Folk Games in Sri Lanka

There are very attractive games in traditional Sri Lankan culture. Most games help to improve human thinking ability, strategic methods, adherence, and teamwork. These games help to build positive relationships and the best qualities among Sri Lankan people. This game builds unity of society. Let's explore these traditional games.

Placing the Eye on the Elephant (Aliyata ehe thabeema)

Placing the Eye on the Elephant is one of the most popular outdoor games in Sri Lanka. There is a big elephant drawn on the blackboard. The competitor’s eyes are covered by cloth, so blindly, they can’t see anything through this cloth. Then the competitor gets close to the blackboard and correctly marks the eye on the elephant’s eye spot. This game is played individually, but it is a very funny game.

Game of Olinda (Olinda Keliya)

Olinda keliya is one of the most popular traditional indoor games in Sri Lanka. This game is played by two players who are seated on opposite sides of the board. Nine slots on the board hold four beads each. To play this game, use Olinda seeds (small red-colored seeds). This game involves playing one Olinda seed and moving to another empty hole. The winner select as more seeds collecting person against to opposite party. This game play in Sinhala New year duration.

Going on the swing (Onchilla Padeema)

Going on the swing is considered a very enjoyable and lovely game. There is a heavy rope being used and bound on a strong tree. This rope is decorated; some colorful flowers and natural leaves are used. It is considered a couple's game. Because young men and women play this game. That time couple singing some traditional songs. It is used to help them develop a relationship. When the boy throws this rope top into the air, his female partner has faith in him and grabs the rope firmly. It will be extremely uncomfortable to reach the top, but the experience will be enjoyable.

Game of Pancha (Pancha Keliya)

Pancha keliya is another most popular traditional indoor game in Sri Lanka. This game is played between two groups. Five little seashells and a coconut shell are used to play this game. The most important thing is that the player is skilled and precise. One player throws all five seashells into the air and tries to catch them on the back of their hand. The goal is to go through various “rounds” of increasingly difficult throws and catches. To win this game, a player should have balance and hand-eye coordination skills.

Tug of war (Kamba Adeema)

This game is an outdoor game. It uses very strong rope. This game is played between 02 teams. They are tugging the rope against the opposite side. Most strong teams win this game. Players should have a team concept; following team leaders advice, strategic playing ability, and strong playing ability are must-have factors to play this game competitively.