Rakitha Wickramaratna Striking the Soul of Sri Lanka, One Drumbeat at a Time

Rakitha Wickramaratna is a leading Sri Lankan percussionist dedicated to preserving and sharing the country’s traditional drumming heritage. Skilled in Sri Lankan Traditional drumming such as instruments like the Yak Beraya, Geta Beraya, Thamattam, Daul and so on, his performances reflect the rich cultural history of Sri Lanka while connecting with audiences both locally and internationally.

Growing up in a household where music was more than a hobby—it was a way of life—Rakitha was immersed in the rhythms of his culture from an early age. Encouraged by his family, he explored every nuance of percussion, learning to speak through the drum and convey stories that words alone could never capture. Over the years, his journey has taken him from local village performances to international stages, blending traditional Sri Lankan rhythms with global percussion influences, including African traditions, without ever diluting their authenticity.

Exclusively with Ceylon Digest, Rakitha shares insights into his early life, the motivations behind choosing a life in music, the support he received from his family, and his vision for taking Sri Lankan drumming to the world stage. This is not just an interview—it is an invitation to experience the heartbeat of Sri Lanka through the hands of one of its most passionate and innovative artists.

Interview Questions & Answers

Q1: Can you walk us through your early childhood? What role did your family play in nurturing your artistic instincts?

I developed an interest in music at a young age, particularly rhythm and percussion. It wasn’t something forced on me, but rather a natural curiosity that grew over time. My family played a supportive role in that journey. My father supported me financially during the early stages, which made it possible for me to continue learning and exploring music. That support helped create the space I needed to develop my artistic path.

Q2: Were there any pivotal moments that pushed you towards the world of music and drumming?

Royal College SAGA was a major turning point. It opened my eyes to music and drumming beyond tradition. The late Mr. Ashoka Pushpakumara, who drove SAGA, inspired my interest in world drumming and encouraged me to source instruments from Latin Percussion in the United States.

Although my foundation was in Sri Lankan traditional drumming under Piyasara Sir, SAGA bridged tradition with world music. That moment shifted my outlook, and I began to see drumming as truly global.

Q3: What inspired you to take up drumming as a profession?

After performing at SAGA, I became curious about where drumming could take me. Researching world-class drummers, I realized percussion is not just an art form but a proper industry globally.

This understanding led me to start NAADRO in 2007, aiming to introduce and grow percussion ensembles in Sri Lanka while staying rooted in our rhythmic traditions.

Q4: Did you face challenges convincing others that this could be a lifelong career?

Not in terms of convincing people, but practically it was difficult. There were no structured ways to learn international drumming in Sri Lanka, limited learning materials, and instruments had to be sourced from abroad.

Building an audience for acoustic percussion was another challenge since electronic percussion dominated Sri Lankan music then. These difficulties shaped my approach and strengthened my commitment.

Q5: How much support did you receive from your family during the early stages?

I was very fortunate. My family supported me throughout, especially when percussion was not a typical career choice. They believed in my vision and allowed me to focus fully on music. My father was particularly supportive during the establishment of NAADRO, helping manage practical needs behind the scenes.

Q6: Sri Lankan drums have deep cultural roots. How do you carry forward this heritage while performing for global audiences?

Sri Lanka has a rich percussion heritage, with ten main indigenous drums like Yak Beraya, Geta Beraya, Daula, Thammattama, and Udakkiya. Unlike many cultures, our traditional music relies heavily on drums.

I blend Sri Lankan drumming with global styles respectfully, keeping the identity and techniques intact while presenting them in ways global audiences can connect with.

Q7: Can you break down your approach to African drumming compared with Sri Lankan drumming traditions?

My foundation is Sri Lankan drumming—Pahatharata, Udarata, Daula, Thammattama. From there, I moved into world drumming styles, including African and Latin percussion.

Sri Lankan drumming already involves complex hand techniques, strong structures, and dynamics, which made experimenting with African styles feel natural. I see global forms as extensions of rhythm while staying rooted in our traditional discipline.

Q8: How do Sri Lankan drum rhythms stand out or blend with world percussion styles?

Sri Lankan rhythms blend naturally with world percussion. Many basic sound concepts—tones, dynamics, phrasing—are similar. This allows smooth integration while preserving the identity of each tradition. In NAADRO performances, I mix tone colours across drums to create organic, connected music.

Q9: What are your upcoming projects?

One major project is The Bera Fest, returning in 2026 for its second edition, the largest international drum festival in Sri Lanka. Another is Thaala Sanchaara, blending Sri Lankan, African, Latin, and Brazilian rhythms with solo artists’ songs.

I also continue Tech Bheri, developing synthetic drum vellums with Remo, allowing traditional drums like Yak Beraya, Daula, and Thammattama to use key-tuning while maintaining their character. Alongside this, I teach, perform, and run The Bera Store.

Q10: Looking back, what advice would you pass on to young musicians aiming to break into traditional arts today?

Master the main Sri Lankan drums with proper techniques. Learn from global practices for inspiration, not imitation. Focus on creating your own sound and style—this way, you can set new trends locally and internationally.

Rakitha Wickramaratna’s journey is more than a tale of rhythm—it is a living testament to the heartbeat of Sri Lanka. Through every drumbeat, he bridges generations and continents, bringing ancient traditions into dialogue with the modern world. His performances do not merely entertain; they educate, inspire, and evoke the cultural stories embedded in every rhythm. By honouring his heritage while embracing innovation, Rakitha ensures that Sri Lankan percussion resonates not just at home but on global stages, fostering appreciation and respect for the island’s rich artistic legacy. His music reminds us that culture is a living, evolving force, and that passion, dedication, and creativity can transform tradition into a language understood by the world.