About Author | Martin Wickramasinghe

MARTIN WICKRAMASINGHE

Birth & Family

Born on May 29, 1890, in the village of Koggala situated along the southern coast of the island, Martin Wickramasinghe was the only son in the Wickramasinghe family. He grew up with his nine sisters near the sea and the lake, surrounded by an abundance of marine life, vegetation and forests.

In his autobiographical book "Upan Da Sita," Martin Wickramasinghe describes his relationship with his father, Lamaheva Don Bastian Wickramasinghe, who passed away in 1899 when Wickramasinghe was not yet ten years old. He recounts that the family surname was changed to 'Wickramasinghe' after his father became a village officer. Wickramasinghe portrays his father as a man of few words who rarely spoke directly to him, often communicating through his mother. Despite this, he recalls feeling his father's deep affection, particularly when his father brought sweets for him after official trips to Galle. His father, known in the village for his astuteness in resolving local issues, including crimes, died suddenly from an illness before Wickramasinghe could build a deeper connection with him.

Martin Wickramasinghe also provides insights into his mother, Balapitiye Liyanage Thochchohamy, who passed away on May 27, 1908. He remembers her as a deeply compassionate and devout woman who, despite not being formally educated, possessed a quiet wisdom and a face that often reflected a gentle sorrow. Wickramasinghe describes her immense love for him and her selfless nature, often putting the needs of others before her own, even to the extent of enduring hardships without informing him while he was away. Her deep faith and acts of kindness, such as giving away her own belongings to help the needy, left a lasting impression on him.

EDUCATION & INFLUENCES

Early Education, Influences & Self-Learning

Young Wickramasinghe began his formal education under a local guru named Andiris and continued under the tutelage of the monk Koggla Deerananda Thero at the Koggala Sudarhsanarama temple.

He briefly attended the Bonavista school in Galle but returned to the local temple after his father's demise. He learnt Sinhala, English, Pali and Sanskrit under Deerananda Thero who disrobed later and took on the name M D Wickramasinghe. Under his guidance young Martin wrote a book of Sinhala verses or kavi under the title Baalepodeshaya. Later, he attended the Ahangama Sinhala school before joining the Ahangama English school.

The writer lived in a time of change; from colonialism to independence, from the notion of western superiority to an emerging sense of nationalism. His village is where he imbibed a deep love for nature and the life of rural folk. All this forms a backdrop for his fiction and autobiographical works.

Curious by nature, he kept abreast of the new scientific discoveries during that time. His theories and knowledge moved him to write informative articles on various subjects of interest.

LITERARY JOURNEY

Inspiration & Literary Path

Martin Wickramasinghe's writing was greatly influenced by his exploration of the island's folk culture and Buddhist traditions as well as western scientific and literary thinking, particularly the works of Darwin, Spencer and Huxley. In addition to fiction, he practiced a poetic form called 'Nisandas' which moved away from traditional patterns. Drawing inspiration from masterpieces by Elliot, Pound, Whitman and other revolutionary poets, this method of writing was part of a movement called the Peradeniya School.

Wickramasinghe's prose is poetic and descriptive, capturing the essence of the island's rural landscape, its people and the trials they faced in their daily lives. His novels delve into the theme of searching for roots during an era of colonization and a dominance of western thinking.

There is also an underlying sense of nationalism in his writing, leading up to Sri Lanka's independence in 1948. He advocated a tolerant, humane, realistic attitude to life, while criticizing dogmatism and elitism.

PERSONAL LIFE

Marriage

On November 30, 1925, Martin Wickramasinghe married Kathaluwe Balage Prema Silva. She was a steadfast partner who provided unwavering support, enabling him to dedicate himself to his prolific writing career. Prema Wickramasinghe also managed their household and nurtured their six children—three sons and three daughters—creating a stable environment for the family. Furthermore, she meticulously preserved many of his letters and manuscripts, which are now part of the Trust's archives. She passed away in September 2001 at the age of 99.

Traditional Sri Lankan wedding artifacts

PROFESSIONAL CAREER

Journalism

From 1921 to 1928, young Wickramasinghe worked as a subeditor at the Dinamina paper. He went on to join the paper Lakvesiya in 1928 and Lakmina in 1929. From 1934 to 1937 he functioned as the editor of Silumina, and from 1937 to 1944 he was the editor of the leading Sinhala newspaper Dinamina. His journalism career likely sharpened his awareness of contemporary social and political issues, which he skillfully integrated into his fiction. His distinctive style, characterized by its clarity, balance, and economy, was largely honed during his time in journalism.

In 1920 he started writing a series of controversial articles under the name Hethuwadi meaning 'Rationalist' about plants and animals. In 1924 he wrote letters under the name Vijitha Manuwarna and in 1929 he wrote as Mayurapada. Also amongst his many pen names is Hethudarshanawadi meaning Rational Visualizer, Susantha Manuwarna, Vishnugupta, Lankaputhra of Dambadiva, Vijaya Kumara and Purawesiyeku meaning a Citizen. It is believed that he chose his pen names to complement the different subjects about which he shared information and ideas.