Rotaract Club of Uva Wellassa University-Badulla

Sri Lanka is one of the fascinators destinations in the map of the Indian Ocean. Not only the beauty of the country but also the folk art and culture of the country made a great contribution to this. Among those folk arts, mask art has a special place. Mask art has been a traditional folk art form in Sri Lanka for centuries and is closely associated with various cultures as well as dance traditions and rituals. Tourists have a great love for such fascinating arts unique to Sri Lanka. One of the main reasons why the Southern Province, which is a major tourist destination, is gaining traction is the popularity of mask art centered in the Southern Province. This is due to the fact that tourists are eager to see the beautifully colored masks as well as the rituals and dances performed using them. Today, mask showrooms and museums have been set up not only in the Southern Province but also in various parts of Sri Lanka for the purpose of attracting tourists, which has increased the interest

The Reed and Rush Industry is one of the most popular rural industries in Sri Lanka. This industry can be introduced as another traditional art that represents the superior creative potential of the Sri Lankan. From time immemorial, the industry has been closely associated with rural life. The reason is that these plants, which are grown in paddy fields and wetlands, are used as a raw material to make the tools needed in everyday rural life. The manufacturing process of the products produced here is in three basic steps. These include cutting reeds, drying in the sun and decorating with appropriate colors. These plants have been used in the past to make boxes, mats, luggages, and small purses, and today the range of these products has expanded. Among them are women's handbags, jewellery, hats, home decor and more. These products are able to attract the attention of not only locals but also foreigners and they also contribute a great deal to the national economy through exports. Wit

When it comes to the pottery industry in Sri Lanka, one memorable person comes to mind. Ajith Mohan Perera is his name. He's also known as "Master Potter" because of his contributions to the Sri Lankan pottery industry via self-study. Mr. Perera began his career with the Ceylon Ceramics Corporation in 1975. After 19 years, he was inspired to embark on his own journey.In 1986, he launched a shop under the name "Anuradha Ceramics" after exhibiting his first collection at the National Gallery. Mr. Perera also earned first prizes in Sri Lankan contests and received a scholarship to the United States of America under the US.AID program in 1993. In 1996, he was awarded the “Bunka” Prize in Japan for his third exhibition in Nagoya. Mr. Perera currently runs his own firm and serves a number of well-known hotel groups, including Jetwing Hotels Group, Hilton Colombo, and Cinnamon Grand. He has lately released a line of tableware, which includes plates, oil burners, and ba

Beeralu lace weaving, a legacy of the ancient Sri Lankan tradition, has now become a struggling industry.  This traditional industry, which has been around for many years, is on the verge of extinction. Traditional Sri Lankan beeralu lace weavings are disappearing from our country but this has the potential to generate huge revenue in the local and foreign markets.  It is a special trend that women, especially in European countries, are increasingly interested in these beaded laces.  But the problem is that these designers do not have the proper support in Sri Lanka for the future development of this weaving. This craft is dying because we have neglected the heritage of our country.  Today's young people also refuse to learn this traditional occupation as it is a difficult task to engage in this industry. The beeralu lace industry is facing a hopeless future with a backward demand and if these traditional beeralu weavers are not supported, it will become an old traditional art that

Sri Lankan culture is richly endowed with art, music, literature and religious heritage. Music is a universal language that has the amazing power to connect people. Sri Lankan traditional musical instruments make a significant contribution to this. Many musical instruments, especially percussion, are closely associated with religious ceremonies and rituals found in Buddhism and Hinduism. There is the _gata beraya_ to represent the Kandyan tradition, the _yak beraya_ to represent the down south and the _daula_ to represent the Sabaragamuwa tradition. _Thammettama_ is another drum that has embraced all three regions in common. Unlike Western drums, which are based on more modern and electronic sound systems, our traditional drums have a deeper soul. It is not only a drum but also a combination of craftsmen using the skills of our ancient kings. There are still a few remaining villages where these talented people play powerful drums and work quietly. Rural drummers select the body of the

Masks art is a traditional folk art that has been practiced in the down south area of Sri Lanka for centuries. Ambalangoda, Mirissa and Benthara in the Southern Province have been famous for this since ancient times. The heritage of the masks industry is still preserved in these areas and the special techniques and rituals associated with it are still intact. The masks industry in Sri Lanka represents different cultures. Among them, there is a strong connection with the Kandyan, Down south, Sabaragamuwa traditional dances as well as Shanthikarma. Masks art in Sri Lanka is very popular not only locally but also abroad. This art contributes immensely to the development of the tourism industry in Sri Lanka and contributes to the beautification of the culture not only in Sri Lanka but in the whole of Asia too. This art, which has been handed down from time immemorial following traditional customs, seems to have been somewhat commercialized today. However, there are a number of obstacles to

From time immemorial it has been the custom of the Sri Lankans to drink fermented toddy with coconut kithul and palm flowers. There is also evidence that honey drinking was an ancient royal festival in the past. The Dutch started producing arrack from coconut flower extract in Sri Lanka. They also produced and exported arrack in taverns. This situation developed more than before during the Portuguese and English colonial times. After being declared a colony in 1802, the English government continued to trade arrack in the coastal areas as well as in the upcountry through Muslim traders. First the arrack was given to the people of this country for free, and then when they became addicted to it, the British knew that it was a definite habit. It is also reported that the income and living standards of toddy makers in the North, who used to earn a meager income in the past, are now at a high level. Sri Lanka's toddy products are currently exported to a number of countries including Brit