- Ocean Theory on teaching heritage through play
We live in a time when traditional methods of education often struggle to keep children engaged. This is not to say that traditional education methods are ineffective (though they do need frequent revision in order to stay effective) but that increasingly, innovative approaches that blend learning with fun and play are becoming a bigger part of how we keep youngsters engaged.
One pitfall of this is that we live in an increasingly boundaryless digital world that is heavily skewed by the mainstream narratives of Western history, tradition, and folklore, and in this context, the voices and history of a small island nation like ours can often be lost in the void.
As such, there is a growing demand among Lankan parents for engaging, culturally relevant educational entertainment tools that can entertain children while teaching about their history and mythology. One of the leaders in this field of edutainment is Ocean Theory Co-Founder Maneka Warangi, whose company specialises in educational comic books, board games, and card games rooted in Sri Lankan culture and history.
The Sunday Morning Brunch sat down with Maneka for a chat on what inspired Ocean Theory and why it is important to her to take our history and other cultural stories to children outside the classroom.
Responding to a growing need
For Maneka, the motivation to start Ocean Theory was born out of a noticeable gap in the Sri Lankan educational market.
“We don’t have alternative educational tools like board games and card games. They’re not very present in Sri Lanka,” she noted, emphasising that existing educational materials were often dry and disconnected from students’ real-world experiences. Traditionally, children in Sri Lanka have been exposed to rote memorisation, which leaves little room for creative engagement. This was a significant problem that Maneka wanted to address.
Maneka recognised that while similar educational products were popular internationally, they were not being developed for a Sri Lankan audience, and therefore, were not as relatable to local children.
The desire to connect children with their heritage and make learning enjoyable drove Maneka and her team to create interactive and educational tools inspired by Sri Lankan culture which, after all, has a rich history of folklore and mythology just waiting to be tapped into.
“Even in terms of comic books, Sri Lanka had a thriving comic market earlier, but now it’s not very popular with regular people and children,” she said.
Accordingly, Maneka embarked on Ocean Theory, developing a range of products that stand testament to the power of local storytelling. The company’s flagship products include a variety of board games, card games, and comics, each with a distinctly Sri Lankan flavour.
One of its most popular offerings is Evergreen, a board game that focuses on Sri Lanka’s biodiversity. The game’s objectives are not only to teach children about the country’s unique flora and fauna but also to develop teamwork, communication, and sharing skills.
“We want to give some kind of endemic plants for them to know what they are and what their value is,” Maneka explained, underlining the educational aspect embedded within the gameplay.
Another notable product is Kingdom of Kandy, a party game set in the 18th century during the conflicts involving the Kandyan Kingdom. This game is particularly popular because it brings history to life, encouraging children to develop negotiation skills and strategic thinking.
“It gives some kind of negotiation skills, how to plan things based on what you have, and how you can plan a strategy,” Maneka said, highlighting the blend of historical context with practical skills development.
Making learning relatable
One of the key strengths of Ocean Theory’s approach is the relatability of its content. According to Maneka, children are more likely to engage with and learn from stories that reflect their surroundings and culture.
“We recognised that children resonated more with characters and settings that resonated with their surroundings,” she noted. This insight led to the creation of ‘Waapi,’ a comic book series set in the ancient Anuradhapura Kingdom, which explores Sri Lanka’s heritage, including our sophisticated irrigation technology.
The success of the comic book has been remarkable, with parents reporting that their children are eager to learn more about the historical periods depicted in the stories.
By rooting educational tools in Sri Lankan culture, Ocean Theory is not only making learning enjoyable but is also fostering a deeper connection between children and their cultural heritage.
Maneka shared how this approach helped build stronger ties: “We lack localised comic books and interactive educational tools related to Sri Lanka’s culture, history, and values, especially for the younger audience.”
Ocean Theory’s products stand out for their emphasis on both fun and educational value. Its board games and card games are designed to develop cognitive and social skills while also teaching about Sri Lankan history and environment. For example, the Little Healer board game targets children aged 3-10 and focuses on enhancing memory. Similarly, Tales of Taprobane, a card game, aims to boost creativity and imagination among young learners.
Building a stronger national identity
Maneka’s team places great importance on maintaining cultural sensitivity and educational relevance. Every product undergoes a rigorous development process that includes feedback from educators, parents, and focus groups.
“Once we write up our story, we work with viewing groups, mainly teachers and educators,” she explained. This collaborative approach ensures that the content is not only engaging but also age-appropriate and culturally respectful.
One of the most significant impacts of integrating local culture into educational tools is the role it plays in building a sense of identity among young learners. In a world where digital platforms often dominate children’s lives, grounding them in their culture can offer a counterbalance. Maneka believes that Sri Lanka’s rich history and diverse cultural narratives can inspire a new generation of curious, informed individuals who are proud of their heritage.
The educational system in Sri Lanka has long struggled with keeping students engaged, particularly in subjects like history. Traditional textbooks can be seen as dry and unrelatable, failing to inspire the curiosity needed for genuine learning. Ocean Theory’s comics and games seek to change this by making history an adventure rather than a chore.
“History can be a very boring subject for kids,” Maneka acknowledged, but her company’s products “give some value while piquing their interest”.
The response to Ocean Theory’s products has been overwhelmingly positive. Parents have shared how their children have become more interested in learning about Sri Lankan culture and history. Some children, after reading the ‘Waapi’ comic series, have expressed a desire to visit the ancient cities they read about, like Anuradhapura. This kind of engagement goes beyond what traditional teaching methods have achieved, indicating the potential for long-term impact.
Maneka sees the importance of this work not just in terms of education but also in relation to strengthening familial bonds. The games are designed to be played as a family, encouraging parents to engage in the learning process alongside their children. This approach fosters both education and family connection, a combination that is central to Ocean Theory’s brand ethos.
“Our products mainly blend with learning theory and focus on Sri Lankan culture,” Maneka said, emphasising that her company’s mission went beyond education to support the overall growth of the community.
Looking to the future
Ocean Theory is continuously expanding its product range, with plans to release a new comic book focused on physical and mental health. This will involve collaboration with medical professionals to ensure accuracy and relevance.
Additionally, the company aims to gain approval from the Ministry of Education to incorporate its comics and games into the national curriculum, ensuring a broader reach and impact.
Maneka’s vision is to create a lasting change in how education is perceived in Sri Lanka. She wants Ocean Theory to become a leader in educational innovation, making learning fun, culturally relevant, and accessible.
“We want Ocean Theory to be a brand that doesn’t just foster learning but also strengthens family connections,” she said, highlighting her commitment to both education and community building.
Ocean Theory shows that learning does not have to be confined to textbooks or classrooms. Instead, it can happen around a family table, over a board game, or through the pages of a comic book, bringing Sri Lanka’s rich stories to life in a way that resonates with today’s children.
For Maneka, the mission is clear: to make learning a joyful experience that builds connections – to culture, history, and family – and she’s taking it one comic book and board game at a time.