Modern Sri Lankan Stories-An Anthology

Publisher: Sri Satguru Publications
Author: Edited by D.C.R.A. Goonetilleke
Language: English
Edition: 1986
ISBN: 9788170300885
Pages: 191
Cover: Hardcover
Dimensions: 9 x 6 inches
Weight: 332 gm

About the Book

This anthology, edited by D.C.R.A. Goonetilleke, brings together the finest Sri Lankan short fiction written in English, with stories penned after 1956, marking a significant shift in the literary landscape of the country. The collection highlights the emerging literary talent of post-independence Sri Lanka, where writers began to express themselves freely, moving beyond the constraints imposed by colonial rule.

In this introduction, Goonetilleke explores the evolution of Sri Lankan English fiction, particularly focusing on the short story as a genre that suits the modern fast-paced world. Unlike the more demanding and complex nature of a novel, the short story requires a unique set of skills, including the ability to create new settings and characters with each narrative, while maintaining a sense of significance and depth.

The anthology focuses on Sri Lankan writers who, having gained independence, began to shape a new identity in their literary works. These stories reflect the changing social, political, and cultural landscape of Sri Lanka and showcase the country's diverse voices in a global literary context.

This book is essential for anyone interested in Sri Lankan literature and post-colonial studies, offering a window into the creative and evolving minds of writers in an independent Sri Lanka.