The “Muddaraspalam” Controversy: The Jackson Anthony Family

In recent weeks, Sri Lanka’s online spaces have been abuzz with debate over a debut novel — “Muddaraspalam” — written by Kasun Mahendra Heenatigala, the husband of Madhavi Wathsala Anthony, the only daughter of the late veteran actor Jackson Anthony.

The book’s release and the unconventional publicity surrounding it have sparked both admiration and criticism, becoming one of the most talked-about cultural stories of the season.

Self-Publishing and a New Path of Promotion

Kasun Mahendra explained that Muddaraspalam was published independently, rather than through a traditional publisher.

“We decided to publish it ourselves because the 10% author’s royalty offered by publishers was simply not enough,” he said.

Unable to secure a booth at the Colombo International Book Fair, the couple instead rented Sudarshi Hall near BMICH and ran their own sales and promotional campaign.

At the launch, Jackson Anthony’s widow also appeared, prompting lively discussion online after remarking that her son-in-law “reminded her of Jackson himself.”

Videos and photos of the author’s wife and child at promotional events went viral, with many questioning whether the family name was being used as a marketing tool.

Criticism and the “Double Meaning” Debate

The novel has drawn heavy criticism, with some readers claiming it reads like a personal memoir rather than fiction, and others accusing the author of using “double-meaning” or suggestive language.

Kasun, however, defended his writing:

“A language isn’t made up only of polite words. It contains slang, exaggeration, and words with layered meanings. That’s part of expression.”

He cited Dharmasena Pathiraja’s film Bambaru Awith as an example, noting that it too employed double meanings without facing backlash.

Family and Child Targeted in Criticism

Madhavi Wathsala, the illustrator of the novel, expressed concern that some online comments had targeted their young child.

“Criticizing the book is fine,” she said, “but dragging a child into this and speculating about his future is deeply unfair.”

She described the experience as emotionally painful and an attack on their family rather than an artistic critique.

Social Media Drama and Political Undertones

The couple appeared together on FM Derana’s “Chat Show”, responding to public reactions.

Both insisted that many attacks were motivated by personal or political animosity, not genuine literary analysis.

Kasun remarked:

“If politics were done with a bit more humanity, we wouldn’t have this kind of toxic culture.”

Sales and Popularity

Kasun stated that Muddaraspalam has already reached its 11th print run within a year — a rare feat for a debut novel.

“When books sell and people read more, that creates jobs, moves money through the economy, and builds a richer nation,” he said.

He described the novel’s success as a “social revolution” in Sri Lankan publishing.

Madhavi’s Final Words: “We Have Been Treated Unfairly”

In her concluding remarks, Madhavi said the criticism they faced was unjust and disproportionate:

“The only thing we did was write a book. But it was turned into something political and personal. We are ordinary, harmless people — a writer and an artist doing our work.”

She further added:

“If attacking a family and humiliating a writer gives someone satisfaction, that’s not success to be proud of. We’ve been targeted, not because we did something wrong, but because our book became popular.”

The Muddaraspalam controversy highlights the tension between promotion and literature in Sri Lanka’s evolving publishing scene.

Blending celebrity culture, social media marketing, and the ethics of self-publishing, the Jackson Anthony family’s debut project has provoked a national conversation:

Can modern literature thrive amid fame, family, and Facebook?