K. JAYATILAKE

K. JAYATILAKE

A contemporary and a friend since childhood, of Mahagama Sekara, K Jayatilake was a gifted short story writer and a novelist. He was born at Medihena, a village near Radawana in the district of Gampaha on 27.06.1926. His father was Kaluarachchi Gamage Aranolist Appuhamy and the mother was Maddumage Podi Nona.

He studied at Radawana school and even during school days he used to read extensively. Having completed his school education, he started working at several boutiques from time to time to earn an income to support his family. Finally, he got employment at a correspondence Collage where he devoted his spare time for private study. Through hard work, he was able to get a B.A. degree from the University of London. He also learnt the Pali and Sanskrit languages. He did not remain long in employment. He resigned his job to begin his writing career. Later he started his own press.

K. Jayatilake soon earned a name as a novelist and a short story writer of exceptional ability. He had also made a substantial contribution to the development of children’s literature.

Parajitayo was his first novel. His novels Carita Tunak was acclaimed by critics for its quality. Aprasanna Katavak, Punci Rala, Pitamaha, Adhisthana, Matu Sambandhai, Kalo Ayamte, Punciralage Maranaya, Rajapaksa Walauwa, Maya Maligawa, Delovata Nathi Aya, Mahallekuge Prema Katawa, Piya Putu and Manahkalpita Vartavak were his other novels.

Among the short story collections Katu Saha Mal, Vajira Pabbata, Atiranaya, Ekagei Avurudda were more important. Vyanga was co-authored with Mahagama Sekara.

For children, he had written over 10 stories. Among them Katandara Pota, Aiyai Nangiy, Vana Sarana, Dingiri, and Ruwan Kumari are very popular among the children.

Several books have been written on literary criticism. To this class belong Sinhala Kata Kalave Vikasaya, Sahitya Vicara Satahan, Nava Katava ha Samajaya etc.

The Sinhala translation of Shakespear’s Macbeth and Naaradhipati, a stage play were also the works of Jayatilke.

In addition, he has written critical editions of Mayura Sandesa, Paravi Sandesa and Sigiri Graffiti.

He wrote in a simple, easily understandable language. His writing reflects the life of the rural people, their ways, hopes and problems. He is undoubtedly one of the few writers whose works rank high among the artistic creation.