Review  

Premaye Sittam :

A portrayal of love

Samanmalee Padmakumara's latest literary contribution Premaye Sittam is a collection of short stories. It is a multifaceted collection of stories reaching out to the heart. Three veteran women writers - Sumithra Rahubadda, Karuna Perera and Yamuna Malini Perera have contributed to the book. These writers have won prestigious awards for their literary creations.

The collection of short stories is a fascinating work of literary art subtitled 'A garland of short stories'.

Although this is Samanmalee's debut into short story writing, she too shines in the galaxy of these senior writers. Samanmalee has also included short stories of her novice companion Wijayalakshmi Mendis as well.

Premaye Sittam consists of twelve short stories two each by Sumithra Rahubadda and Yamuna Malini Perera while Karuna Perera and Samanmalee have contributed three each followed by Wijayalashmi Mendis with two stories.

The three short stories by Samanmalee namely Premaye Sittam, Suneethai Sujathai - Premaye Mayawai and Tis ekai-ekai are not second to any of the other stories.

They speak to the mind and heart of the rasikas. Samanmalee's forte is simple language and the pleasant use of words conveying a deep meaning.

When reading these stories, there is food for thought for the reader leading them to the love of humanity.

This is characteristic of her earlier original contributions of that beautifully illustrated attractive Sarasavi publication, Salmala- Pinmala (The Sal flower-the joyous flower) children's book as well as her poetic contribution Sandata Kiyami (Dear Moon!) where her own poetic diction excels with simplicity and depth.

Her three short stories here specially the story that gave the name to the book Premaye Sittam (Portrayal of Love) deals with a sensitive plot where Priyawardana the owner of a sugar cane plantation as well as Sugathe a worker in that garden are fascinated with the beauty and charm of Siriyavi, a damsel working there.

Climax

The climax of their involvement results in a traumatic situation when Priyawardana stabs Sugathe for the love of Siriyavi. It was of course a slight stab inquiry.

Then Priyawardana confesses: "Excuse me younger brother, if I did something unbecoming. I did not spoil Siriyavi who belongs to you. No.. No.. it is not so. I did not get a chance to do so."

"Having got up from my body, staring at the tip of the knife blade sobbing in distress with folded hands muttering excuses..."

It is a serious situation, with no malice to none of the three characters Siriyavi, Sugathe and Priyawardane all victims of circumstances.

Samanmalee depicts the environmental situation quite well bringing a calm atmosphere where a cool breeze wafts across from the otherwise coarse sugarcane bushes. She brings nature close to humans.

The next short story Suneetha Sujathai - Preme Mayawaki deals with an elderly married person who visits another place where he is interested in a lady and he takes pleasure in chopping firewood etc. after returning from office.

His daughters discover this situation and finds that their father like in the Jataka stories where an individual slaves himself to please a female by attending household matters and deriving satisfaction in the premises of a dear and near one who helps to dispel his loneliness.

He is more than happy enjoying the meagre facilities different from his own family set up.

Samanmalee deals with this theme also in quite a different way from the earlier story, centred round the theme lust for life in one's youth where love pervades other matters.

The third story Tis ekai ekai deals with a strict father who yearns for the betterment of his children in studies.

In his anxiety he thinks that the children have done badly. But they have done well with achievement of good positions in the results of the tests.

The father regrets his addiction to liquor immoral conduct and feels ashamed. He leaves the house.

Samanmalee deals with the three different themes in suitable manner using written and colloquial idiom in first person and third person narration following her own individuality in the literary creations.

Another aspect is her large heartedness in presenting the works of these artistes who are given due credit for their excellent contributions.

In addition she has also given the achievement of all the three personalities. Sumithra, Karuna and Yamuna with their contributions in a brief bio-data while giving her own and Wijayalakshmi's short bio data. One remarkable quality in Samanmalee's writings which I have observed is her psychological approach in portraying the behaviour of characters without polluting the mind of innocent children.

I was really impressed by her children's book Salmala-Pinmala and Who am I? These beautiful children's books definitely attract children immediately effecting pleasant impressions in their minds and hearts.

The message is wholesome and she even creates a moral and ethical "foundation: in the young minds. Adults too are fascinated with the storyline.

Strategy

Samanmalee's strategy to introduce a joint publication with veterans and new writers are heralding an example to promote greater understanding among writers while reducing the "generation gap". It is mutually advantages to both sections.

Samanmalee recognises artist Aravinda Senadeera who has enriched the quality of her creations. The publication Premaye Sittam demands a new edition soon.

What is the aim of artistic creations? Is it Art for Art's sake? Or is to promote development? Development of what? It is for the development of human qualities for the well-being of the Rasika's and society at large.If so Samanmalee's intention is quite clear, I am glad to associate in this wholesome pursuit. I wish to congratulate Samanmalee for her initiative to share her talent for the good of others.

- Dr. Leel Gunasekera,
Chancellor,
Raja Rata University of Sri Lanka, Mihintale.