Sri Lankan Drums

Sri Lanka has been having many types of drums in use from ancient times. The main types of drums in use today are referred to by the following names:

Geta Beraya (Wedding Drum)

The Wedding Drum belongs to the category of "Awanadda". About 2 Feet & 2 inches in length, it's made with 'Ehela', 'Kohomba' or 'Jak' timber. In order to generate two different sounds, the left of the drum is made with Cow's skin and the right, with monkey's skin and bound tightly with tough leather. Its played with free hands.










Yak Beraya

Yak beraya is made from the timber of the 'Kithul' tree. This instrument is playing using the free hand and is about 3 feet in length. The diameter is about 1 feet & 3 inches. Mainly used in the lower country of Sri Lanka for 'Thowil' and the 'Perehera'.

Dawula

Dawula is made using 'Kithul' timber. Old Dawula were found to be made of 'Ehela', 'Kohomba' & 'Jak' timber. They are decorated with exquisite art and brass strips. Cow leather is used and is played with a stick called ‘Kadippu’.












Thammettama

This drum is made with either the root of the 'Kithul' tree or any other suitable timber. The root or the timber is crafted in the shape of a 'Walanda' (Pot). Secondly both the left & the right tops are bound tightly by cow leather. This drum is played with 2 'kadippu' (2 sticks).

Udekkiya

This instrument is about 1 feet in length and is shaped like a sand clock. 'Udekkiya' is made by carving either the 'Sooriya' or 'Ehela' timber in to two apertures. These apertures are then bound tightly with the leather of the monkey or the Iguana and both the sides are connected with tightly stretched twine.