Sri Lanka's Master of wit, Indu Dharmasena, unleashes comedy at the Wendt

By Tina Edward Gunawardhana 

Few playwrights in Sri Lanka have mastered the delicate balance between humour and insight quite like Indu Dharmasena. With a career spanning decades and a repertoire of dozens of well-received productions, Dharmasena has consistently delivered theatre that resonates deeply with audiences. His beloved Tomiya series remains one of his most celebrated creations, and now his latest play, Love, Lies & Wildlife, is set to take centre stage at the iconic Lionel Wendt Theatre on 8th, 9th and 10th May.

The new production, already generating considerable buzz, is a lively farce set in the deceptively serene Wild Life Lodge. At first glance, it appears to be just another long weekend for hotel owner Sam Boladeniya and his staff. However, things quickly spiral into chaos when a regular guest arrives with his glamorous companion—only for his unsuspecting wife to turn up moments later. What follows is a cascade of lies, misunderstandings, and comedic confusion, proving that in this lodge, the real “wildlife” is anything but animal.

The spark for this uproarious narrative came from Dharmasena’s own experiences. “As a wildlife enthusiast, I spend a lot of time at Yala National Park, and it was while observing the interactions between hotel staff and guests that the initial idea took shape,” he explains. While none of the events in the play is drawn directly from real life, those observations provided fertile ground for his imagination. “I had previously written a play titled At Your Service, which was very well received, so I felt this concept had a similar potential to connect with audiences.”

For Dharmasena, storytelling begins with people. “People—simply watching and listening to them,” he says. “Everyday interactions, conversations, and behaviour are endlessly fascinating, and that’s where most of my ideas begin.” This keen eye for human nature is what gives his work its authenticity, even in the most exaggerated comedic situations.

Humour, of course, remains his greatest tool. Known for his sharp wit, Dharmasena approaches even serious themes with a light touch. “I believe every situation has a comical side; it’s just a matter of looking at it from a different angle,” he notes. “In my experience, people are far more receptive when something is presented with humour.” It is this approach that allows him to weave meaningful commentary into his plays without ever losing their entertainment value.

His style has also evolved over time. “Audiences today are far more perceptive than they’re often given credit for,” he observes, pointing to the influence of social media and fast-paced content. “There’s a greater appreciation for storytelling that gets to the point.” As a result, Dharmasena has moved towards tighter, more continuous narratives. Love, Lies & Wildlife reflects this shift, offering a brisk, real-time experience inspired in part by the works of British playwright Ray Cooney.

Despite the many challenges of theatre production, Dharmasena’s passion for the stage remains unwavering. “It really comes down to a love for theatre,” he says. “Anyone who has been part of a live production understands the unique sense of gratification it brings.” Yet he is candid about the realities of the industry. “The challenges are real, especially in a difficult economic climate where securing sponsorship can be tough,” he admits, while expressing gratitude for the continued support of media institutions such as Wijeya and Maharaja.

At the heart of the production is a strong sense of collaboration. “They are absolutely essential,” he says of his cast and crew. “Without them, the vision simply wouldn’t come to life.” The play features a stellar ensemble, including Dharmasena himself as the increasingly overwhelmed Sam Boladeniya, alongside Chamitha Piyasena, Sanwada Dharmasena, Tharusha Kumarasinghe, Krys Sosa, and others who bring the lodge’s colourful characters vividly to life.

Ultimately, Dharmasena hopes audiences will leave the theatre with a sense of joy. “There are a few underlying messages, but above all, I want audiences to come and have a good time,” he says. “If people can come in, relax, forget their worries for an hour and fifteen minutes, and share a good laugh with us—that’s more than enough.”

It is this simple yet powerful motivation that continues to drive him. “They say laughter is the best medicine—and I truly believe that,” he reflects. “If I can make people laugh and help them forget their troubles, even for a short while, that’s what keeps me going.” With Love, Lies & Wildlife, Dharmasena once again delivers exactly that—an evening of laughter, layered with insight, 

8th, 9th & 10th May 2026
Lionel Wendt Theatre 
7:30 pm 

Tickets available at the Wendt 
Or online at mytickets.lk 
Click the link below:
https://mytickets.lk/events/69e76358b7c2ec5a9dd81894