Father of Modern Sinhala Literature
"Honouring a national luminary and the pioneer of modern Sinhala literature"
Martin Wickramasinghe, often hailed as the "father of modern Sinhala literature," was instrumental in shaping the intellectual landscape of 20th century Sri Lanka. A celebrated novelist, pioneering journalist and intellectual, his work bridged tradition and modernity, sharing complex ideas and discoveries in the fields of science, philosophy and culture making them accessible to a broad readership.
His fictional work which describe the profound changes taking place in Sri Lankan society, created resonance across borders, resulting in his novels being translated into multiple other languages.
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 ground-breaking 1934 publication “Sathva Santhathiya” introduced Darwinian evolution to Sinhalese readers during an era when they were novel concepts even in academic circles worldwide.
"Thinking is a kind of wandering. Reasoning becomes useful only to let the mind wander in the directions you want it to."Discover More
The Martin Wickramasinghe Trust invites you to visit the Martin Wickramasinghe folk museum complex in Koggala. You can walk through the author’s home which nestles within an ecosystem planted with hundreds of varieties of indigenous trees and shrubs in which birds thrive. The house and its surroundings retain the charm and allure of Koggala which inspired the setting of many of his works.
Adjacent to this historic residence, the folk culture museum itself offers a captivating journey into the heart of Sri Lanka's rich rural heritage that so profoundly shaped Wickramasinghe's literary vision. Here, you will discover a fascinating collection of artifacts, from traditional tools and agricultural implements to vibrant costumes, masks, and puppets that speak to the island's intricate folk traditions and the everyday life of its people. These carefully preserved exhibits provide a tangible connection to the social and cultural tapestry that the author so masterfully wove into his narratives.
It’s not hard to imagine that the sheer beauty of this place, coupled with the deep cultural roots showcased in the museum, inspired one of Sri Lanka’s greatest writers.
Visit the Museum
Established in 1976 as a government- approved charitable organization, the Martin Wickramasinghe Trust is committed to keeping this remarkable author’s legacy alive. Its core responsibilities include preserving the Koggala home and Folk Culture Museum as well as conserving archives, manuscripts, letters, audio-visuals, folk collections and artefacts from his life and times.
Furthermore, the Trust promotes literary, educational and cultural knowledge through events, lectures, seminars and publications. Making Wickramasinghe’s work published and accessible and maintaining this website as a key resource also comes under the purview of the Trust.
Learn About the Trust
Join us for an enlightening webinar exploring the literary genius and intellectual contributions of Martin Wickramasinghe. In collaboration with SOAS, University of London.
📅 Thursday, 13 November 2025
🕐 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM (GMT) / 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM (SLST)
