Features

Some reflections on cultural revival of 20th Century Ceylon

Published

2 years ago

2024/03/29

By Uditha Devapriya

Until the 1940s and 1950s, much of the arts in Sri Lanka, then Ceylon, remained the preserve of an English-speaking elite. They were very much moulded by colonial attitudes: the two most representative institutions of this period, the University Dramatic Society (Dramsoc) and the Ceylon Society of Arts, had been modelled along the lines of British institutions, including the Royal Academy. Restricted to a Westernised elite and circumscribed by their narrow vision, they became anachronistic long before their demise.

Maname and Rekava are typically described as the artistic high points of the 1950s, and both are seen as having facilitated a rupture with the colonial setup. Correct as this view may be, however, it is important to note that by 1956 theatre and cinema had become dominated by another social class: a Sinhala petty bourgeoisie, who saw plays and films as entertainments. There was no difference between these art forms: between, for instance, the plays of John de Silva and the films of B. A. W. Jayamanne. Both replicated each other, both amplified one another, and both responded to just about the same crowd.

What this means is that, by the 1950s, Ceylon’s cultural landscape had bifurcated between two diametrically opposed ideological streams: an Anglicised colonial elite on the one hand, and a Sinhala petty bourgeoisie on the other. The colonial elite had their own institutions, well-funded and well recognised at official levels. The petty bourgeoisie lacked that kind of institutional support, but the emergence of political forces sympathetic to their demands compensated for such limitations. Before we go any further with this trajectory, however, we need to take stock of some crucial developments in 20th century Ceylon.

Ironically – or perhaps not so ironically – it was the sons and daughters of the colonial elite who first went against the grain, questioned accepted artistic conventions, and opened the arts to indigenous elements. In this they found themselves occupying the best of both worlds: access to money and capital, and the freedom to rebel against the same class that had provided them with that capital. The example of Lionel Wendt is the best there is: hailing from a prominent legal family, he spurned a legal career and took to photography and music, emerging as a patron of Sinhala culture and Kandyan dance.

The formation of the 43 Group only reinforced these trends. None of the founding artists of the 43 Group – with the prominent exception of Manjusri, the ex-Buddhist monk – were conversant, still less fluent, in Sinhala. Yet they patronised Sinhala dance, painting, literature, and other cultural forms, going back to Sinhala villages, outside Colombo, talking to locals, forming seminal friendships, broadening their horizons, helping them take their art to the world beyond their homes. To be sure, the elite’s conception of traditional art could be narrow, one could say even orientalist – as Qadri Ismail has noted in his critique of the 43 Group. But to local artists, their intervention proved to be pivotal.

The plays of John de Silva and the films of the Minerva Players – of Rukmani Devi and the Jayamanne brothers – pandered to a completely different milieu, as far removed from the Anglicised elite as they could be. Art forms like literature and dance could be revived: they could be salvaged and “redeemed” in the eyes of the elite. The sons of traditional dancers thus found themselves teaching Colombo’s upper-classes, in schools like Trinity and Ladies’ College, paving the way for that transition – which Sarath Amunugama dwells on in his study of kohomba kankariya – from art-as-ritual to art-as-performance.

These transitions more or less made it easier for the elite to absorb, immerse themselves in, and rejuvenate such art forms. Theatre and cinema, however, proved to be somewhat challenging here. For elite audiences, they remained, at best, mere entertainments. There was thus hardly any push to elevate these art forms: theatre and film producers merely pandered to the audiences who typically went to see Sinhala plays and Sinhala films. When Lester Peries, Titus Thotawatte, and Willie Blake visited Sir Chittampalam Gardiner, of Ceylon Theatres, for instance, the following exchange unfolded.

“I have just seen the finest Sinhalese film ever made.”

Our hearts fluttered for a moment.

Could it be – was it possible – that he was alluding to Rekava?

“Do you know that Seda Sulang will be an all-time great? I have seen it in Madras.”

Gardiner hailed from one of the most established families in Jaffna. His response to Seda Sulang – which today’s critics would put down as puerile and peechan, a typical song-and-dance medley that contains nothing to redeem it – was conditioned by the context of his times. The elite did not view film or theatre seriously, in part because these had already been taken up by a different crowd. That crowd had neither the money nor the political clout that the elite did. But as a class – formed mostly of merchants and mudalalis – they were influential in their own right, and they patronised these art forms. The colonial elite, for the most, accepted that state of affairs and played along.

