The visual arts, architecture, literature,
music and dance of Sri Lanka all bear the definitive seal of
centuries-old Buddhist culture which had hold sway over the social
fabric of the country. Until the coming of the British, poetry,
music and dance were almost entirely ceremonial and devotional
performances. It’s only by the mid-19th century that Sri Lanka
opened its windows to the outside cultural influences. This was
hastened by the advent of the printing press.
Literature
Sri Lanka did not have a fertile ground for the growth of
vernacular literature particularly because of the conservative
Buddhist tradition coupled with the fierce political repression
which followed the leftist revolts of 1971 and 1987-88 and the
ethnic troubles of the 1980s and 1990s. But still she has her share
of home spun literary talent. The best known of its authors,
perhaps, is Michael Ondaatje, who wrote the much acclaimed novel The
English Patient, also a popular screen picture.
Music and Dance
Kandyan Dance:
Music and dance in Sri Lanka are still closely intertwined with
religious rituals. Kandyan or 'high country' dance which is
accompanied by the complex rhythms of several drummers has evolved
from village dances performed to appease to local deities. The
percussion instrument used is a wooden drum with leather heads of
monkey skin at one end and cowhide at the other. Two different types
of skins make room for contrasting tones. Dancers, usually women, go
through a routine of sinuous poses and flowing arm movements.
Devil- mask Dance:
'Low country' or 'devil-mask' dancing is generally performed with
the motive of exorcism. These are also accompanied by drummers, who
use a special 'demon drum' to enhance the steps and movements of
dancers wearing the grotesque masks representing the 18 demons of
disease.
Art and Architecture
Buddhist Influence:
Sri Lanka's architectural heritage is very much influenced and
shaped by Buddhist traditions. Prominent among the architectural
edifices are the dagobas which are sighted everywhere in the
country. Built in the shape of a dome, the dagobas often enshrine
relics of the Buddha, such as a hair or a tooth, and is usually
massively constructed of brick covered with a coat of plaster and
painted white. Ancient temple sites are featured by statues of
Buddha which are often carved from the living rock of basalt crags
and cliffs. Frescoes like those located at Sigiriya may display
beautiful women, temple dancers or deities.
European Influence:
The pantiled roofs and verandahs which grace many a quaint, old
building are living examples of the Portuguese and Dutch
architectural legacy. Many Dutch buildings are still found in Galle.
Kandy and Nuwara Eliya houses many surviving buildings from the
British colonial era.
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