Legacy

NOVELS

Pioneering Sri Lankan Fiction

Martin Wickramasinghe's literary journey began with his first novel, "Leela," published in 1914. His novels are known for their vivid portrayal of rural Sri Lankan life, cultural transitions, and human struggles. Many of his works have become classics in Sinhala literature and have been translated into multiple languages, including English, Hindi, Tamil, Russian, Chinese, Romanian, Dutch, German, French, Japanese and Italian. His prose is poetic and descriptive, capturing the essence of the island’s rural landscape, its people, and the trials they faced in their daily lives. While most of his novels are set in rural Sri Lanka, the human experiences and challenges his characters faced were presented with empathy and understanding, making them relatable to readers unfamiliar with Sri Lankan folk culture. He also explored themes of searching for roots during an era of colonization and Western dominance. An underlying sense of nationalism is also present in his writing, leading up to Sri Lanka's independence in 1948. He advocated for a tolerant, humane, realistic attitude to life, while criticizing dogmatism and elitism.

Some of his most celebrated novels include:

• "Gamperaliya" (1944) - The first in his famous trilogy, depicting the emotional and social shifts and the crumbling of traditional village life under modernization.
• "Kaliyugaya" (1957) - The second in the trilogy, delving into the moral and psychological dilemmas faced by individuals in a rapidly evolving society.
• "Yuganthaya" (1949) - The final part of the trilogy, examining industrialization.
• "Viragaya" (1956) - A psychological novel exploring the psychological and spiritual struggles of a youth raised in a traditional Buddhist home grappling with modernization.
• "Madol Doova" (1947) - About two mischievous boys who, after numerous escapades, run away to a deserted island and transform it, and themselves, through hard work and perseverance.

ESSAYS & CRITICISM

Intellectual Contributions

Beyond fiction, Martin Wickramasinghe was a prolific essayist and critic whose intellectual contributions shaped Sri Lankan literary and cultural discourse. His essays covered a wide range of topics including literature, culture, Buddhism, politics, and science. With a clear and accessible style, he expounded views on subjects ranging from anthropology and linguistics to philosophy, literary criticism, Buddhism, and evolutionary biology. His theories and knowledge moved him to write informative articles on various subjects of interest.

During the 1940s, Wickramasinghe wrote extensively on literary criticism, helping to establish modern critical approaches in Sinhala literature. His literary criticism, including Sinhala Sahityaye Negima (Landmarks of Sinhala Literature), established "a pioneering model of criticism for social realism" and helped raise literary standards. His critical writings played a vital role in shaping modern Sinhala literary thought and establishing critical standards. He championed a "'native’ literary criticism that centered Sinhalese-Buddhist culture".

As a journalist and editor, he used his platform to promote progressive ideas and cultural revival. His sharp critiques, particularly of movements like the Peradeniya School, acted as significant provocations that compelled writers to re-evaluate their artistic choices and ideological underpinnings. This critical dialogue was crucial for the maturation of modern Sinhala literature.

His essays on Buddhism and its relationship to modern science and philosophy demonstrate his ability to bridge Eastern and Western intellectual traditions, creating a unique synthesis that remains relevant today. He deeply engaged with Buddhist philosophy and ethics, interpreting the Buddha's path as motivated by "sympathy to the poor and the downtrodden". His anthropological works like Sathwa Santhathiya (Biological Evolution) and Manava Vidyava Ha Bauddha Vignana Vadaya (Anthropology and Buddhist Idealism) demonstrate his knowledge of anthropology and evolutionary theory. He believed that the study of anthropology and comparative religion could foster greater tolerance and mitigate narrow nationalistic and religious sentiments.

AUTOBIOGRAPHY

Personal Reflections

Martin Wickramasinghe's autobiographical writings provide invaluable insights into his life, creative process, and the social and cultural context of his times. His fictional work which describe the profound changes taking place in Sri Lankan society, created resonance across borders. His village is where he imbibed a deep love for nature and the life of rural folk. All this forms a backdrop for his fiction and autobiographical works.

His autobiographical book, "Upanda Sita" (From Birth), published in 1961, chronicles his early life and formative experiences in Koggala. This work offers a fascinating glimpse into rural Sri Lankan life in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Through his autobiographical writings, readers can trace the development of his literary sensibilities and understand the real-life experiences that informed his fiction. His detailed observations of village life, customs, and natural surroundings in these works reveal the foundations of his literary imagination.

Wickramasinghe's autobiographical works also document his intellectual journey, including his engagement with Buddhist philosophy, Western literature, and scientific thought, illustrating how he synthesized diverse influences into his unique literary vision. His knowledge of science offered him a rational framework, while his deep dive into culture and philosophy provided him with insights into human nature and one’s place within a societal structure.