Lester’s and Sarachchandra’s interventions were thus pivotal. They faced a dual challenge. On the one hand, they strived to use these art forms – theatre and cinema – to revive traditional culture, to represent that culture to the world outside. On the other hand, they had to emancipate them from the colonial petty bourgeoisie to which they had been confined until then. To put it crudely, Sarachchandra had to rescue Sinhala theatre from Tower Hall, while Lester had to rescue Sinhala film from the Madras studios.

This was a challenge that the colonial elite, especially the founding members of the 43 Group, did not face and did not have to resolve. The likes of Lionel Wendt, George Keyt, and Ivan Peries did not discover the traditional Sinhala village; the Sinhala village existed well before their time. Yet when they arrived on the scene, it was entirely up to them to depict it for everyone else. They did not have to contend with other social classes in this task because they were the first to arrive, the first to become patrons and financiers.

Lester James Peries and Ediriweera Sarachchandra did not have this luxury, because theatre and cinema had already been discovered, and dominated, by another class. That both succeeded in taking these art forms in a different direction, away from the confines of that class, is a tribute and a credit to them. In later years a completely different generation – more bilingual and more sensitive to cultural nuances – took up the challenge of going beyond even Sarachchandra and Lester. In doing so, they established these art forms as more than entertainments, fulfilling a task – a historical task, no less – which had originally fallen on the colonial elite, in early 20th century Ceylon.

Uditha Devapriya is a writer, researcher, and analyst based in Sri Lanka who contributes to a number of publications on topics such as history, art and culture, politics, and foreign policy. He can be reached at udakdev1@gmail.com.

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US’ anti-migrant stance set to intensify tensions in Western camp

Published

4 hours ago

2026/06/11

Sahan Weerasooriya

Migrant boats land on Western beaches. Credit: PA

The announcement by the US authorities of an anti-migrant stance during a recent commemoration in France of the epochal D-Day Landings of June 6, 1944, ought to strike impartial observers as a supreme irony. Whereas what should have been expected was a vibrant celebration of the beginning of the process of Western Europe freeing itself decisively from Nazi or fascist control during the crucial stages of World War Two, this was not to be.

What the world heard instead was a call to contemporary Western Europe to arm itself against a seemingly rising and threatening migrant presence in the region. In other words, the migrant must be despised and ‘shown the door’.

Instead of a commemoration that rejoiced in the flourishing of liberal democracy and its values what one got was a strong affirmation of fascism and racial chauvinism. US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth vented his spleen against the migrant or foreigner presence in Europe reportedly thus: ‘Sadly today different European beaches are stormed by different dangerous ideologies.’ To ‘beaches in Spain and Italy and Greece and Bulgaria, boats and men arrive. When will European capitals do something about that invasion?’

While at the outbreak of World War Two it was Nazi Germany that was doing the invading and bringing some principal European countries under its suzerainty, this time around we are being given to understand that it’s migrants to the West who are seeking to colonize the latter. It goes without saying that such inflammatory rhetoric would have the deleterious effect of keeping racial tensions alive in the West and jeopardize all possibilities of the countries concerned cementing and maintaining social stability.

The Trump administration gives the impression of taking a leaf from the politically underdeveloped regions of the South to keep the US polity stable and united. In South Asia, for instance, we are not short of ambitious demagogues who use what is referred to as the ‘race card’ to gather unto themselves a following and thereby further their political fortunes. By seeking to stir and sustain anti-migrant hysteria, the Trump administration is also essentially replicating Nazi Germany’s policy of anti-Semitism. That is, fascism is very much alive in the US under President Trump.

Such efforts at churning racial hysteria at this juncture in the US should not come as a surprise. For all intents and purposes, the Trump administration is nowhere near achieving its aims in West Asia, for instance, in the short term. It has failed to bring Iran down to its knees, as it hoped to do, but is adopting the expedient of keeping the world guessing and confused on what it is doing in the region, since it cannot withdraw from the theatre in a hurry without losing face.

While perhaps working out an escape strategy the Trump administration it seems, is hoping to maintain its following at home intact and silent by playing on their racial biases and insecurities. Hence, the anti-foreigner campaign.

Simultaneously, the Trump administration will need to keep a close eye on how economic pressures on the domestic front are panning out. Anti-administration sentiments first break to the surface at meal tables. On this score, the news cannot be good because the average US family’s spending power ought to be shrinking on account of rising energy and oil prices. Consequently, it would not be a bad idea to keep the attention of the US consumer diverted by adeptly playing ‘the race card’; once again, lessons from intellectually bankrupt Southern politicians are coming in handy.

To be sure such comparisons many politicians in vibrantly democratic countries would find quite unflattering. But the stark truth is that racism cannot be tolerated in civilized societies and those politicians who resort to it risk being branded as racists of the first degree. In fact they could be seen as being on par with the likes of German dictator Adolph Hitler and his close collaborators.

