W. A. Silva
W. A. Silva (16 January 1890 – 3 May 1957) was a best-selling author of Sinhala literature. Wellawattearachchige Abraham Silva was born in Wellawatte, Colombo.[1] After receiving a formal Sinhala education, he wrote his first novel, "Siriyalatha", at the age of 16.
W.A.Silva | |
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 W.A.Silva | |
| Born | 16 January 1890 |
| Died | 3 May 1957 (aged 67) Wellawatte, Sri Lanka |
After studying Sanskrit and Sinhala under Pelane Sri Vajiragnana Thero and reading world literature in his spare time while working as a clerk, Silva wrote Lakshmi, his second novel, in 1922.[1] He continued to write popular novels and short story collections. Several of his novels include Kalae Handa (the first Sinhala novel to be made a movie) and Hingana Kolla, which was also made into a movie.
Silva edited the Siri Sara (1919–1923) and Nuwana (1940–1946) magazines, as well as a weekly newspaper, Lanka Samaya (1933).[2] After his death, High Street in Wellawatte was renamed W. A. Silva Mawatha in his honour.
His residence 'Silvermere' at No. 126, W A Silva Mawatha, Wellawatte has now been turned in to a museum containing artifacts of his time, hand written manuscripts, copies of novels, and other memorabilia.
Publications
- Siriyalatha (1907)
- Lakshmi (1922)
- Hingana Kolla (1923)
- Pasal Guruvari (1924)
- Deiyanne Rate (1926)
- Kele Handha (1933)
- Daivayogaya (1936)
- Sunethra (1936)
- Vijayaba Kollaya (1938)
- Radala Piliruwe
- Handa pane
- Julihatha
- Ridihavadiya
- Lensuva
- Sakviti Raja
- Amurtha Hasthaya
- Dalakumar
- Arabian Nights (translation)
- Maya Yogaya (play)
- Ramayanaya (translation)
References
- W. A. Silva: Architect of the Sinhala novel, Daily News, Dahlan Salahudeen
- Remembering W. A. Silva, Padmadeva Jayakody, The Island
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