India. . Its lilting music ,rich costumes ,historical or mythical stores etc. soon overpowered kolam. The Editor of Lakminipahana in its publication of January 1886 refers to this changa(1.)

Kolam masks

Although Kolam performance is not common anymore, both Mirissa and Ambalangoda have jealously preserved the Kolam masks. Even today at Mr. Martin Amarasinghe’s residence at Udupila, Mirissa, there are said to be about 100 masks of various kinds belonging to about 70 Kolam dramas which this clan owns. In addition, Sunandaramaya at Mirissa has about 30-40y masks. The most significant feature of the collection is that it contains the oldest and the rarest traditional mask called “the panchanârighata” (with five faces). Kolam group of Mirissa is a one, handed down from generation to generation.

The position in Mirissa is that although Galle Road and coastal regions ,due to a rapid growth of tourism have been developed, when one observes a place like Udupila in Mirissa that the rural areas continue to exist as they were in the past. Mirissa group has not yet made art their livelihood. They refuse to give economic value to their art and as far as possible try to preserve its traditional value.

Cultural values of traditional subsistence economy, which is not mixed with capitalistic social changes, can still be seen in them. (2.)The position in Mirissa is that they are people who still derive pleasure out of folk sports that prevailed in feudal days. They refuse to give economic value to their art and as far as possible try to preserve its traditional value. Cultural values of traditional subsistence economy, which is not mixed up with capitalistic social changes, can still be seen in them.

Masks for aesthetic pleasure

“Masks themselves have become aesthetic pleasure” states Dr Siri Gunasinghe.3.They had a very important role to play as the most effective means of impersonating the extraordinary characters that feature in these performances both ritual and dramatic.”

“In the kolama ,in all probability ,is preserved a very old tradition of narrative drama of a purely folk style. Vidane, Panikkiya and Nonci are some of the characters that have been favorites subjects of the mask makers. In spite of the exhilarating humorous appearance these masks stand out on account of the realistic effect of old age that has been very cleverly brought out .These masks are probably some of the best creations of the Sinhala carver.”3.Siri Gunasinghe

“Viewed independently of the performance itself ,all these masks seem very neutral and lacking in in any kind of expression that may provoke laughter ,but once worn by the actor every tilt ,every change of angle ,every movement of the head is capable of a large variety of expressions.(2)”A mask that often becomes full of expression and provokes a good deal of mirth is the mudali kolama bringing out all that is haughty in the high government official(3)

The task of the Ceylon mask maker compared to the Indonesian mask maker was perhaps made more difficult by the need for a juxtaposition of the various components. In addition, he also had his limitations in the use of colors .However Dr.Siri Gunasinghe says we must give the village craftsman the credit for creating some of the most colorful masks known to folk art anywhere in the world.”(3)

.2 Dr.Senevirathne.S.S.A¹Kariyakarawane S.M*²CONOMIC STRUCTURE OF SRI LANKAN KOLAM DRAma
3.Dr Siri Gunasinghe Masks of Ceylon

Samudragirviharaya

Aithough there are about five temples in Mirissa the oldest must be Samudragirivharaya.The development of the Samudragriri Viharaya is said to commence from the early 19^th century when a bhikkhu from Tiranagama came to reside at this monastery The fact that a bhikkhu from outside came to Mirissa and took up residence at this monastery vouch for its old times.

“The monastery consists of a large image shrine containing some of the best of the low country sittara style datable to the nineteenth century” says Prof. Senaka Bandaranaike in his monograph on Samudragiri Viharaya.He adds ,” the paintings of the Samudragiriviharaya appear to have been saved from the infiltration of the twentieth century Rococo art forms (widely detailed to the point of excess) which have disfigured many of the nineteenth century low country paintings of the southern temples.”

The paintings include the birth and the early phases of the life of Siddharta and a number of jatakas among which are Sama Jataka ,Khantavadi Jataka ,Sasa Jataka ,Kurudhamm)jataka ,Deva dhamma Jataka and Culladhammapala Jataka and several others and configurations of the six heavens.

Two sittaras one from Denepitiya and the other from Garanduwa both few miles from Mirissa are said to have been involved with the paintings in the image house.The significance of the paintings of SamudragiriViharaya has been recognized by the State in in reproducing some of the in the postage stamps in 1986

Lacemaking

THE ancient craft of making beeralu lace was introduced to Sri Lanka during the colonial times ,more likely during the time of Dutch occupation. The words beeralu ,isbeesalaya ,alpenetta doyle,are of Dutch origin.

