2026 JIAPICH Finalists
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Group Introduction
A living cultural hub dedicated to preserving and carrying forward the tradition of Sri Lanka’s Rūkada Nātya puppet theatre
The Saranga Puppet Group carries forward the traditions of the Ganwari family, the ancestral
lineage of Sri Lanka’s Rūkada Nātya (string puppet theatre), and plays a leading role in the
safeguarding and transmission of this intangible cultural heritage through structured
apprenticeship training, the establishment of a puppet museum, and digital archiving
initiatives. Under the leadership of Master Premini Ganwari, the group is dedicated to
strengthening artistic capacities and fostering community-based cultural participation,
ensuring that Rūkada Nātya continues to thrive as a living and sustainable cultural practice for future generations.
Major Activities
Traditional Transmission and Education
Transmission of puppet-making, performance techniques, theatrical interpretation, and related
knowledge through family-based apprenticeship systems and the operation of a traditional puppet theatre academy.
Performances and Awareness-Raising Activities Promotion of the value and public recognition of traditional puppet theatre through performances at schools and cultural festivals across Sri Lanka, collaborations with mass media, and the publication of educational materials and books.
Museum and Archive Development Safeguarding puppets and related artifacts through the establishment of the Ambalangoda Puppet Museum and the operation of digital archives, while creating a cultural hub for the local community.
National and International Cooperation and Exchange Enhancing the international visibility of traditional puppet theatre and expanding professional networks through advisory work with the Ministry of Culture of Sri Lanka, participation in international puppet festivals, and engagement in academic and cultural exchanges.
Performances and Awareness-Raising Activities Promotion of the value and public recognition of traditional puppet theatre through performances at schools and cultural festivals across Sri Lanka, collaborations with mass media, and the publication of educational materials and books.
Museum and Archive Development Safeguarding puppets and related artifacts through the establishment of the Ambalangoda Puppet Museum and the operation of digital archives, while creating a cultural hub for the local community.
National and International Cooperation and Exchange Enhancing the international visibility of traditional puppet theatre and expanding professional networks through advisory work with the Ministry of Culture of Sri Lanka, participation in international puppet festivals, and engagement in academic and cultural exchanges.
