Tommiya’s swansong Indu Dharmasena returns to the stage for a farewell performance
View(s):By Sajani Ratnayake
Indu Dharmasena has been a towering figure in Sri Lanka’s theatre scene for decades, carving a unique niche for himself with his many plays and his signature blend of Sinhala and English, or “Singlish”.
Though initially met with criticism, Indu was a trailblazer, unafraid to mirror the everyday speech patterns of Sri Lankans for ‘that is what we do’, incorporating natural linguistic fusion into his scripts. Today, this once-controversial technique has become a staple in contemporary theatre, thanks to his vision. By blending humour and an authentic linguistic voice, Indu built a bridge that connected his audience with the story he was bringing to life on stage.
Indu Dharmasena back with the evergreen Tommiya and Sanwada Dharmasena who plays both Geethanjali and Pamala. Pic by M.A. Pushpa Kumara
Tommiya is among this playwright’s many celebrated contributions, and stands out as one of the most beloved and enduring figures in Sri Lankan theatre. First introduced in a modest skit titled Madai Ithin Dubai Giya, Tommiya quickly won audiences over with his rural charm and endearing nature. This marked the beginning of a remarkable journey met with overwhelming support, that would lead to the creation of 13 full-length plays centred around the character and his many journeys.
Now, in what promises to be a nostalgic and heartfelt farewell, Indu will reprise the role of Tommiya for the final time in Madai Tommiya Colamba Giya, the most well known of the series. It is very significant that this play was staged last in 1991, more than three decades ago. It will return to the Lionel Wendt stage from May 23 to 25 at 7.30 p.m., offering audiences one last chance to witness Indu embody the character who has brought laughter to generations.
Madai Tommiya Colamba Giya captures Tommiya’s transformation from a naïve villager to a savvy city-dweller, exploring themes of identity, change and the timeless contrast between urban and rural life. Though set in a different time period, its themes remain strikingly relevant today. Technological references have been updated, from trunk calls to smartphones, but the human experiences at its core resonate just as deeply today.
“This is not just about humour,” Indu explains. “It’s about holding up a mirror to society. People from the village or city, they haven’t changed as much as we think.”
A key reason for the play’s enduring popularity is its seamless balance of comedy and social commentary. Its ‘Singlish’ dialogue makes it accessible to a wide audience, allowing them to connect instantly with the characters regardless of language knowledge. Over the years, Madai Tommiya Colamba Giya has been performed more than 50 times across Sri Lanka, often with the same tight-knit ensemble cast who are returning once more, eager to join Indu and stepping comfortably into their old roles like second skins.
Among them are Priyanka Holsinger (Ducky), Dila Weerasinghe (Tania) and Mrinali Thalgodapitiya, who plays Kusum and reflects on the passage of time: “Now, being older, we understand the nuances of the characters so much better. It’s a deeper experience.”
Michael Holsinger (Andana), adds how “there are so many little details from the past productions that we remember and have made our own,” adding depth and intricacy to the play.
Chitranga Kariyawasam, who will reprise her role as Lucy, shares that the character has become part of her own identity. “I still fit into the costumes,” she laughs, “and I still love playing her for she has become part of my personality.”
Newer members of the cast, including Asanka Aryachandra (Piyal) and Kamanthi Wickramasinghe (Caroline), bring fresh energy to the production. Sanwada Dharmasena (playing both Geethanjali and Pamala), mentions how this play is one that brings out the uniqueness of our language too.
Adds Anurudha Fernando who plays Ralahamy, “Joining this play is a thrilling experience, and we’re honoured to be part of this living piece of theatrical history.”
Beyond the laughs at themselves and the world around them, Madai Tommiya Colamba Giya also offers a meaningful message to its audience. As Indu puts it, “It’s not how you dress or how you speak that matters, it’s who you are, and the values you carry.” Tommiya, despite all his urban adventures, ultimately remains true to himself. That simple truth is what has made him so relatable to audiences over the years.
With Indu taking his final bow as Tommiya, this is more than just a performance, it’s a tribute to a character, a playwright and a theatrical legacy that has stood the test of time.
Madai Tommiya Colamba Giya is at the Lionel Wendt from May 23rd to 25th
at 7.30 p.m. Tickets are available at the Lionel Wendt box office.
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