 |
| Susantha Kumara has been engaged in the trade for three decades |
The centuries-old traditional mask-making industry in the southern coastal town of Ambalangoda is fast fading away because of the destruction of the Kaduru trees to the raging waves the tsunami seven years ago.
The wood of the Kaduru tree is widely used in the manufacture of masks. However with the scarcity of this wood in the area production is fast falling.
Those engaged in the industry are now appealing to the authorities for help.
Ms. Udeni Syamalee has been involved in the trade for many years and had a work force of around 15 persons on her payroll. "But times have changed since the wall of water crashed into the area. My production has been slashed by 50 per cent,” she told the Sunday Times.
She said mask-making was one of the oldest traditional arts in the country and it was only right for the authorities to protect the industry instead of letting it sink.
Similar fears were echoed by Susantha Kumara who has been engaged in the craft for the past three decades.
"Ambalangoda has been associated with mask-making for centuries. It is only correct that immediate steps be taken to protect the industry without further delay,” he added.
 |
| A worker paints a devil mask |
 |
| Story and Pix by Amila Prabhoda |
|
E-mail
