Lively literary discussion at the launch of “Sith Mal Dam”
Poetry modernism vs traditionalism was the theme for the launch of “Sith Mal Dam”, written by Lt. Col. Albert Petikiriarachchi at the Gampaha Town Council auditorium on January 11.
The evening began with the blessings of the Maha Sanga, conducted by the Ven. Wettewe Pannarama Nayaka Thera of the Galahitiyawa Sugatha Subhadrarama Temple and Ven. Wedande Jinarathna Nayaka Thera of the Ganemulla Dharma Sri Wardhanarama Temple.
Visiting Consultant Physician of the Gampaha District Hospital, Professor Aruna Munasinghe, who is also well versed in literary matters was the chief guest and in his speech he analysed the Sinhala poem, “Oba Koido Amme!” and the English poem “The Black Queen…”. The Sinhala poem evoked a sense of nostalgia, he said. Senior lecturer of the Kelaniya University Dr. Priyanwada Wanigasuriya examined the metaphorical language of the poems. She quoted works such as, “The RIB”, “Illusion” and the Sinhala poem, “Wenasa” in which the author had utilised effective figurative language.
A writer of textbooks for the Education Department and now retired, Jagathdewa Soyza, said that the short stories in the anthology are thematically successful. Sandamali Amarathunga, English Literature teacher at the Gampaha Lyceum School captured the audience with her bilingual speech.
A former personal Secretary to the late Sirimavo Bandaranaike, David Athukorala focused on the values of poetry, making the conmparison between modernism and traditionalism.
The author of the “Sith Mal Dam” anthology, Lt. Col. Albert
Petikiriarachchi, remarked that during his time as in the military (37 years), he was able to develop both mind and psyche to due to the guidance of good teachers and friends and by following the Buddhist vision. As a result, he gained inspiration for his literary work. He thanked his beloved wife, Padmini for giving him her undivided support for the past 55 years.
The diverse audience was made up of staff and students of universities, international schools, government schools, Army and Police officers, lawyers, doctors, politicians of the Gampaha District. Compere Lakmali Welagedara extended a happy 80th birthday greeting to the author.
The vote of thanks was given by the pincipal of Parakandeniya Maha Vidyalaya D. J. Kothalawala concluding an enjoyable and informative evening.
-Dr. M.P. Priyanka Dilhani