Today, it is a cottage industry that has received worldwide recognition.

Mirissa had been specializing in lace making probably from the time it was introduced .While the men went fishing the women were gainfully occupied in lace making It is intricate and laborious. There were times when young girls were expected to learn it .Even today it is a thriving cottage industry.

The writer has seen the beeralu kotte and its practitioners in tourist centers in Holland where they exhibit their skills.

Case for a folk museum

.Mirissa though small in size and population has all the ingredients needed for a folk museum. The artifacts that were used by the different groups of the community in different trades will be interesting if dis played. For eg the different types of boats like kuda oru, bala oru,madal oru and now bahu dina yathra and nets like karal dal,,madal.hurulle dal have not changed the art of fishing in Mirissa..In Uupila there are artifacts different from those of the main subculture

As mentioned in the body of the paper, there is enough to fill a folk museum before they get lost.

(Location .The writer and the co-owners of the family have donated a block of land to the government which we feel is ideal for the proposed folk museum. Details of this land could be obtained from the Divisional Secretary Weligama .Unfortunately except for a few encroachments nothing has taken place on this land).

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Features

Crucial test for religious and ethnic harmony in Bangladesh

Published

8 hours ago

2026/02/12

Sahan Weerasooriya

A political protest that led to governmental change in Bangladesh mid last year. (photograph: imago)

Will the Bangladesh parliamentary election bring into being a government that will ensure ethnic and religious harmony in the country? This is the poser on the lips of peace-loving sections in Bangladesh and a principal concern of those outside who mean the country well.

The apprehensions are mainly on the part of religious and ethnic minorities. The parliamentary poll of February 12th is expected to bring into existence a government headed by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and the Islamist oriented Jamaat-e-Islami party and this is where the rub is. If these parties win, will it be a case of Bangladesh sliding in the direction of a theocracy or a state where majoritarian chauvinism thrives?

Chief of the Jamaat, Shafiqur Rahman, who was interviewed by sections of the international media recently said that there is no need for minority groups in Bangladesh to have the above fears. He assured, essentially, that the state that will come into being will be equable and inclusive. May it be so, is likely to be the wish of those who cherish a tension-free Bangladesh.

The party that could have posed a challenge to the above parties, the Awami League Party of former Prime Minister Hasina Wased, is out of the running on account of a suspension that was imposed on it by the authorities and the mentioned majoritarian-oriented parties are expected to have it easy at the polls.

A positive that has emerged against the backdrop of the poll is that most ordinary people in Bangladesh, be they Muslim or Hindu, are for communal and religious harmony and it is hoped that this sentiment will strongly prevail, going ahead. Interestingly, most of them were of the view, when interviewed, that it was the politicians who sowed the seeds of discord in the country and this viewpoint is widely shared by publics all over the region in respect of the politicians of their countries.

Some sections of the Jamaat party were of the view that matters with regard to the orientation of governance are best left to the incoming parliament to decide on but such opinions will be cold comfort for minority groups. If the parliamentary majority comes to consist of hard line Islamists, for instance, there is nothing to prevent the country from going in for theocratic governance. Consequently, minority group fears over their safety and protection cannot be prevented from spreading.

Therefore, we come back to the question of just and fair governance and whether Bangladesh’s future rulers could ensure these essential conditions of democratic rule. The latter, it is hoped, will be sufficiently perceptive to ascertain that a Bangladesh rife with religious and ethnic tensions, and therefore unstable, would not be in the interests of Bangladesh and those of the region’s countries.

Unfortunately, politicians region-wide fall for the lure of ethnic, religious and linguistic chauvinism. This happens even in the case of politicians who claim to be democratic in orientation. This fate even befell Bangladesh’s Awami League Party, which claims to be democratic and socialist in general outlook.

We have it on the authority of Taslima Nasrin in her ground-breaking novel, ‘Lajja’, that the Awami Party was not of any substantial help to Bangladesh’s Hindus, for example, when violence was unleashed on them by sections of the majority community. In fact some elements in the Awami Party were found to be siding with the Hindus’ murderous persecutors. Such are the temptations of hard line majoritarianism.

In Sri Lanka’s past numerous have been the occasions when even self-professed Leftists and their parties have conveniently fallen in line with Southern nationalist groups with self-interest in mind. The present NPP government in Sri Lanka has been waxing lyrical about fostering national reconciliation and harmony but it is yet to prove its worthiness on this score in practice. The NPP government remains untested material.