However, on the question of migrant policy the Trump administration would likely be at polar opposites with the most vibrant of liberal democracies of the West. This will be the case with the UK, France and Italy for instance. The latter continue to keep their doors open to legal migrants and they are likely to view a virtual blanket ban on migrants as reprehensible.

Moreover, in the foremost democracies of the West debates are vibrantly ongoing on the need to keep racism or any hint of it completely outlawed in the public plane. There is the case of the UK, for instance, where the authorities continue to emphatically pinpoint their adherence to the principle of anti-racism in the conduct of public affairs.

One proof of the above was the parliamentary debate relating to the killing of 18-year-old Henry Nowak in Southampton. Police handling of the victim came in for sharp scrutiny by particularly the opposition in the House of Commons but there seemed to be a consensus over the main political divide that the matter should not be politicized.

Moreover, the UK authorities stressed in the House the government’s strict adherence to the policy of non-racism. It was also pointed out that British institutions set up to manage racism at the national, county and neighbourhood levels, for example, were very much intact. In fact, Sri Lanka could gain considerably by studying and implementing locally, legislation modeled on the relevant UK laws if it is in earnest when it speaks of ‘reconciliation’.

Accordingly, it is highly unlikely that Western Europe would ‘cave in’, so to speak, to US pressure on issues related to migration. The liberal democracies of Western Europe in particular would remain for the foreseeable future migrant-welcoming, multi-ethnic and plural democracies.

Nor is it likely that Western Europe would be passively receptive to US demands that it drastically increases its defense spending to meet the latter’s demands. Within the Western fold the EU is remaining committed to backing Ukraine, for instance, in its ongoing armed resistance to the Russian invasion and it is not giving any indication of being deferent to US pressure.

However, although tensions would continue to bristle within US-Western Europe relations on the above and numerous other matters of contention it would be far too premature to announce a parting of company between the two sections of the West. In that sense, the post-World War Two order remains essentially intact. There are still many things in common between the two, particular on the economic plane, that will ensure the continuance of the partnership.

Features

A decade among Yala’s ghosts of gold

Published

4 hours ago

2026/06/11

Sahan Weerasooriya

YM75 "James" surveys his territory from a tree-top vantage point, demonstrating the leopard's commanding presence in the landscape.

The first rays of dawn creep over the ancient rocks of Yala. The Indian Ocean glimmers in the distance, and the wilderness slowly awakens. Somewhere amid the scrub jungle, a pair of amber eyes scans the landscape.

For wildlife conservationist and leopard researcher Milinda Wattegedara, moments such as these have defined more than a decade of dedication to one of Sri Lanka’s most iconic creatures—the Sri Lankan leopard.

What began as fascination evolved into a remarkable conservation journey that has transformed the understanding of Yala’s leopard population and placed Sri Lanka firmly on the global wildlife research map.

“Long before I ever lifted a camera, leopards had already captured my imagination,” says Wattegedara. “What fascinated me was not merely their beauty but the complexity of their lives—their hunting strategies, movements, reproductive behaviour and their remarkable ability to adapt to changing environments.”

That fascination led to the birth of the Yala Leopard Diary in 2013, an ambitious long-term project dedicated to documenting individual leopards and unraveling the mysteries surrounding their lives.

For many visitors, a leopard sighting is a fleeting thrill. For Wattegedara and his team, every encounter is a chapter in an ongoing scientific story.

“Each photograph was never the end of an encounter,” he explains. “It was the beginning of deeper questions. How did a particular leopard use the landscape? How did its behaviour change with the seasons? What environmental pressures shaped its decisions?”

These questions drove years of meticulous fieldwork. Every sighting was carefully recorded with details including location, habitat, behaviour, date and time. Photographs were analysed to identify individual animals through unique spot patterns, allowing researchers to distinguish one leopard from another with remarkable accuracy.

What followed was groundbreaking.

YF77 “Shelly” pauses in quiet observation, embodying the alertness
and grace that define Yala’s leopard population.

From 2013 to 2026, the Yala Leopard Diary identified an astonishing 189 individual leopards within the Yala Block 1. The research revealed a leopard density of approximately 0.524 leopards per square kilometre, making Yala one of the highest leopard-density landscapes ever recorded anywhere in the world.

Such findings have elevated Yala’s status among global wildlife researchers.

Nestled between the Indian Ocean and a mosaic of habitats, ranging from rocky outcrops to dense scrub forests, Yala offers an ecological stage unlike any other.

Here, leopards are photographed silhouetted against ocean horizons, perched atop ancient granite formations, resting on tree branches and stalking prey across sunlit grasslands.

