Rukada, which means figure or wooden doll, is a traditional puppet art form that originated in Sri Lanka about 300 years ago. It gained popularity in Ambalangoda and Balapitiya after being originated in Kandegoda. The traditional string puppetry art form was pioneered by Podi Sirina Gurunnanse and his family is still thriving in this art form. Sanush, a 10-year-old puppeteer, is the youngest puppeteer in Sri Lanka and is one of Podi Sirina Gurunnanse’s descendants. With a deep connection to this ancient craft, Sanush brings new energy to traditional puppetry, captivating audiences with his youthful enthusiasm and talent.

Could you tell us about yourself?

I’m G. Sanush Wihansa Gamini. I’m 10 years old and in Grade 6 at Sripathi Maha Vidyalaya in Ambalangoda. I’m the youngest puppeteer in Sri Lanka and puppetry has been in my family for many generations.

What are you doing lately?

I’m acting in a Sinhala teledrama called ‘Kolam Kuttama’. We’re shooting it right now. I’m also going to puppet shows and I’m super excited because on 19 February, I’m going to Delhi, India, to participate in another puppet show.

Are you into any other types of art?

Yes, I love traditional music too. I practise instruments like thabla, yak beraya, and dolkiya at home. I haven’t had any formal training yet, just teaching myself. But my parents are thinking of sending me to a master soon.

When did you begin puppeteering?

I’ve been doing puppet plays since I was 2 years old. I started with simple dolls on strings. My dad and grandfather taught me everything. We’re a family of puppeteers. My dad, Gamini Indika and I learned from my grandfather, G. Premin. He learned from his father, G. Jamis, who learned from Ganwary Podi Sirina. Ganwary Podi Sirina was G. Jamis’s father. I’m the sixth generation doing this and right now, I’m the youngest traditional puppeteer in the country.

Could you share some history about puppeteering?

Back in 1922, Podi Sirina Gurunnase performed for the Prince of Wales at Bagatale Walawwa. He did the Ahalepola puppetry act and the Prince was really happy with it. He even gave Podi Sirina Rs. 500 and a gold medal as a gift. That’s when puppeteering turned into show business. Before that, it was more of a hobby than entertainment.

How do you feel about being a puppeteer?

I feel happy and proud. My granddad teaches me everything about the craft and I’m really grateful to him.

Are you learning to make puppets too?

I’m still a beginner, but I’ve managed to learn how to dress them up. Making them is something I hope to learn next. All the puppets we use have been passed down through generations as gifts. The newest ones are made by my grandfather.

What are your favourite stories to perform?

We do lots of stories like ‘Andare’ and ‘Sirisangabo,’ old legends and all. But my favourite is the ‘Ajasatta’ drama. The scenes in it are just beautiful.

Is there anyone you’d like to thank?

First, I want to thank Jayaprakash Sivagurunadan sir. He saw me playing ‘gejji’ and suggested that I should join the ‘Kolam Kuttama’ drama. I’ve been part of it for about one-and-a-half years now. It’s my first time doing a drama and they praised me, saying I act like a well-experienced actor in front of the camera. 

I also want to thank Saddamangala Sooriyabandara sir for helping me out during the drama. A big thank you to my class teacher, Mrs. Didulana, and principal, Mr. G.I. Zoysa at G/Sripathi Maha Vidyalaya in Wathugedara, Ambalangoda. And of course, my best friends Kaviru and Thisaru, who always support me with my schoolwork.

My biggest thanks go to my grandfather for patiently teaching me everything he knows.

Why is it important to protect puppetry?

Well, in Sri Lanka, we have a special kind of puppetry that’s unique to our culture. It’s not just about the performance; it’s also about making and preparing the puppets. But nowadays, not many young people seem interested in learning this tradition. It’s a challenge to keep it alive in our country. Sadly, a lot of kids don’t even know that we have our own traditional puppetry here.

Could you share your international experiences with us?

I participated in the 2018 Ayutthaya Harmony Puppet Festival in Thailand and I’m excited to be part of the upcoming International Puppet Theater Festival in India this February.

What’s your goal?

My aim is to become a professional puppeteer by mastering the methods. I also dream of having a puppet museum where I can display and preserve old puppets. There are so many stories and history to share through them.

How can people see your puppet shows?

You can reach us through my father’s performing arts academy, Saranga Kalayathanaya.