ICH Courier

raditional string puppet drama (Rūkada Nātya) of Sri Lanka, inscribed on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO in 2018, represents a distinctive and vibrant form of traditional performance art (UNESCO, n.d.). It is a type of drama performed using string puppets and this heritage embodies a rich combination of storytelling, craftsmanship, music, and performative expression, reflecting the cultural identity and historical continuity of Sri Lankan communities (NLDSB, 2017). As an element of intangible cultural heritage, string puppetry encompasses not only the physical puppets, but also the knowledge systems, skills, and cultural meanings transmitted across generations. Historically, string puppetry has functioned as a medium of entertainment,
education, and social commentary. Performances often depict folklore, historical narratives, and moral themes, serving as a means of cultural communication within communities.

The craft involves intricate techniques of puppet-making, manipulation, voice modulation, and stage presentation, all of which require years of training and experiential learning.
Traditionally, these skills have been passed down within families, sustaining a lineage-based system of knowledge transmission. Despite its cultural significance, Sri Lankan string puppetry faces a range of contemporary challenges. Rapid socio-cultural changes, the influence of modern entertainment media, and the limited economic viability of traditional arts have contributed to a decline in both practitioners and audiences. Younger generations often have fewer opportunities or incentives to engage with such traditions, leading to concerns about the long-term sustainability of this art form. In this context, safeguarding efforts must not only preserve existing knowledge but also adapt to changing social and technological environments.

In response to these challenges, the Tagore Center for Creative Inquiry and the Centre for Conceptual Anthropology of the University of the Visual & Performing
Arts organized an online session on traditional string puppetry, held in parallel with World Puppetry Day. This initiative aimed to raise awareness, facilitate knowledge sharing, and explore new modes of engagement through digital platforms. By situating the session within a global observance, the organizers also highlighted the relevance of Sri Lankan puppetry within broader international cultural discourse.
The session was conducted by Gamwary Indika Gamini, a highly experienced traditional puppeteer who represents a distinguished lineage in Sri Lankan string puppetry. Having been trained from a young age under the guidance of his father, Gamwary Premin—a recipient of the Kala Keerthi title he continues a family tradition that traces back to his grandfather, Master Podisirina, a key figure in the development of this art form in Sri Lanka. Through his work, Indika Gamini exemplifies the continuity of intangible cultural heritage through lived practice and intergenerational transmission. Over the years, he has performed extensively
across Sri Lanka and internationally, representing the country at cultural festivals in Germany, Thailand, Dubai, India, and China. His contributions extend beyond performance to include community engagement and social outreach. Notably, he has conducted performances in post-tsunami affected areas and in regions such as Vavuniya following the civil conflict, demonstrating the role of traditional arts in healing, education, and community resilience. He is also the founder of the Ambalangoda Puppet Theatre Festival, which serves as an important platform for the promotion and continuity of puppetry traditions.

The online session provided participants with valuable insights into the historical development, performance techniques, and cultural significance of string puppetry.
It also addressed contemporary challenges faced by practitioners, including issues of sustainability, transmission, and audience engagement. Importantly, the use of a digital platform enabled broader participation, particularly among students and younger audiences who may not otherwise have direct access to such traditions. This highlights the potential of digital technologies as tools for expanding the reach and relevance of intangible cultural heritage. Such initiatives
illustrate the evolving nature of heritage safeguarding in the contemporary world. While traditional methods of transmission such as apprenticeship and community-based learning remain essential, they can be complemented by innovative approaches that utilize digital media and virtual platforms. These methods can enhance documentation, accessibility, and educational outreach, thereby supporting the continuity of cultural practices in new contexts.

Furthermore, the safeguarding of Sri Lankan string puppetry aligns with broader global frameworks such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It contributes to quality education by promoting cultural knowledge and creative learning, supports decent work by sustaining the livelihoods of traditional artists, and strengthens sustainable communities by preserving cultural identity and diversity.
In this sense, intangible cultural heritage plays a vital role in fostering socially sustainable development.
The initiative undertaken by the University of the Visual & Performing Arts reflects a growing recognition of the need to integrate heritage preservation with contemporary  innovation. By creating a space for dialogue between practitioners, academics, and students, the session not only facilitated knowledge exchange but also encouraged critical reflection on the future of traditional arts. It demonstrates how institutions of higher education can actively contribute to the
safeguarding of intangible cultural heritage through research, education, and community engagement. In conclusion, Sri Lankan string puppetry remains a significant cultural practice that embodies both artistic excellence and social value. While it faces ongoing challenges in a rapidly changing world, initiatives such as digital awareness sessions provide meaningful pathways for its preservation and revitalization. By bridging tradition and technology, such efforts ensure
that this unique heritage continues to thrive, inspiring future generations while maintaining its cultural integrity.