Law Country Dance 🔱

Among Sri Lanka’s traditional dance forms, there are three main traditions: Kandyan, Law Country, and Sabaragamuwa. Among these, the Law Country dance tradition can be identified as a distinctive style. It developed primarily in the low-country regions and the Western Province of Sri Lanka. Within the Law Country dance tradition, there are four main sub-styles: Matara, Bentara, Raigama, and Siyane. Each of these sub-traditions consists of unique elements of dance, singing, drumming, decorations, and costumes, which differ from one another.

In the Law Country dance tradition, the principal ritual of healing (Shanthikarma) is the Devol Madu ceremony. Its narrative is connected to King Seraman, who ruled in India, and the goddess Pattini. Among the rituals conducted in honor of deities, the most notable are the Gammadu, Ginimadu, Poonamadu, Thundaa Gimadu, and Kolmura Yagaya. For the appeasement of demons, the main rituals performed are Sanni Yakuma, Mahasohon Samayama, Riddi Yagaya, and Suniyama.

The principal drum of this dance tradition is the Pahatharata drum. It is also known by several names, including Yak Bera, Devol Bera, Ghoshaka Bera, Dik Bera, and Ruhunu Bera. The use of masks is a distinctive feature of this tradition. They are mainly used in Kolam dramas and in rituals performed for demons.