The Ancestral Home of Masks & Kolam Drama - Tukka Wadu Heritage

Discover the Living Heritage of Sri Lanka’s Masks and Kolam Drama....

Sri Lanka’s traditional masks and masked drama, known as Kolam Drama, were created centuries ago by the Tukka Wadu family of the Karava community—master carpenters, architects, and building constructors. This vibrant art form was developed to entertain, educate, and inspire audiences through diverse dance styles and storytellin

g that blend social, historical, religious, and cultural elements. The Tukka Wadu ancestors were the first in history—perhaps even in the world—to create very large, beautifully decorated, wearable wooden masks, some exceeding four and a half feet in height. These masks were not merely for display but were actually used in Kolam drama performances centuries ago. Today, more than 50 original masks, crafted around 300 years ago, are preserved at the National Museum of Colombo, standing as living proof of the family’s unmatched artistry and innovation. The cultural contributions of the Tukka Wadu lineage have earned high praise from distinguished figures such as Queen Elizabeth II, Rabindranath Tagore, Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai, and British writer and dance critic Beryl de Zoete. In 1962, Tukka Wadu masks were proudly showcased at the World Cultural Exhibition in Tashkent (then part of Soviet Russia), bringing global recognition to the family’s legacy. To date, seven dancers from the Tukka Wadu troupe have received the prestigious Kalabooshana State Award, further affirming their role as custodians of this rare heritage. This remarkable tradition has been preserved through generations, faithfully passed down from father to son, ensuring the continuity of its original form together with all related rituals, customs, and traditions. The current inheritor, Kala Guru Tukka Wadu Harishchandra (72), a state award-winning master, continues to preserve, practice, and share this extraordinary art with the world. A visit to the Tukka Wadu ancestral home offers a rare opportunity to experience authentic Sri Lankan masks, Kolam drama, and traditional craftsmanship firsthand. Due to limited space, we kindly request advance notice for visits.