The images tell stories of extraordinary lives.

There is Haminee, a devoted mother navigating the challenges of raising cubs in a competitive landscape. There is Lucas, one of Yala’s most frequently documented males, striding confidently across the Gonalabba Plains with the vast ocean forming an unforgettable backdrop.

There is Ruki demonstrating the species’ incredible strength by hoisting prey onto branches, and Shelly, quietly surveying her surroundings in a moment of feline vigilance.

Together, these individuals have become familiar characters in a living wilderness drama.

YM31 “Ruki” secures prey on a branch, illustrating the remarkable strength and coordination of the Sri Lankan leopard.

Recognising the immense value of long-term documentation, Wattegedara joined forces with fellow researchers Dushyantha Silva, Raveendra Siriwardana and Mevan Piyasena to establish the Yala Leopard Centre in 2020.

Located at the Palatupana entrance to the Yala National Park, the centre is believed to be the world’s first information facility dedicated exclusively to leopards.

“The centre serves as a repository of knowledge, accumulated through years of observation and research,” Wattegedara says. “Our goal is to connect visitors with the science behind conservation and foster a deeper appreciation of these magnificent animals.”

The project’s impact extends far beyond Sri Lanka’s borders.

Research arising from the Yala Leopard Diary has been published in internationally recognised scientific journals. One study introduced an innovative framework for identifying individual leopards, while another documented an extraordinary and previously unrecorded case of a leopard cub being consecutively adopted by two different adult females—first a relative and later an unrelated leopardess.

The discovery attracted international scientific attention and highlighted the complexity of leopard social behaviour.

Yet for Wattegedara, the most important lesson remains one of humility.

“One conclusion has become increasingly clear,” he reflects. “Our understanding of these leopards remains far from complete. We are only beginning to understand how they live, adapt and persist in one of Sri Lanka’s most dynamic protected landscapes.”

YF15 “Hope” descends Rukvila Rock at dawn, showcasing the agility and adaptability of Yala’s leopards.

His words underscore an essential conservation truth: the more we learn about nature, the more mysteries emerge.

As Sri Lanka navigates growing environmental challenges, the Yala Leopard Diary stands as a shining example of what sustained observation, scientific curiosity and public engagement can achieve.

Beyond the stunning photographs and remarkable sightings lies something even more valuable—a growing body of knowledge capable of informing future conservation decisions and ensuring that future generations inherit a wilderness where leopards continue to roam free.

For more than a decade, Wattegedara and his colleagues have followed the tracks of Yala’s elusive predators through dust, rain and scorching heat.

Their work has revealed that every leopard has a story, every sighting has significance and every photograph can contribute to conservation.

And perhaps, most importantly, it has reminded us that the golden ghosts of Yala still have many secrets left to share.

By Ifham Nizam

Features

Glamour, music and community spirit …

Published

4 hours ago

2026/06/11

Sahan Weerasooriya

Sri Lankans are quite active, all around the globe.

News has just come my way, from Glasgow, in Scotland, where the glamour of masks, music, dancing, and community spirit, came together, in spectacular fashion, at Masquerade Night, bringing together members of the Sri Lankan community for an evening filled with music, fashion, food and entertainment.

Organised by Mahesh Balaaratchi (DJ Mowgli) together with Sulochana Asmone, Hiroshini, Prasad, Ashi, and Shawn, the evening provided guests with an opportunity to socialise, enjoy live entertainment, and celebrate in a unique and elegant setting.

Guests arrived from 6:00 pm, dressed in formal attire and decorative masks, creating a colourful and vibrant atmosphere throughout the venue.

DJ Mowgli: The main
organiser of
Masquerade Night

There was a delicious selection of Sri Lankan cuisine and street food, which proved popular throughout the evening.

The buffet offered a variety of traditional favourites, giving attendees a taste of home while adding to the festive atmosphere.

Entertainment was provided by DJ Mowgli, whose performance kept the audience engaged throughout the night. His playlist featured a mixture of popular favourites, dance classics, and cultural music, remixed for a younger generation.

One of the highlights of the evening was the Baila session, which brought a distinctly Sri Lankan flavour to the event.

The Baila segment highlighted the importance of preserving and celebrating cultural traditions, while bringing people together through music and dance.

As familiar rhythms filled the room, guests enthusiastically took to the dance floor, creating one of the most memorable moments of the night.

The crowd was described as lively, energetic, and welcoming, with attendees embracing the spirit of the masquerade theme while enjoying the opportunity to reconnect with friends and meet new people. The family-friendly atmosphere ensured that guests of all ages could take part in the celebrations.