Literary Sri Lanka: Revealing the Island Nation’s Ancient Literary Past of Authors and Poets

Sri Lanka, the island nation renowned for its stunning beauty, lively culture, and profound heritage, possesses a literary heritage as diverse and rich as the nation itself. From ancient histories and poetic measures to contemporary novels and books of non-fiction, the literary past of Sri Lanka is as full and multifarious as the country. The literary past of the island is a reflection of its dense social fabric, interweaving the strands of colonialism, native culture, and religious convictions. In this blog, we trace the literary history of Sri Lanka, from its ancient texts to its modern literary legends.

Ancient Literary Traditions

Sri Lankan literature is rooted in the ancient kingdoms of Sri Lanka, where literature was largely in Pali and Sanskrit. The earliest Sri Lankan written works are religious writings, which consist of chronicles, commentaries, and Pali-language hymns. Probably the most renowned and influential writing of this category is the Dipavamsa (Island Chronicle), dating from the 4th century CE. The work, as well as the work of such things as the Mahavamsa, forms the cornerstone of the literary tradition of the island, upon which history and myth are grafted.

In addition to these early historical writings, the island’s literary history also includes early forms of poetry such as Gatha (poetry) and Kavya (epic poetry), which were often linked to religious as well as cultural traditions. The most significant one among the early forms of poetry is the Jataka tales, which describe the life of the Buddha in his past births. These stories were passed down verbally and later recorded, giving not only moral lessons but also peeks into the spiritual and cultural perspective of the time.

Colonial Period and the Rise of Sinhala and Tamil Literature

Sri Lanka’s colonial period, during Portuguese, Dutch, and British dominance, witnessed massive change in the literary world. During this period, the literature of the island began to develop in the light of European authors and colonial education patterns. Modern Sinhala and Tamil literature has its roots in the 19th century when English was brought to schools as a medium of study by the British, and in response, there came into existence literary compositions both in the local and colonial languages.

Within Sinhalese literature, the work of poets like Ananda Coomaraswamy, one of the greatest thinkers in Sri Lanka, emerged. The work of Coomaraswamy focused on Sri Lankan art, culture, and philosophy. His works explored the reconciliation of Eastern and Western thought, and he was a leading scholar of Asian art and philosophy. The literary output of Coomaraswamy provided the template for generations to come who attempted to create a unique Sri Lankan literary tradition.

In Tamil literature, the 19th century saw the emergence of writers like C. W. Thamotharampillai, who made significant contributions to Tamil poetry and prose today. His work reflected the sociopolitical situation of the time, dealing with issues like the oppression of the Tamil people and the implications of colonialism. These writers, despite the influence of colonial powers, were key to maintaining a strong local culture and identity through their works.

The Post-Colonial Literary Renaissance

With Sri Lanka achieving independence in 1948, a new period of literary work started, marking an era of reinvention and experimentation in Sinhala and Tamil literature. The post-colonial era brought forth numerous writers and poets who were keen to document the complexities of a newly independent nation. In Sinhala literature, the period was marked by the work of writers like Martin Wickramasinghe and Piyadasa Sirisena.

Martin Wickramasinghe (1907–1998) is considered Sri Lanka’s greatest literary icon. His novel Viragaya (Renunciation) addresses problems of individualism, social change, and struggle between modernity and tradition. Wickramasinghe’s literary works in the genre of novels, essays, short stories, and plays are still an inspiration to Sri Lankan writers of today.

Piyadasa Sirisena, the second influential figure of post-independence, was instrumental in shaping contemporary Sinhala literature. Sirisena’s work addressed serious social and political issues, such as the impact of colonialism and women’s roles in society. His distinct voice defined the Sinhala literary school and had a significant influence on many young writers of the following decades. 

Tamil Literature and the Civil War

The Sri Lankan Tamil population also experienced a literary development phase following independence, albeit with their literary history being regularly interspersed with the consequences of the civil war that engulfed the country for nearly three decades. Writers such as S. Thomas and M. Karunadasa gave vigorous criticism to the social and political life of Sri Lanka, covering the ordeal of the Tamil community.

The Tamil literary world, and particularly post-and pre-civil war, was characterized by identity, loss, and the human cost of conflict. The work of Shivani and R. Sampath was unique in their portrayal of the psychological and emotional cost of the war. Their works provided an essential explanation of the Tamil experience in Sri Lanka that expressed the complexity of ethnic and political conflict.

Contemporary Sri Lankan Writers and Poets

Sri Lanka’s literary community today still thrives, as writers and poets are rewarded both nationally and globally. Most visibly in our times is the renowned Michael Ondaatje, born in Sri Lanka of Canadian heritage and writer of The English Patient. Historical fiction and autobiography mingle in his works, where love, loss, and identity become themes. International success has turned the spotlight to Sri Lanka’s literary history and place on the world’s map.

Another popular contemporary writer is Romesh Gunesekera, whose novels, for instance, Reef and The Prisoner of Paradise, examine the influence of political changes and personal relationships in Sri Lanka. Gunesekera’s writing is described as reflective and evocative, typically concerned with the quality of human emotions against the rapidly changing political landscape of Sri Lanka.

In poetry, Jean Arasanayagam is a significant voice, most notably in her exploration of the question of identity, displacement, and being Tamil in post-colonial Sri Lanka. In her poetry, she conveys the deep emotional crises of those caught up in the war, offering an evocative and subjective account of Sri Lankan history.

Conclusion

Literary history of Sri Lanka is evidence of the creativity and strength of Sri Lankan people. From the earliest chronicles and poetry of ancient days to the vibrant, living voices of contemporary writers and poets, Sri Lankan literature offers a unique window into the culture, history, and the complexities of the social fabric of the island. Whether from a colonial, ethnic war, or identity-seeking vantage point, Sri Lanka’s writers and poets have never stopped employing their words to educate the nation’s conscience and tell the stories that construct the island nation’s multicultural history.