A well attended State Literary Awards 2017
By Rajitha Weerakoon
Tamil writers were back in full strength at the 60th State Literary Awards claiming awards in all 13 categories for Tamil Literature. It appeared to be a renaissance in Tamil Literature considering the fact that there were 33 writers being nominated this year. This was in contrast to 11 last year out of 14 and just three winning in 2014 with the participation of just a handful.
The literary rejuvenation was evident at the Nelum Pokuna Theatre on Friday, September 5 when academics, clergymen, actors, journalists, politicians among others carried away 42 awards with President Maithripala Sirisena, who was Chief Guest at the occasion, handing over some of the coveted awards.
The resurgence of Tamil Literary Writing with prolific literary activity would have warmed the hearts of all those calling for national reconciliation with the participation of Tamil writers alongside their Sinhala and English counterparts. President Sirisena, in the previous years, called upon Tamil writ- ers to take to the pen and make use of literature to bring about national integration. In his statement as Chief Guest this year, he noted that the literature of a nation, reflected the lives of the people.
The same vigour however, was not reflected in the English Section as there were only 17 nominees for its 7 categories having just one or two nominated to four of its categories. Four out of the 7 winners were women with Nayomi Munaweera carrying away the plum. “The Best Novel In English” for her ‘What Lies Between Us.” Reverend Subramaniam Jebanesan’s “Mirage” was awarded “The Best Novel in Translation.”
Premananda Athapattu’s “Crime Prevention Efforts in National Planning” under “The Best Academic and Research Publication” should be useful for good governance. Minister of Special Assignments, Dr. Sarath Amunugama’s “The Lion’s Roar” on Anagarika Dharmapala edged out “Road to Nandikadal” of Kamal Guneratne of the Sri Lanka Army under “The Best Literary Work in Varied Subjects.”
Three journalists carried away awards - Anula De Silva’s “Rama and Dinoo” under “Youth Literature,” Shantha K. Herath for his Best Cover Design for “Nonavathina Dadayama” and former journalist, veteran writer and artist Sybil Wettasinghe’s “Avurudhu Kema” under “Children’s Literature.”
Jean Arasanayagam, prolific writer in the English Language of poetry, fiction and non-fiction who had been on stage many times carrying away awards at State Literary Awards, Professor Ariya Rajakaruna, renowned scholar who enriched Sinhala Literature, whose “nisadhas (free) kavi” and his literary works were well received by a generation that appreciated work of quality and Marxist Neervai Ponnaiyan, famed short story writer and founder member of the Sri Lanka Progressive Writers’ Movement received this year’s “Sahithyaratna” – the highest state honours one receives during his/her lifetime, from President Maithripala Sirisena.
The event was also attended by the Speaker Karu Jayasuriya and Minister of Internal Affairs S.B. Navinna who was part of the Organising Committee. Professor Samantha Herath of the State Literary Advisory Board organized this year’s State Literary Awards along with the Department of Cultural Affairs.
(See full list of winners on our website)