As a first step towards national reconciliation it is hoped that Sri Lanka’s present rulers would learn the Tamil language and address the people of the North and East of the country in Tamil and not Sinhala, which most Tamil-speaking people do not understand. We earnestly await official language reforms which afford to Tamil the dignity it deserves.

An acid test awaits Bangladesh as well on the nation-building front. Not only must all forms of chauvinism be shunned by the incoming rulers but a secular, truly democratic Bangladesh awaits being licked into shape. All identity barriers among people need to be abolished and it is this process that is referred to as nation-building.

On the foreign policy frontier, a task of foremost importance for Bangladesh is the need to build bridges of amity with India. If pragmatism is to rule the roost in foreign policy formulation, Bangladesh would place priority to the overcoming of this challenge. The repatriation to Bangladesh of ex-Prime Minister Hasina could emerge as a steep hurdle to bilateral accord but sagacious diplomacy must be used by Bangladesh to get over the problem.

A reply to N.A. de S. Amaratunga

A response has been penned by N.A. de S. Amaratunga (please see p5 of ‘The Island’ of February 6th) to a previous column by me on ‘ India shaping-up as a Swing State’, published in this newspaper on January 29th , but I remain firmly convinced that India remains a foremost democracy and a Swing State in the making.

If the countries of South Asia are to effectively manage ‘murderous terrorism’, particularly of the separatist kind, then they would do well to adopt to the best of their ability a system of government that provides for power decentralization from the centre to the provinces or periphery, as the case may be. This system has stood India in good stead and ought to prove effective in all other states that have fears of disintegration.

Moreover, power decentralization ensures that all communities within a country enjoy some self-governing rights within an overall unitary governance framework. Such power-sharing is a hallmark of democratic governance.

Features

Celebrating Valentine’s Day …

Published

8 hours ago

2026/02/12

Sahan Weerasooriya

Valentine’s Day is all about celebrating love, romance, and affection, and this is how some of our well-known personalities plan to celebrate Valentine’s Day – 14th February:

Merlina Fernando (Singer)

Yes, it’s a special day for lovers all over the world and it’s even more special to me because 14th February is the birthday of my husband Suresh, who’s the lead guitarist of my band Mission.

We have planned to celebrate Valentine’s Day and his Birthday together and it will be a wonderful night as always.

We will be having our fans and close friends, on that night, with their loved ones at Highso – City Max hotel Dubai, from 9.00 pm onwards.

Lorensz Francke (Elvis Tribute Artiste)

On Valentine’s Day I will be performing a live concert at a Wealthy Senior Home for Men and Women, and their families will be attending, as well.

I will be performing live with romantic, iconic love songs and my song list would include ‘Can’t Help falling in Love’, ‘Love Me Tender’, ‘Burning Love’, ‘Are You Lonesome Tonight’, ‘The Wonder of You’ and ‘’It’s Now or Never’ to name a few.

To make Valentine’s Day extra special I will give the Home folks red satin scarfs.

Emma Shanaya (Singer)

I plan on spending the day of love with my girls, especially my best friend. I don’t have a romantic Valentine this year but I am thrilled to spend it with the girl that loves me through and through. I’ll be in Colombo and look forward to go to a cute cafe and spend some quality time with my childhood best friend Zulha.

JAYASRI

Emma-and-Maneeka

This Valentine’s Day the band JAYASRI we will be really busy; in the morning we will be landing in Sri Lanka, after our Oman Tour; then in the afternoon we are invited as Chief Guests at our Maris Stella College Sports Meet, Negombo, and late night we will be with LineOne band live in Karandeniya Open Air Down South. Everywhere we will be sharing LOVE with the mass crowds.

Kay Jay (Singer)

I will stay at home and cook a lovely meal for lunch, watch some movies, together with Sanjaya, and, maybe we go out for dinner and have a lovely time. Come to think of it, every day is Valentine’s Day for me with Sanjaya Alles.

Maneka Liyanage (Beauty Tips)

On this special day, I celebrate love by spending meaningful time with the people I cherish. I prepare food with love and share meals together, because food made with love brings hearts closer. I enjoy my leisure time with them — talking, laughing, sharing stories, understanding each other, and creating beautiful memories. My wish for this Valentine’s Day is a world without fighting — a world where we love one another like our own beloved, where we do not hurt others, even through a single word or action. Let us choose kindness, patience, and understanding in everything we do.

