Sri Lanka is a land rich in myths, legends, and folk tales passed down for generations. These stories connect the past with the present, teach life lessons, and keep traditions alive.
One of the most famous characters in Sri Lankan folklore is Andare, the royal comedian of the Sinhala Kings. He lived during the reign of King Keerthi Sri Rajasinghe (1742–1782) and was born in the Matara District, in Down South Sri Lanka.
Although Andare was known for his humour, he was also a quick-thinking poet who could create verses instantly. Many tales show how his intelligence helped him turn situations in his favour. Today, his tomb can still be seen in Udamalala, near the Udamalala wewa in the South.
The Queen Meets Andare’s Wife
One day, the Queen said she wanted to meet Andare’s wife. Andare agreed but told the Queen,
“Your Majesty, my wife is a little deaf, so you must speak loudly to her.”
He then went home and told his wife,
“The Queen wishes to meet you, but she is deaf, so you must speak loudly to her.”
When they met, both women began shouting, trying to be heard. The King and his ministers rushed over to see the commotion. When they heard about Andare’s trick, the King laughed loudly — but the Queen and Andare’s wife were furious!
Locked Out at Night
Andare often came home late at night, which annoyed his wife. One evening, she decided to teach him a lesson by not opening the door.
Andare called for a long time, but she ignored him. Then he picked up a large stone and dropped it into the well, making a loud splash.
His wife panicked, thinking he had jumped in. She rushed outside to check, and Andare quickly went inside, locked the door, and told her to wait outside until sunrise.
The Egg in the Pond Trick
Every week, the King and his ministers visited a faraway pond for a royal bath. One day, the ministers decided to play a trick on Andare. Each secretly brought an egg.
While bathing, one minister challenged,
“Who can dive and bring an egg from the pond?”
They all shouted they could, dived in, and came up holding eggs.
Andare realised they were trying to make a fool of him but refused to admit defeat. He surfaced and shouted:
“Cock-a-doodle-doo! You are all hens, and I am the only cock!”
The King laughed so hard at Andare’s wit that the ministers were left embarrassed.
From clever pranks to sharp thinking, Andare remains one of Sri Lanka’s most loved folk characters. His tales are still told in homes, schools, and gatherings across the island, keeping the traditions of Southern Sri Lanka alive.
Download Andare stories storybook in PDF – Andare Folk Stories PDF (Andarege Katha PDF)
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