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by Kalutara group correspondent

A diminishing of poetry means a diminishing of the language of the heart. And when that happens it naturally follows that the nation is approaching its end, said Sahithyasoori Gunadasa Amerasekera at the Sahithiya Day celebrations organised by the Kalutara Urban Council last week.

"Nowhere else in the would has there been such a surge of poetry as in early Sri Lanka. Even our Buddhist literature is poetic. There were Sandesayas such as the Selalihini, Gira, Kokila, Paravi and Savul. But during the last century the important position attached to poetry has diminished," he said.

"In some quarters of the intelligentsia it was being said that this is not a suitable time to consider the importance of literature in our lives. That is like Nero fiddling while Rome was burning".

Dr. Amerasekera said it was however to be highly appreciated that a celebration like the Sahithiya Day was being observed annually. The short story and the novel appeared to be gaining in popularity. But it was discouraging to see the opposite trend with regard to poetry. Nalin Mahesh Perera, Chairman of the Urban Council who referred to Dr. Amarasekera's book 'Gandarbba Apadana' said it drew attention to the beauty of Kalutara. Perhaps it was the fact that the doctor had served at Nagoda for some time that had inspired him in his writing.

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