Martin Wickramasinge: A Pioneering Voice in Sri Lankan Literature

Sri Lanka has been blessed with numerous literary giants throughout its rich history. Among them stands out one giant who left an indelible mark on the world of literature - Martin Wickramasinha, popularly known as Martin Wickramasinghe.

Born into a Tamil family but identifying himself as Sinhalese, Martin's life journey was anything but ordinary. Born in 1890 and passing away in 1976 at just 85 years old, his prolific career spanned over four decades. During this period, he single-handedly revolutionized the landscape of Sri Lankan literature.

Wickramasinghe is best known for his contributions to Sinhala writing. His body of work includes everything from fiction and philosophy to history and anthropology. But what sets him apart was not just the sheer volume or diversity of his writings but also how he managed to bridge the gap between traditional and modern forms of storytelling.

His most significant contribution, however, lies in popularizing children's literature in Sri Lanka. Martin Wickramasinghe understood that education begins at a young age; hence, he took upon himself the responsibility of creating engaging stories for children that would not only entertain but also educate them about life's valuable lessons.

Some notable titles from his extensive list include:

1. Balopadeshaya - literally translating to 'Advice to Children,' this book is an excellent example of Martin's ability to communicate complex ideas in simple yet effective ways, making it accessible even for the youngest readers.

2. Galiwarayanaya (Gulliver’s Travels) - a Sinhala adaptation of Jonathan Swift's classic novel that not only captivated children but also served as a commentary on societal norms and politics during those times.

His other notable works include:

- Madol Doowa, Ape Gama (Lay Bare the Roots)

- Rajaventa Giya Mahanna (The Tailor Who Would Be King)

Martin wickramasinghe sinhala books