Digital Preservation of Sri Lanka’s Tovil Ritual Performance as Living Intangible Cultural Heritage: Challenges and Strategies in the Digital Age

Abstract

Tovil is an important form of Sri Lanka’s living intangible cultural heritage and a traditional ritual performance that includes dance, drumming, chanting, masks, spiritual beliefs, and community participation. This study explores how digital preservation can support the safeguarding of Tovil while maintaining its cultural meanings and living practices. A qualitative exploratory research design was used. Data were collected through semi structured interviews with 30 purposively selected practitioners, drummers and dancers, cultural knowledge holders, heritage researchers, and cultural institution representatives, supported by documentary analysis. The findings show that audiovisual recording, motion capture, 3D documentation, and digital archives can support documentation, learning, and future transmission. However, issues of authenticity, cultural ownership, sensitive knowledge, unequal digital access, and declining practitioners remain. The study proposes a community centred approach combining digital preservation with traditional learning and intergenerational transmission.