Colloquies with Shenal

Not all stories are meant to change the world. Yet indeed are mostly food for thought. In an era barraged with technology, stories are vital to rejuvenate the dying souls. Spiced up with color and vigor, stories bring novelty while making the life worth living. When the artistry of storytelling blends with antiquity, Doolwala Alankare is born. Despite the fact that it’s been her first novel, Sumudu Niragi Sen eviratne, as the author of this epic novel astounds the readers beyond all suppositions of neophytism. Capturing the land marking incidents of post 1815 Sri Lanka, the writer narrates her story through a male protagonist (Surendara Naide) who is a mural artist by profession. Guided by the ancestry of Surendara Naide, the story stimulates inquisitive minds for further details of the culture of Kandyan era. Enriched with art and literature, the frescoes of Kandyan kingdom depict the grandeur of ancient creativity in a unique way. Escorting the beauty of such artistry t...

When a story escapes from its boundaries of narration and wings with its sublime creativity, Me Rahas Kauluwen Ebenna is born. Written from a bird’s-eye-point of view, the story emancipates the reader to observe the cursory looks of stupefaction. The story finds its serenity amidst the chaos of urbanity with a random yet careful identification of its male protagonist: Thivanka. Having Thivanka a s its backdrop, the story flows ceaselessly with undisputed waters connecting different tributaries of social dynamics. Several characters like Keshini, Asith, Uvani, Kamal, Piumi, Sanda, Tania and Raalika have been clung to bring vivid shades of banal life scripts while juxtaposing the extremes of social strata in a cinematic way. In a world where jouissance is no longer being catered, existence becomes a mere facade. This is where the plot plays its crucial role. Being an erudite advocate, the author: Kaushalya Kumarasinghe prudently weaves the story using the phantom threads of p...

No pressure – No diamonds” they said. Yet none explained what exactly a person has to undergo to become what he\she truly meant to be. “Be different” they said. Yet none declared how strenuous the process is. “You are more than what you think” they said. Yet only handful of people acknowledge the hardships of pursuing the truest version of oneself. In a context where respect is earned by conform ing to principles, morality or reality, Karan Johar: the narrator faces a paradox. Even though continuous trolling and obnoxious statements are made about him on daily basis, there’s a massive crowd chasing him with great deal of love, respect and care. Being in the lime light for many decades – especially in the industry of entertainment, he has often been taken for granted for everything. Yet His body of work, media presence and the quintessential rapport maintained with the leading film stars undeniably make him the face of contemporary Indian media business. Yet why do somebody shoul...

There are certain things that you could never understand. At least to a certain extent, it would be difficult to articulate, fathom and assure to yourself, that something of that sort could happen. Reading “Wave” gave me an experience of such, which will never be forgotten, for sure. Its deep evocative poignancy still haunts my mind, even after completing the reading for days. It is not a mere mem oir; it is indeed more than a book that represents mere details. Each word, phrase and sentence has been crafted with an utmost essence of love. If you are person who could sense the moisture of words, the fragility of phrases, and the warmth a sentence could bring; I attest, you would never find a substitute to this piece of work. Writing in retrospect, isn’t an easy task. Recalling the memories of a colorful past, transcribing thoughts into words and rearranging it with an eye on readability, only a writer could possibly understand the excruciating pain the author had undergone. Y...

It is persuasive, allusive and contagious. It is strategic, proactive and calibrating. Tracking the true pulse of the readers, she fervently narrates her story addressing the phases of a life well-planned, well-managed and well-pursued. There are pinnacles, plateaus and cliffs with sharp ridges and valleys intertwined by never ending chaos of the work-life struggle. Yet, sensationally subjugated with utmost commitment and love while enjoying the life-&-passion cocktails. It is a narrative that celebrates the artistry of idea-making and the arduous, yet sense-making stimulation of knowledge sharing among people. It elaborates the painstaking efforts taken to grasp the insights of human behaviour to reach success in making business. It is a book that discusses the subtle art of winning hearts and making right choices when it is necessary. Further, the norms can be broken and stigmas can be eradicated. With three decades of experience in advertising, and contributing to different f...

History is a creative saga woven with phantom threads of heroism, nationalism, racism and sexism. It had been the place where many found the origins of their stories and vice versa. In such a context where history is considered as a fountain of ideas, Lalanayanaya plays a dual role. As an epic re-recreation of the forgone history, it indeed conforms with the norms of chronicles while unabashedly breaking the boundaries of imagination with many literary devices.  Upul Shantha Sannasgala as the author of this masterpiece, plays a gigantic role in bringing the reader to a serendipitous encounter with his mastery over language which is full of exquisite delicacies of grandiloquence. Strengthened by the artistry he reproduces, Lalanayanaya is a tale subtly knitted with different shades of gruesome politics. Decorated with the beauty of romance between Rahula thero and pricencess Lokanatha, the author reminds the clichéd “All is fair in love and war” in a sumptuous manner where th...