Janaka Palapathwala (Singer)

Janaka

Valentine’s Day should not be the only day we speak about love.

From the moment we are born into this world, we seek love, first through the very drop of our mother’s milk, then through the boundless care of our Mother and Father, and the embrace of family.

Love is everywhere. All living beings, even plants, respond in affection when they are loved.

As we grow, we learn to love, and to be loved. One day, that love inspires us to build a new family of our own.

Love has no beginning and no end. It flows through every stage of life, timeless, endless, and eternal.

Natasha Rathnayake (Singer)

We don’t have any special plans for Valentine’s Day. When you’ve been in love with the same person for over 25 years, you realise that love isn’t a performance reserved for one calendar date. My husband and I have never been big on public displays, or grand gestures, on 14th February. Our love is expressed quietly and consistently, in ordinary, uncelebrated moments.

With time, you learn that love isn’t about proving anything to the world or buying into a commercialised idea of romance—flowers that wilt, sweets that spike blood sugar, and gifts that impress briefly but add little real value. In today’s society, marketing often pushes the idea that love is proven by how much money you spend, and that buying things is treated as a sign of commitment.

Real love doesn’t need reminders or price tags. It lives in showing up every day, choosing each other on unromantic days, and nurturing the relationship intentionally and without an audience.

This isn’t a judgment on those who enjoy celebrating Valentine’s Day. It’s simply a personal choice.

Melloney Dassanayake (Miss Universe Sri Lanka 2024)

I truly believe it’s beautiful to have a day specially dedicated to love. But, for me, Valentine’s Day goes far beyond romantic love alone. It celebrates every form of love we hold close to our hearts: the love for family, friends, and that one special person who makes life brighter. While 14th February gives us a moment to pause and celebrate, I always remind myself that love should never be limited to just one day. Every single day should feel like Valentine’s Day – constant reminder to the people we love that they are never alone, that they are valued, and that they matter.

I’m incredibly blessed because, for me, every day feels like Valentine’s Day. My special person makes sure of that through the smallest gestures, the quiet moments, and the simple reminders that love lives in the details. He shows me that it’s the little things that count, and that love doesn’t need grand stages to feel extraordinary. This Valentine’s Day, perfection would be something intimate and meaningful: a cozy picnic in our home garden, surrounded by nature, laughter, and warmth, followed by an abstract drawing session where we let our creativity flow freely. To me, that’s what love is – simple, soulful, expressive, and deeply personal. When love is real, every ordinary moment becomes magical.

Noshin De Silva (Actress)

Valentine’s Day is one of my favourite holidays! I love the décor, the hearts everywhere, the pinks and reds, heart-shaped chocolates, and roses all around. But honestly, I believe every day can be Valentine’s Day.

It doesn’t have to be just about romantic love. It’s a chance to celebrate love in all its forms with friends, family, or even by taking a little time for yourself.

Whether you’re spending the day with someone special or enjoying your own company, it’s a reminder to appreciate meaningful connections, show kindness, and lead with love every day.

And yes, I’m fully on theme this year with heart nail art and heart mehendi design!

Wishing everyone a very happy Valentine’s Day, but, remember, love yourself first, and don’t forget to treat yourself.

Sending my love to all of you.

Features

Banana and Aloe Vera

Published

8 hours ago

2026/02/12

Sahan Weerasooriya

To create a powerful, natural, and hydrating beauty mask that soothes inflammation, fights acne, and boosts skin radiance, mix a mashed banana with fresh aloe vera gel.

This nutrient-rich blend acts as an antioxidant-packed anti-ageing treatment that also doubles as a nourishing, shiny hair mask.

* Face Masks for Glowing Skin:

Mix 01 ripe banana with 01 tablespoon of fresh aloe vera gel and apply this mixture to the face. Massage for a few minutes, leave for 15-20 minutes, and then rinse off for a glowing complexion.

* Acne and Soothing Mask:

Mix 01 tablespoon of fresh aloe vera gel with 1/2 a mashed banana and 01 teaspoon of honey. Apply this mixture to clean skin to calm inflammation, reduce redness, and hydrate dry, sensitive skin. Leave for 15-20 minutes, and rinse with warm water.

* Hair Treatment for Shine:

Mix 01 fresh ripe banana with 03 tablespoons of fresh aloe vera gel and 01 teaspoon of honey. Apply from scalp to ends, massage for 10-15 minutes and then let it dry for maximum absorption. Rinse thoroughly with cool water for soft, shiny, and frizz-free hair.