Literature in a hurry

Reviewed by R. S. Karunaratne

Journalism has been defined as literature in a hurry. Being a journalist, Channa

Bandara Dolapihilla seems to have put out this collection of short stories - Mama - in a hurry.

The slim volume shows that he is a gifted writer but he has not developed some of his plots and themes adequately.

The opening short story "Mama" is about a dead man's invisible presence in his home and its surroundings on the day of his funeral.

He sees the sheer hypocrisy of people.

Those who actively worked against him are taking part in making funeral arrangements elaborately.

Although his wife and the two children are genuinely grieving, others who visit his house consider it as an ordinary event.

Meanwhile, some men who were present were "enjoying" the occasion by taking alcoholic drinks in the compound.

His boss who refused to increase his salary by Rs. 100 is expressing his deepest sympathies to his wife.

The short story ends with a telling incident. He sees a stranger in his bedroom and a car parked near the house. However, the dead man feels no remorse.

His mind goes back to a poem written by Thotagamuwe Sri Rahula. This is a short story written with much care and restraint.

"Mama" is followed by "Appachchi" which is about a dream of a child who works as a domestic aid.

He has been forced by circumstances to seek such a menial job as his village had been attacked by terrorists.

The author has been able to hold the reader's attention throughout the story.

The other short stories found in the collection are "Ammala", "Rathu Ira", "Es Deka", "Nithi Gaman Yanna", and "Sittama".

Apart from "Mama" and "Appachchi", some of the other short stories seem to have been written in a hurry. They could have been treated with a little more care.

The author has the potential to write good short stories.

He has to be a little more patient in his chosen craft and he should practise it regularly.

[New on the shelf]

Surya Grahana Saha Chandra Grahana
 

Award-winning and popular science writer, Anura C. Perera's, Surya Grahana Saha Chandra Grahana (Solar Eclipses and Lunar Eclipses) will be launched shortly by Sarasavi Prakashakayo, Nugegoda. The book produces a full account of both solar and lunar eclipses so far occurred with particular attention to the total solar eclipse that occurred in 1955 in Sri Lanka. There is special mention about the annular solar eclipse which will occur shortly after 109 years. Arrangements have been made to open up a centre for free supply photographs, maps etc. relating to the annular solar eclipse, at the Sarasavi Building, Nugegoda.

Sri Lankawe Vidya

Adyapanaye Vikashaya

Sri Lankawe Vidya Adyapanaye Vikashaya:
 

(Evaluation of Science Education in Sri Lanka), authored by Sunanda Wijeratne, a former school principal and educationist examines as to how modern science as a subject got absorbed into formal education. The book contains a wealth of information important for science students, teachers and researchers alike.The book also pays tribute to those who contributed their mite to the advancement of science education in Sri Lanka.

[ Book Launch]

Mandanila
 

Dr. Dinesh Goonetilleke Samarawickrame's latest Sinhala novel entitled "Mandanila" will be launched at Dayawansa Jayakody Book Exhibition Hall, Ven. S. Mahinda Mawatha, Colombo 10 on January 12 at 10 a.m. The novel is based on real life experience gained by the author living in a remote village in the Hambantota district. The story revolves around a villager suffering from schizophrenia and his family members. "Mandanila" is a Dayawansa Jayakody publication.