Rukada Natya , Sri Lanka’s traditional string puppet drama, was inscribed in 2018 on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Performed mainly by family groups from the Gamwari lineage in the southern coastal regions of Ambalangoda, Balapitiya, and Mirissa, this art form combines entertainment with moral education. Stories are drawn from folktales, Buddhist narratives, ancient literature, historical events, and humorous aspects of daily life. Puppeteers craft their own wooden puppets and prepare handwritten scripts, while a small musical ensemble provides accompaniment. Performances are community-centered events that promote social harmony, shared laughter, and cultural values. Rūkada Nātya plays an important role in teaching younger generations about ethical living and peaceful coexistence, while museums and festive temple performances help preserve and transmit this vibrant tradition.