Cultural Triumph and Fundraising Success: University of Kelaniya Tourism Club Stages Iconic ‘Maname’ 

The Tourism Club of the University of Kelaniya, operating under the Tourism and Cultural Resources Management Degree Programme of the Department of Archaeology, successfully hosted a monumental cultural event: the staging of the iconic Sinhala drama, ‘Maname’.

Held at the University's Outdoor Stage on July 31, 2025, the event was a resounding success, drawing an impressive audience of over 1,700 participants. The overwhelming attendance marked it as one of the most successful and well-attended student-led initiatives of the academic year.

The Masterpiece and the Experience

Maname, a timeless masterpiece created by the late Professor Ediriweera Sarachchandra, holds a celebrated and crucial place in Sri Lankan theatre history.

Its performance on the university’s Outdoor Stage offered a vibrant, immersive theatrical experience, perfectly blending traditional performing arts with the natural ambience of the campus. The audience included students, academic and non-academic staff, alumni, and external theatre enthusiasts, reflecting the strong cultural engagement nurtured within the University of Kelaniya community.

Significance: Culture Meets Commerce

The staging of Maname served a dual purpose, acting as both a significant cultural celebration and a vital fundraising initiative for the Tourism Club.

The substantial funds raised will directly support the club’s upcoming projects, particularly those planned for the highly anticipated Tourism Week. These activities are designed to:

• Enrich students’ exposure to real-world industry practices.

• Encourage innovation, professionalism, and practical engagement within the tourism field.

Beyond fundraising, the event played an important role in:

• Promoting Sri Lankan performing arts within the university community.

• Strengthening cultural appreciation and fostering collaboration across faculties.

• Providing students with invaluable hands-on experience in event planning, logistics, hospitality management, and tourism operations.

Dedication and Future Outlook

The smooth execution of the programme, from promotion and coordination to audience management, highlighted the extraordinary dedication, teamwork, and strong organisational capabilities of the Tourism Club members.

The success of staging Maname has established a strong foundation for the club’s future endeavours, particularly those focused on the development of tourism education and practical industry engagement. The club is inspired to continue organising meaningful events that celebrate cultural values, support student growth, and strengthen connections with the wider tourism sector.

The University of Kelaniya extends its heartfelt appreciation to the Tourism Club for presenting such a memorable and impactful event that enriched the cultural life of the campus and secured contributions for important future initiatives.

Organised by:

Tourism Club, 

Department of Archaeology, 

University of Kelaniya.