Alumni Association of the University of Peradeniya
It is an urgent need to protect this historical place for the current and future generations of theatre lovers in Sri Lanka.
Sarachchandra Open–Air Theatre, located in the University of Peradeniya is the only theater of its kind in Sri Lanka. It is popularly known as the ‘Wala’ among the University community and theatre lovers in Sri Lanka. It was built in the early 1950s to match the architectural style of ancient Greek theatres. It was later named in memory of Prof. Ediriweera Sarachchandra, Sri Lanka’s premium playwright, who was also an alumnus and an academic staff member of the University of Peradeniya.
Prof. Ediriweera Sarachchandra’s iconic drama ‘Maname’ was staged in early 1958 at the Open–Air Theatre, which marked the ceremonial declaration. Prof. Sarachchandra in his book. ‘Pin Ethi Sarasavi Waramak Denne’ published in 1985 shares the founding of the Open–Air Theatre.
The Executive Committee of the AAUP identified it is an urgent need to protect this historical place for the current and future generations of theatre lovers in Sri Lanka.
