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| Sunday, 25 July 2004 |
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Features |  |
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Monica Ruwanpathirana a poetess of a lifetime by Indira Dahanayake Monica Ruwanpathirana the poetess of a lifetime is no more, but her poetry will remain in the hearts of many generations. Born in Palatuwawa, a hamlet in Akuressa, she read her first letters at St. Thomas' Matara and joined Sangamitta Balika Vidyalaya in Galle. When she was 14 years old she excelled in her studies under the tutelage of Doctor Thilokasundari Kariyawasam. She wrote her first book of poetry while an undergraduate at the University of Colombo where she read for a degree offering Sinhalese language as a subject. The book though not published was highly commended by the late Professor E. R. Sarathchandra. From there onwards she continued her writing of poetry novels and even stories for little children. She has written over 23 books according to her husband Gunaratne Ramanayake, who says that their 30 years of married life has been very happy and memorable. "I have never seen her angry, if I get angry over anything she was the first to forgive. During the last four years of her prolonged illness she wrote five books amidst unbearable pain, where death stalked her every moment, he added. Monica known as Chitrakka to her close friends and loved ones, was a kind and sympathetic woman who did much to uplift the social status of women. She was a genuine social worker who was ever ready to help the poor women' - a friend commented at her funeral. 'Hippocrates and the patient' was written during her last years, it is said. Popular singer Nanda Malanie commenting on the work of Monica said, 'her style of writing in unique she was a woman of great courage. She carried out her work; when she was threatened by death every moment. She is highly respected among the art circles of Sri Lanka.' Film star and member of parliament - Ravindra Randeniya said she was a remarkable figure among women members of our country. 'She was very outspoken and spoke boldly for the rights of women.' According to Charitha Priyadarshani the popular singer - 'she was a poetess of a lifetime'. Monica received the highest award for her work during her life span of 59 years. She leaves behind her husband Gunaratne and son Amila. |
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