Malraji breaks traditional boundaries with ‘Ahasa’
In an attempt to achieve education and professional growth, individuals are sometimes trapped in challenges that life throws at them.
Sudeera is a woman of intellect who epitomizes life’s struggles that most women who play multiple roles in society can relate to. She is the protagonist of the novel ‘Ahasa’.
Written by Malraji Wanniarachchi (nee Meepegama) ‘Ahasa’ was launched on May 31 at the Lakshman Kadirgamar Institute, Colombo 7.
Ahasa’ comes after a hiatus of ten years for Malraji. Her previous books, ‘Radha’ in 2006 and ‘Nisambu dola’ in 2008 also centre on the lives of women. “Many stories of women that are told today are one-dimensional and do not reflect the strength we see in women in our society,” Malraji says.
Well known author Sumithra Rahubadda, delivering the keynote speech at the event said that Malraji’s literary works reflect her concern for the Sinhala language and the vigilant selection of plots and themes. “Sri Lankan literature witnessed talented generations of female literati. Gajaman Nona, Monica Ruwanpathirana and Eva Ranaweera were significant figures in the arena. Literature produced by female writers is overshadowed by male patriarchy and criticism, as a result many female authors took up the challenge to portray women and their life struggles through literature.
“Malraji’s ‘Ahasa’ having been written by a female writer has attempted to break gender disparity in Sri Lankan literature,” Sumithra said.
Malraji started reading books for leisure and immersed herself in the literary works of G.B.Senanayake, Sumithra Rahubadda and Paulo Coelho. ‘Hewanali Ada Minissu’ by Prof. Sunanda Mahendra and ‘Changing’, the autobiography of Liv Ullmann, Norwegian actress and film director are two books that inspired her. She also wrote poems and stories for newspapers. “When a story-line enters my mind it continues to stay there evolving and getting shaped by my own experiences and I feel restless till I get the story out of my mind.”
The author (left) presenting her book to Sumithra Rahubadda
Malraji currently works in the development section at the Norwegian Embassy and is a sociologist by profession. “For us sociologists, society is our laboratory. The characters in the book are subjects of our laboratory,” she quips. Her husband Sunil Wanniarachchi served in the Sri Lankan Army and her writings are inspired by her own experiences as an army wife. Her two children Senel and Thisuri are both successful writers.
According to Malraji, the title is significant as ahasa (the sky) is always changing — a reflection of the inconsistency of the human mind and thoughts. Uncertainty in life being the only certainty is a recurring theme of the novel as it takes the reader on a spiritual journey in some way. “I prefer to conclude my stories by leaving behind something for the readers to think about,” Malraji says.
‘Ahasa’ is published by Graphicare Printers and is available at leading book stores islandwide priced at Rs. 350.
Readers are welcome to share their feedback and comments on the book with the author via malrajiwanniarachchi@hotmail.com