By F.F Mushfika

As quoted by Lloyd Alexander as, “keep reading. It’s one of the most marvelous adventures that anyone can have,” one must always be thirsty for knowledge. Indeed, reading is mandatory and essential for human learning. With that being said, I would like to introduce a commoner who rose into fame by writing a masterpiece. He has won the 2008 Gratiaen Prize which is given yearly as a literary prize for the best writing in English by a Sri Lankan. At the same time 2012 DSC Prize for South Asian Literature is awarded internationally to writers of any origin who pens down any themes related to South Asia. That being said, Shehan Karunatilaka rags to riches. Shehan Karunatilaka is a Sri Lankan author who shifted to London, Amsterdam, and Singapore for his career growth. Although he was writing several other pieces the Chinaman which is a debut novel that was self-published in 2010 captured global attention. It was recognized and awarded internationally for its inspiring writing. This novel captivates the readers with a story which is local to Sri Lankans speaking about their history. Interestingly, the author uses Cricket as his medium to narrate his significant themes. What is further applauded is the manner he has handled to deliver his messages including his description of characters. Overall, the book needs to be read to its continuous praise and awards.

In addition to that, Shehan Karunatilaka also got the award of booker Prize for his novel “The seven Moons of Maali Almeida,” which was presented for the outstanding writers published in English in the United Kingdom. This was held on October the seventeenth, 2022. This award has been one of the most high-profile and invites a flow of fans and readers. Yet, Shehan stays low and humble when addressing the audience in his vote of thanks. He says, “we are all winners for being part of this magnificent shortlist, though, perhaps I might pocket the extra cash and that’s okay.” He also attempts to be funny as well, getting more laughter from the crowd. Also, he addresses his beloved nation to celebrate the victory as a whole even in sheer challenging times roaring in Sinhala and Tamil, reminding the Sri Lankans to stay strong and voice up. He also revealed his wish for the Sri Lankan to win in T20, at the end.

Shehan Karunatilaka is a joy and a pride for the nation at present. His awards have brought the country to a limelight. It has reminded the world that regardless of the ongoing tragedy of economic crisis, Sri Lankans deserve better. It also recalled the lost wars and betrayals by the state and the sufferings of people who are hoping for justice and peace. Shehan was winning in telling the story to the world. In fact, the current President Ranil Wickremasinghe and several others, including minister Sabry congratulated for his biggest achievement and recognition for receiving the “prestigious booker Prize.”  It is necessary to state that Shehan Karunatilaka is the second person of Sri Lankan origin to win the Booker awards after Michael Ondaatje who was awarded in 1992.

Further, among the six shortlisted books for Booker awards, it is crucial that we know why the panel of Judges unitedly selected Shehan’s book. It was said by Neil MacGregor that, “what the judges particularly admired and enjoyed in The Seven Moons of Maali Almeida was the ambition of its scope, and the hilarious audacity of its narrative techniques.” 

Moreover, Shehan Karunatilaka spoke about topics related to his local citizens of what he addressed in a conversation as “Island Paradise, indeed.” He found the role of a writer to expose the truth and fight against corruption and injustice. The Seven Moons of Maali Almeida features a protagonist who is a ghost and thereby he narrates about the Lankans civil war of the 1980s. When talking to NDTV he says, “I think Sri Lanka has a lot of chaos and it’s been a terrible time but it’s nowhere near that is,” highlighting the fact that the Island has changed from its past much more. In fact, he also reasons out why he particularly chose a dead man to narrate a significant theme. This is what he said, “I want to write a ghost story and it just seemed like Sri Lanka has had many tragedies and massacres and so on and I was thinking about 2009-the end of the war and how many civilians were killed and we were just arguing about whose fault it was.” He also followed up saying that “there was just blame giving and I thought why not give voice to the dead where they could set the records straight.” He also pointed out as the living are merely arguing there could be a truth in the narrative of the dead. He further mentioned about his discomfort in writing of the present narratives and therefore he determines to write about the past. Hence, he assumes that it could be “ideal” to “let few ghosts tell their story” - which has taken into the book.

 As a final note he gave some hints to his future writings which he wants to be “lighter” and declared that it would be certainly about Sri Lanka as he believes that the nation has a plenty of stories to be heard.

In short, Shehan karunatilaka’s achievement has brought Sri Lanka into a spotlight at a time of its economic and political instability. It has been an extraordinary masterpiece in bringing the nation to a world stage. It has reminded the world that Sri Lanka is blooming once again regardless of its great fall. As a novelist he has been phenomenal. It has taken around 10 years’ time to build this story after his book Chinaman. Hence, he has been victorious and enjoying the present life with many surreal experiences with his family and two kids.

As certainly said by Eric Thomas “the next time you feel slightly uncomfortable with the pressure in your life, remember no pressure, no diamonds. Pressure is a part of success.”

Today, Shehan Karunatilaka shines bright and brings about an amalgamation of emotions with his skillful art of writing which also serves to be as inspiring, as well.