Reviewed by M.S.M. Dahlan
Author: Weerasena Algewatte
This is a fascinating novel based on the rustic lifestyle of a remote village in the South of Sri Lanka that prevailed about three centuries ago. The author of this novel is Weerasena Algewatte, a retired teacher of St. Thomas’ College, Matara, graduated from Colombo University.
Presently readers are tired of reading novels written under the themes of family disputes, crises in love-affairs and other black and white characters. But this is an interesting novel written under a different theme. “Ginithilla Mala” is Weerasena’s premier novel.
It is very clear that the studies and research he has done regarding the customs, traditions and dialects used in a rural Sri Lankan village about three centuries ago has been useful to describe the cultural background and life-style of this village.
And also the writer of this novel allows the readers to understand the culture and age-old customs and traditions of village folk of that era.
This village story is woven round the two brothers ‘Kirinda” and “Puncha” and their uncle “Bandirala” and aunty “Heenkiri”. More attraction and inspiration is added to “Ginithilla Mala” by bringing home “Malie” an innocent and beautiful damsel as the wife of “Kirinda” and “Puncha”. This depicts the age-old custom of “EkaGeiKema” of that era.
“Ginithilla Mala” beautifully portrays the simple life-style and the self-sufficiency of the village.
And also the author skillfully portrays the lethargic nature of “Kirinda”, the energetic and masculine character of “Puncha” and also the humanitarian qualities of “Bandirala” and “Heenkiri” in this novel.
This is an enchanting, realistic and continually readable novel written on a different theme.