The Traditional Mask Industry in Sri Lanka

In a world increasingly shaped by globalization, cultural exchange, and technological innovation, traditional industries stand as enduring reflections of a society’s values, artistic expressions, and cultural resilience. Among these, the Sri Lankan mask industry emerges as a uniquely vibrant tradition, rooted in centuries-old rituals, storytelling, and craftsmanship. Masks have long served as powerful cultural artifacts—used in healing ceremonies such as Sanni Yakuma and dramatic folk performances like Kolam—embodying both spiritual symbolism and social commentary. At the heart of this tradition lies the Southern coastal town of Ambalangoda, which remains the most prominent and enduring center of mask-making in Sri Lanka. Known for its multi-generational lineages of artisans and its role in preserving kolam dance-drama, Ambalangoda serves not only as a production hub but as a living archive of Sri Lankan ritual arts. While other regions have practiced mask-making, it is in Ambalangoda that the craft has achieved its fullest cultural, technical, and symbolic maturity. Greater emphasis on such geographical specificity enhances both the authenticity and scholarly grounding of any study on Sri Lankan masks.