Remembering Dr. Gunadasa Amarasekara – A Literary Legend of Sri Lanka 🇱🇰
Gunadasa Amarasekara is a name that echoes through the corridors of Sri Lankan literature and thought. A true pioneer in modern Sinhala writing, he has left an indelible mark as a novelist, poet, essayist, and thinker. Born in 1929, his voice became a leading one in the post-independence literary movement of Sri Lanka.
As a founding figure of the ‘Peradiga Sudu Nelum’ (White Lotus) movement, Amarasekara pushed Sinhala literature into new territory, blending tradition with modernity. His works explore deep questions of identity, culture, and the direction of the Sri Lankan nation. He was never afraid to challenge the status quo.
Some of his most notable contributions include:
📖 Karumakkarayo – A novel that critiques the shallow modern lifestyle.
📖 Gandhabba Apadanaya – A psychological exploration of the self.
🖋️ Numerous essays on national identity, language, and Buddhism.
He was also a qualified dental surgeon, yet literature was always his true calling. His dedication to cultural authenticity and national consciousness has inspired generations of writers and thinkers.
Dr. Gunadasa Amarasekara is not just a writer – he is a philosopher of Sinhala civilization, a voice for the soul of Sri Lanka.
Let us remember and celebrate his legacy. 🕊️