Mahagama Sekara

Mahagama Sekara was a legendary poet of the 20th century in Sri Lanka. He was born on 7th April 1929, in Radawana, Colombo, Sri Lanka. He was the only child of Maha Gamage Jhon Appuhami (father) and Ranawaka Arachchige Rosalin (mother). Mahagama Sekara was also known as a great Sri Lankan novelist, translator, artist, playwright, lyricist, filmmaker, philosopher and teacher. He is considered as one of the most significant figures in the Sinhalese poetry.

Mahagama Sekara - The Legendary Poet from Sri Lanka

Initially, he entered the Government school in Radawana in 1934. In 1948 he then entered the Government College of Fine Arts. Finally, in 1950 he entered the Teacher Training School in Nittabuwa and left it in 1952 as a Sinhalese trained teacher. In 1981, The University of Sri Jayawardenapura awarded him the Degree, Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).

Mahagama Sekara was well known as a poet of the modern Sinhala literary tradition. His writing occasionally shows a Buddhist influence, and blends the themes like humanity and the reality of life. He was also influenced by French free verses, English, and Japanese Haiku.

Mahagama Sekara passed away on the 14th of January 1976, and it is still considered as a tragic loss to the Sri Lankan poetry and literary. He was 46 years old when he died from sudden cardiac arrest.

Poetry written by Mahagama Sekara

  • Bodima
  • Heta Irak Payai
  • Maknisadayath
  • Maranaya
  • Nomiyemi
  • Prabudda
  • Rajathilaka Lionel saha Priyantha
  • Sakwa Lihini
  • Vyanga (together with K. Jayatillake)

Novels and Short Stories by Mahagama Sekara

  • Man Thananno
  • Mano Mandira
  • Meeya
  • Peethara
  • Pungna
  • Puthata Karekak
  • Thun Man Handiya

Children’s books by Mahagama Sekara

  • Koti Valigaya
  • Lama Geetha
  • Punchi Ayata Kai Kathandara
  • Saru Polowak Apata Athe

Awards received by Mahagama Sekara

  • 1956 – Mahabinishkramana (Painting) – Dina Dina Award (by Jathika Kala Peramuna)
  • 1965 – Aatha Gavu Ganan Durin (Song) – Best Lyricist (Film Festival of Lanka Industrial Exhibition)
  • 1968 – Sinidu Sudu Mudu Thalave (Song) – Best lyricist (Sarasaviya Film Festival)
  • 1970 – Ratakin Ratakata (Song) – Best Lyricist (Sarasaviya Film Festival)
  • 1970 – Thun Man Handiya (Movie) – Friendship Award (Rajaye Lipikaru Seva Sangamaya)
  • 1971 – Thun Man Handiya (Movie) – Most Promising Director (Journalists and Film Critics of Ceylon)
  • 1972 – Patriotic Songs – Hela Vidu Saviya
  • 1980 – Thun Man Handiya (Movie) – Most Outstanding Film Creation (Office Catholique Internationale du Cinema)
  • 2002 – Sinhala Gadya Padya Nirmanayanhi Ridma Lakshana (Research thesis) – State Literary Award (State Literary Festival)

Official website – mahagamasekera.org