Traditional Puppet Art Museum

Explore the unique, traditional Sri Lankan puppets and puppet shows. It is believed that Puppet (Rukada in Sinhalese) shows in Sri Lanka has been popular in the county for more than 300 years, and considered to be an identical rural communication media. The museum showcases masks, puppets and you can organise puppet shows. Call the museum to arrange a performance and to check whether they are open before you go.

Sri Lankan puppet art has been influenced by India, China, Malaysia, Japan, Germany, Chekoslovesia and Russia. The art however has got its own attributes from the traditional Sri Lankan “Nadagams” & “Kolams”. The southern coastal towns Ambalangoda and Balapitiya are the main towns known for puppet arts. Podi Sirina Gurunnanse (master) is one of the pioneers of traditional puppetry, the later generations of his family tree are still involved with puppet art. Sri Lanka has several types of puppets, Thread Puppets, Club Puppets, Shadow Puppets, Hand Puppets and Finger Puppets are the main ones. Traditionally treated Kaduru (Pagiantha dichotoma / Eve's apple, Forbidden fruit) or Rukatthana (Alstonia scholaris) trees are used to make wooden puppets.

Follow this link for more information on the opening hours, and performances. http://www.puppet.lk/