Ariyapala Masks Museum

About Ariyapala Masks Museum

Tucked away near Hikkaduwa on Sri Lanka's South Coast, the Ariyapala Masks Museum offers visitors an insight into the island's distinctive tradition of mask-making and its deep roots in local culture and ritual. The museum displays a collection of carved and painted masks of the sort historically used in kolam and tovil performances — theatrical and healing ceremonies that remain part of Sri Lankan folk heritage. Visitors can examine the craftsmanship involved, observe the range of characters and demons represented, and often watch artisans at work in an attached workshop. The museum also functions as a shop, making it a practical stop for those seeking handmade souvenirs. It sits within easy reach of Hikkaduwa's main tourist strip, making it a worthwhile cultural detour alongside the town's better-known coastal attractions.

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