’Rata Barayi Numbata Puthe’ book debuts

Thursday, 28 May 2026 05:36 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Editor Jagath de Silva (left) formally hands over the book to the veteran dramatist Padmaseela de Silva. Veteran actor Chandrasoma Binduhewa is also present

The book “Rata Barayi Numbata Puthe,” edited by Jagath Chandralal de Silva, was formally presented to the veteran dramatist Padmaseela de Silva in a moment of great significance to Sri Lankan theatre. The stage play Rata Barayi, which won several prestigious awards at the State Drama Festival in 1971, marked a historic milestone as the first remarkable achievement by a dramatist from outside Colombo to receive such recognition.

A graduate of University of Peradeniya, Padmaseela de Silva began his professional journey as a teacher. His passion for drama flourished through his dedicated work with students of Induruwa Maha Vidyalaya and Sri Devananda Vidyalaya, where he produced several outstanding stage plays. His masterpiece, “Rata Barayi Numbata Puthe”, introduced to the stage two prominent actors, Jayasri Chandajith and Chandrasoma Binduhewa, whose performances left an enduring impression on Sri Lankan theatre. Later, he joined the Sri Lanka Administrative Service, bringing his remarkable dramatic journey to a close.

This valuable publication brings together four of his dramatic scripts, accompanied by an insightful critical review by Thilak Rajapaksa, a retired teacher and respected literary critic. More than a collection of plays, this book stands as an important contribution to the study of Sri Lankan drama and will serve as a rich resource for theatre enthusiasts, students, and researchers pursuing further studies in dramatic literature.