Sinhala Drama Competition

Our Heritage

A Tradition of Performance

The Colombo YMBA has a long history of promoting cultural activities through drama. In the early 20th century, the Association produced outstanding stage plays such as "Valagambahu" (1918), "Return of the Red Dragon" (1949), and "The Lord of the Three Worlds" (1953).

Expanding on this legacy, the Annual Inter-School Drama Contest was inaugurated in 1981 by Branch Secretary Mr. Sidath Sri Nandalochana. What began as a contest confined to the Colombo District with 15 schools has now evolved into an island-wide phenomenon, attracting participation from remote areas like Tissamaharama, Hambantota, and Trincomalee.

Mentorship & Workshops

To improve production quality, the YMBA conducts workshops for directors and producers led by veterans like Dr. Wijeratne Pathiraja and Prof. Walter Marasinghe.

Competition Guidelines

Theme: Must be based on a Jataka Story.
Duration: Maximum 30 Minutes.
Eligibility: Schools & Dhamma Schools island-wide.
Timeline: Prelims in March/April, Finals in June.

Awards & Recognition

Celebrating excellence with prestigious trophies and cash prizes over Rs. 400,000.

Best Drama

Prasanna Goonetilleke Trophy

Rs. 35,000

Best Actor

Rajah Kuruppu Trophy

Rs. 4,000

Best Actress

Sidath Sri Nandalochana Trophy

Rs. 3,000

Best Producer

Donated by Gomes Trust

Rs. 10,000

* Special consolation prizes are awarded to schools from remote areas to encourage participation.

Take the Stage

Advertisements are published in Sinhala newspapers in February. Preliminaries are held in March/April.

Download 2024 Application Form

Refreshments Provided Transport for Finalists

Inter-School Sinhala Drama Contest