Sunday Times 2
Annual DramSoc inter-faculty drama competition of University of Peradeniya is back for 2025!
View(s):
Past DramSoc productions
The Ceylon University Dramatic Society prepares for its most ambitious competition yet.
As the Ceylon University Dramatic Society of the University of Peradeniya prepares to host the 2025 DramSoc Inter-Faculty Drama Competition, we return to its start to remember its legacy. Founded in 1922 by Professor Leigh Smith with Reggie Enright as its first secretary, DramSoc began modestly as a play-reading group at the University College of Colombo. Students gathered to explore the works of literature, little knowing they were planting the seeds of what would become one of the oldest and most recognised societies at the University of Peradeniya.
Over the past century, DramSoc has evolved from intimate readings into full-scale theatrical productions, becoming an integral pillar of university culture. More importantly, it has served as the crucible for some of Sri Lanka’s most influential theatrical voices. Professor Ediriweera Sarachchandra, the pioneer of Sri Lankan drama, honed his craft here. Professor E F C Ludowyk, often called the father of modern English theatre in Sri Lanka, found his calling within these halls. The society has nurtured legends, including Dr Jayalath Manorathna, Gamini Haththotuwegama, Ashley Halpe, and K B Herath, each leaving an indelible mark on Sri Lankan theatre across English, Sinhala, and Tamil traditions.
Rising from the pandemic: A triumphant return
After showcasings of short plays and workshops, DramSoc revived their annual DramSoc Drama Competition on October 24, 2024. Last year’s competition marked a poignant milestone, for it was the first DramSoc Drama Competition held after the Covid-19 pandemic had disrupted university life. The 2024 event demonstrated that the passion for theatre had not merely survived the hiatus but had intensified. Teams returned with remarkable dedication, and the competition saw the participation of the Faculty of Dental Sciences, Faculty of ArtsFaculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science. The play ‘Through her Eyes’ not only clenched the first place in the competition, they also revived a sense of English theatre back in the university.
Now, building on that momentum, the 2025 competition is on its way, ready to carry on the legacy! Organisers anticipate significantly more faculty participation, with teams already demonstrating unprecedented levels of commitment to original concepts, elaborate costume design, innovative set construction, and sophisticated direction. Faculty members themselves are becoming increasingly involved, taking on mentoring, judging, and support roles that strengthen the bond between academic life and artistic expression.
More than a competition
What sets DRAMSOC’s annual competition apart is its role as a catalyst for community building. The event draws a remarkably diverse audience — students from every faculty, alumni returning to witness the tradition they once upheld, school students glimpsing their potential futures, and theatre enthusiasts from well beyond university walls. Beyond the main stage competition, DramSoc continues to expand its reach through theatre workshops, Forum Theatre events, and its journal published in English, Sinhala, and Tamil. The competition serves DramSoc’s core mission: providing undergraduates with a platform to showcase theatrical talent, promoting inter-faculty camaraderie, and using performance as a vehicle for creativity and innovation.
An invitation to shape
tomorrow’s theatre
DramSoc welcomes partnerships with organisations and individuals who share its vision of nurturing young artistic talent and strengthening Sri Lanka’s theatrical heritage. Whether through sponsorships, partnerships, technical support, mentorship opportunities, or other creative collaborations, there are meaningful ways for the broader community to engage with this century-old tradition.
For cultural organisations, and individuals interested in supporting the arts and investing in the next generation of Sri Lankan theatre, this competition represents an opportunity to connect with passionate students, engaged faculty, and an enthusiastic audience. Further, the competition is set to take place in November 2025. Stay tuned on the official DramSoc Facebook and Instagram accounts.
To learn more about collaborations or supporting the DramSoc Inter-Faculty Drama Competition 2025, interested parties may contact DramSoc through:
Phone: 076 583 1403
Email: uop.dramsoc@gmail.com