Depicting the Buddhist Cultural Personality: A Textual Study of Early Sinhala Film Song Lyrics

This study investigates the representation of the Buddhist cultural personality within the lyrics of early Sinhala film songs from 1947 to 1966. Emerging during the post-independence Buddhist cultural revival in Sri Lanka, these songs offer a unique lens into the era’s evolving religious and social consciousness. Using a qualitative approach and Thematic Analysis on a purposive sample of 50 lyrics from 25 prominent lyricists, the research examines how literary, contemporary, and historical figures are used to construct this cultural identity. The findings reveal a multifaceted depiction of the Buddhist personality. The Buddha is portrayed not only as a religious mentor and philosopher, but also as an omnipotent figure and social deliverer, reflecting an evolving popular devotion. The lyrics further incorporate historical characters who embody Buddhist heroism and link religious devotion to national pride. Crucially, the core of the cultural personality is also expressed through the voices of commoners (devotees, philosophers, housewives, and pilgrims). These characters articulate personal struggles, interpreting themes of love, loss, and suffering through core Buddhist concepts. Furthermore, the lyricists often adopt the persona of a Dharma preacher, embedding instructions on morality, renunciation, and the path to Nirvana within the songs. Collectively, the lyrics reflect a collective Buddhist consciousness that transforms personal experience into a vibrant spiritual and moral expression, confirming the profound influence of Buddhism on early Sinhala art and culture.