Abstract:
Traditional music, as an essential aspect of Sri Lankan civilization’s long-term growth
system, inherits its cultural heritage in a number of ways. Throughout human history,
music has been an important cultural and social factor. William Banda Makulloluwa
was one of the pioneers in the study of folk music in Sri Lanka. The research objective is
to investigate Makulloluwa’s methods in building and sustaining the Sinhalese musical
style. This study is based on the narrative method of qualitative research. Interviews,
records, autobiographies, various reports, and books written by Makulloluwa were used
to collect data. Seven in-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted in November,
December 2022 and January 2023 to gain a better understanding of Makulloluwa’s
musical style, expectations, and ideologies. Non-probability purposive and snowball
sampling were used as the sampling method. Content analysis was used to evaluate
the data. After analyzing data, it was discovered that Makulloluwa used recording,
documenting, rearranging, and educating methods to preserve the old Sinhalese musical
melodies unique to Sinhalese. He established a formal system of local singing and laid
the foundation for the Sinhala folk music style. As a musician himself, Makulloluwa
took the initiative and a selfless interest to harbor and document Sinhala folk songs
while dedicating a magnanimous effort by identifying, conserving, and presenting them
to the next generation. According to the study, Makulloluwa is deeply committed to
preserving and promoting Sri Lankan folk music and dance.
