He is a multi-disciplinarian in every sense. From poems, foreign news, columns to cyber writing he shines in every nooks and corners of literature. A dynamic table tennis player and banker by profession. Who else could be my first guest when there’s all in one package?
Let me introduce my first guest:
Sahan Kaseera Wickramasinghe - The boundryless man.
Tell us about your journey as a writer?
All throughout my history, pen
has been my closest friend. My love for literature and arts since childhood
offered me variety of opportunities to show case my potential tale during my
school tenor. This indeed manured an aspiring young writer. My never quenching
thirst for reading and unending curiosity offered me new avenues to venture in
the field of literature. From poems, columns to cyber writing, all have added
various shades to my colour of talent. In person, my diverse exposure to no of
fields ranging from literature to banking and even to sports gave me a new
point of view to look at the issues in a different way.
When Swarnawahini called for
freelance translators and script writers for their leading morning news show -
“Loka Sithiyama”, it gave me a new avenue to walk through. The job was quite
astonishing and managing time was the toughest though my commitment never let
me miss a single day. I was very keen, dedicated and focused. There were
instances where I have gone beyond what I was expected to meet my
responsibility as a writer.
I consider social media as a
great place to share anyone’s ideas. As a cyber-writer I used my space for my
passion and where many enjoyed reading my FB posts filled with political satire
using a character called “Achchi”. When Buddadasa Galappaththy (veteran writer,
poet), requested me to compile all my Fb posts into a book and name it as
“Achchige Kolama” (Column), I felt it’s high time for me to pile up all what I
have written under the name of achchi to a book. The name “Achchi” was given to
because of its contextual relevance. In Sri Lanka, Achchi \ Grandmother is
considered to be a respectable character whom can be relied and referred
whenever and wherever. Neither anybody hesitates to listen to her nor anybody
argues/challenges. This indeed gave me a platform to discuss socioeconomic and
political issues using satire. After “Achchige Kolama 02” released many tried
to label my writings as satire yet it didn’t turn out as it was, because I was
very picky in deciding the most appropriate style for my content. Amidst of all
accolades and criticisms Achchige Kolama -series 01 & 02 both were
nominated for Godage National Literary awards for two consecutive years
2014/2015.
Is satire your form of art?
As I have told before, I am
very conscious when it comes to language and its style. My style depends on the
nature of the content which I am going to share with the audience. Personally I
do not like to confuse the reader because it doesn’t cater my purpose. I would
like to give the reader a chance to review, understand and self-appraise
him\herself through my writings. Hence I value simplicity over the complex and
conventional language structures. But it is also important to understand the
fact that satire isn’t the only way to achieve this purpose.
How do you want to be positioned?
Well, positioning is subjective
and I am in no competition with anybody. Though I know for what I am passionate
for, I hardly want to pursue my desires as most of the others do. All I want is
to give my fullest for everything which comes to me. I know what I should do
and when to stop. When Achchige kolama became a hit, many thought I would keep
writing the same, yet there wasn’t any need from my end to write further on the
same. In nature, I never wanted to stagnate myself and when it comes to writing
I never wanted to emphasize me as a writer or as “Sahan Kaseera” over the core
of my message. By considering the above facts, I believe I really do not want
to position myself.
What inspired you to venture into writing?
Since childhood, I knew that I
have the capability to pen my thoughts. Reading was my hobby and vocabulary was
my powerhouse. Hence writing was considered to one of my core strengths.
Perhaps due to my lack of self-awareness I couldn’t articulate it as my
“Passion” back then. Therefore, I didn’t particularly want to become an author.
Though I have always had a huge
desire to write but I didn’t exactly want to be a writer or in a hurry to
publish a book and come out as an author. Many requested and influenced me to
write ceaselessly, Yet I wasn’t. Perhaps I was way to perfectionist in nature
who required more time consuming methodologies to craft an output. Some can
consider it as a weakness, but quality is what I am concerned on.
In a world where being a full time writer is a huge cost, don’t you
think passion has been threatened? Do we need a social reform?
Apart from the emotional
satisfaction, writers are not fairly paid. A social reform is unrealistic if
people aren’t ready for change. In a world where people are continuously trying
to become fake rather embracing their own truth, reality is threatened. Moreover,
people are much interested in talking about their fantasies and bubbles they
live in rather than the reality. In such a context expecting a social reform is
doubtful. Thus, a change of attitude is much expected.
Any message to be given for young aspiring writers?
The first thing a young aspiring
writer should know is that he\she should be strong enough to stand for what
they write. It isn’t an easy task. It needs years of practice and continuous
learning. When a writer can stand for what he\she writes, it adds value the content shared. An aspiring writer must also know; what he\she
is capable of writing and what exactly he\she wants to write. Writing must be
done consciously. Be focused and dedicated. Pen is mightier than sword hence it
is a waste when the writings aren't backed with proper purpose. Your writings
should be in par with your conscience. Be prepared and be wise in deciding your
style of writing because those are essential for effective writing...
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