Martin Wickramasinghe
Martin Wickramasinghe
Full Name and Common Aliases
Martin Wickramasinghe is a renowned Sri Lankan writer, best known by his pen name, Martin Wickramasinghe.
Birth and Death Dates
Born on June 26, 1913, in Galle, Ceylon (now Sri Lanka), Wickramasinghe passed away on August 24, 2007.
Nationality and Profession(s)
A proud Sri Lankan, Martin Wickramasinghe was a writer, poet, and novelist who made significant contributions to the field of literature. His works span multiple genres, including fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and drama.
Early Life and Background
Growing up in a family that valued education, Wickramasinghe's early life was marked by a strong foundation in academics. He developed a passion for writing at a young age, which eventually led him to pursue a career in literature. During his formative years, he was exposed to the rich cultural heritage of Sri Lanka, which would later influence his writing.
Major Accomplishments
Wickramasinghe's literary journey began with the publication of his first book, "Mahaweli", in 1938. This novel marked the beginning of a prolific career that spanned over six decades. Some of his notable works include:
"The Lost Step" (1941): A poignant tale of love and loss set against the backdrop of World War II.
"Pawula" (1956): A novel that explores themes of identity, community, and social change in a rural Sri Lankan setting.
* "Apekhame" (1963): A powerful portrayal of the struggles faced by the working class during the colonial era.
These works not only earned him critical acclaim but also solidified his position as one of the leading writers of his generation.
Notable Works or Actions
Wickramasinghe's contributions to Sri Lankan literature extend beyond his novels. He was a pioneering figure in the development of modern Sinhala literature, experimenting with innovative narrative styles and themes that reflected the changing social landscape of his country. His writing often explored complex issues such as poverty, inequality, and the human condition.
Impact and Legacy
Martin Wickramasinghe's impact on Sri Lankan literature is immeasurable. He paved the way for future generations of writers by pushing the boundaries of what was possible in Sinhala language storytelling. His works continue to be widely read and studied, offering insights into the country's history, culture, and social evolution.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Wickramasinghe's writings are not only celebrated for their literary merit but also for their thought-provoking commentary on the human experience. His ability to weave complex themes and emotions into his narratives has made him a beloved figure among readers. As one of the most influential writers in Sri Lankan history, Martin Wickramasinghe remains widely quoted and remembered for his profound contributions to literature and society.
Quotes by Martin Wickramasinghe
Martin Wickramasinghe's insights on:
Virtue and Vice are both realities. Virtue cannot exist without Vice. Although 'virtue' and 'vice' are two words, the word 'vice' becomes meaningful only against the word 'virtue' and vice versa. They co-exist, moulded by the existing economic and social order. Without the word 'vice' the word virtue becomes an empty sound like a dog's bark. It's only in Brahma's domain that light exists without darkness.
Tissa saw in life a complex self-preserving system that automatically repairs the inevitable instances of breakdown of both body and mind. The body form that has ceased to be adaptive to the physical world disintegrates, as does the mind that is not adaptive to the subjective world.
Even when a child spots any inadequacies, acknowledgement will only encourage disobedience and disregard of his parents' advice.
Idiocy is neither right nor wrong. A good man behaves foolishly by choice, at least once in a while.
Unless you learn to control the love you have for your children intelligently, it can become a selfish emotion.
Thinking is a kind of wandering. Reasoning becomes useful only to let the mind wander in the directions you want it to.
I don't see any wrong in children revealing their parents' mistakes. Children talk about these wrongs not out of malice, but because of pain of mind.. replied Tissa.
The two qualities essential to a good man were honesty and compassion, Malin felt. His father lived his life as if he had rejected these qualities. Saviman Kabalana reasoned that loving kindness and compassion were weaknesses. Therefore he hid behind a mask that concealed his innate human qualities of love and kindness, both in his office and at home.
