She has been writing for children for over 60 years. More than her writing she is admired for her drawings. Children enjoy her creations because they are so lively. She has, in fact being acclaimed as the world's leading illustrator of children's books.
You've guessed it right - she is Sybil Wettasinghe!
Amidst an intimate gathering of admirers and well-wishers, amongst them some of her onetime journalist colleagues at Lake House, Sybil launched her latest creative effort - two books titled 'Eternally Yours' and 'Podda and Poddi' . 'Eternally yours' is a continuation of the story she started in 'The Child in Me' and deals with the time she migrated to the city for her studies after her childhood days in Gintota. 'Podda and Poddi' is a simple story about a couple who find it hard to earn a living but after much effort ultimately find a solution.
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A feature of the launch was the release of both English and Sinhala versions of the two books simultaneously. Several of her earlier books including the best seller 'Kuda Hora', 'Meti Gedera Lamai', 'Tegga', 'Kevum Kanna Yodaya' , 'Thambaya', and 'Vaniyang Kalu Vaneeyang' have also been reprinted by Visidunu Publishers who organized the launch at their bookshop, 'Kiyavana Nuvana' in Nugegoda on Wednesday.
At the launch, the speakers dealt with the vast contribution Sybil has made over six decades to children's literature in this country. Fellow artist Kingsley Gunatillake lamented that while Sybil's work has been highly appreciated abroad, there has not been the same recognition in her own country. Referring to the place given to her illustrations in a museum in Japan, he told us how the museum personnel come here regularly to pick her drawings to be exhibited there.
The fact that her first book 'Kuda Hora' has been published in 12 countries across the globe is ample evidence of her popularity. First published in 1956, it continues to be in great demand.
Educationist Kamala Peiris saw a similarity between the great scholar Kumaratunga Munidasa and Sybil in their approach in writing for the little ones. Her host of examples from Kumaratunga writings took us back to the days when we recited 'ha ha Hari haava' and reminded us of the "good old days" when the culture and approach to life was totally different to what it is today. The values which were once treasured are no more, the simple style of living has changed, respect for elders is a thing of the past.
Social historian
To well-known author and critic Tissa Devendra, Sybil is not just another writer. He described her as a "social historian". Taking the Gratiaen award winning 'The Child in Me' as an example, he traced how the book traces the country's social development over decades. He picked the double page spread drawing in the book of the kitchen as the best illustration of a kitchen as it existed then, with all the paraphernalia needed for the housewife to do her work.
In her latest book 'Eternally Yours', some of the well known characters in the city are portrayed - the Bahai man from India - the money lender; the 'thel velenda' - the vendor who went round selling numerous types of oil, the bookman carrying a long pile of books and of course, the Chinaman carrying clothes from house to house. These characters survive thanks to Sybil.
The fact that 'Kuda Hora' appeared in 1956, an eventful year when so many changes were taking place was significant, Tissa reminded. It marked a milestone in children's literature with the inter-mingling of drawings with the story.
University don Daya Rohana Athukorale made the point that Sybil's are always successful characters. The stories always end on a happy note and the characters never fail. Thus the child gets used to positive thinking. Another feature that he saw was Sybil's subtle way of conveying a useful message. She cleverly incorporates the message into the story.
In a short address, Sybil confessed that when she started writing, she never imagined she would be in such great demand. She remembered the early days when her husband (he was 'Wette' to all of us who were his colleagues at Lake House editorial) encouraged her to write and gave her all the support. "He didn't want me to get involved with housework but to concentrate on my writing and drawing," she said. He pushed her to write her first book 'Kuda Hora'. Today she has over 200 titles to her credit.
Many of us have realized that though Sybil writes for the children, the adults can equally enjoy her work.
As everyone at the book launch wished, may Sybil gather more strength to continue her mission of keeping the children entertained with quality work - something rather rare these days. |
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