Until that period, the art was confined to small villages and didn't have a national presence. Influential dramatist Ediriweera Sarachchandra attributes this to the influence of Theravada Buddhism, which he believes to have "tended more toward solitary contemplation and the attainment of insight than towards congregational practices or participation in community life" .
Until that period, the art was confined to small rural areas and did not have a broad national influence. The influential dramatist Ediriweera Sarachchandra attributes this to the impact of Theravada Buddhism, which emphasizes solitary reflection and insight over collective practices.