The traditional drum production industry could survive if authorities take steps to offer a new life to the industry, a traditional drum maker said.
The art of drum production survives only in a few areas today. There are four or five drum making villages in the country where the manufacturers of drums have been practising the traditional art for generations.
This is the story of M.G. Nandasena Muthunayake (68) of Hiddana, Gokarella, who makes drums for his livelihood. He has been making various kinds of drums for nearly 42 years. He makes geta bera, davulbera, tammattan,raban, magulbera and udekki at his traditional factory.
Nandasena said drum production is not as profitable as it used to be due to the difficulty in obtaining tree trunks for making drums. Jack tree timber which is used to make quality drums such as magulbera is expensive, Nandasena said. “It also takes time to procure timber as it requires a permit which is a long-drawn-out process. The price of cow hides and goat hides required for drum making too is very high.”
He said the lathe machine which he uses to shape tree trunks is an old fashioned instrument made by him, which is operated by a hand tractor. “If I have an electric motor, the work will be quick and easy,” Nandasena said.
“With the meagre profit I earn I cannot afford machinery to develop the industry,” he said. He is facing difficulties in selling his products at a reasonable price. He said school teachers are used to bringing low quality drums to him for repairs.
“Although I have requested education authorities to take action to purchase best quality drums for schools from me, I have not received any response, “Nandasena said. He is registered as a drum maker with the National Crafts Council as well. He said the new generation is reluctant to join this industry as it is not attractive and lucrative.