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" .
Prior to that time, the art was restricted to small rural communities and did not have a widespread national presence. The renowned dramatist Ediriweera Sarachchandra attributes this to the impact of Theravada Buddhism, which he believes prioritizes individual contemplation and insight over communal activities.