Veteran writer Tennison Perera passes away

B. A., a pioneer in introducing new trends in the field of Sri Lankan literature, as well as a controversial and highly talented writer,

Mr. Tennyson Perera has passed away. Mr. Perera, who was eighty-six years old at the time of his death, was an accomplished literary figure who gifted over a hundred works, including short stories, novels, and translations, to the readers of this country. He also succeeded in leaving a unique mark as a short story writer, novelist, and translator in the literary art of this country.

Born on February 2, 1940, in Kudabutgamuwa, Kelaniya, Mr. Tennyson Perera began his professional life as an apprentice at the Government Press. At that time, he was drawn to newspapers and literary art, and was also an active figure in leftist politics, representing the Chinese faction of the Communist Party. This early leftist political background of his had a strong influence on creating social and religious controversies through his later works.

Drawing inspiration from modernist and postmodernist writing, he added new dimensions to the literature of this country, and constantly based his creations on the life experiences of the oppressed class. Ruthlessly criticizing religious institutions, racism, the capitalist social system, and social inequalities without any hesitation was a prominent feature of his writing style. That is why his works are still considered excellent examples of socio-critical literature.

The most controversial event in his writing career was recorded with the collection of short stories titled “Dathi Roden Upan Budun” (Buddha Born from a Cogwheel), written in 1967. According to a complaint made by the Federation of Buddhist Associations, claiming that the work, which criticized capitalist society and religious institutions by proposing the need for an industrial Buddha, insulted Buddhism, the government banned the book. It became the first book to be banned in Sri Lanka, and consequently, the police arrested him and took him to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) headquarters for questioning. However, the work was later reprinted and published.

Mr. Tennyson Perera, who began his literary journey in 1958 with the work titled “Utthareethara Sandaeliy” (Supreme Moonlight), later explored various facets of the literary field. He authored several novels, including “Dutugemunu Nomala Wagai” (Dutugemunu Did Not Die) published in 1968, “Sakwala Dadayama” (The Hunt for the Universe), which discussed feminist themes and Mahayana Buddhist concepts through the story of a Bodhisattva, as well as “Ekolos Gini” (Eleven Fires), “Dandabhoomi” (Land of Punishment), and “Sasara Diganthaya” (The Horizon of Samsara). Additionally, he translated Franz Kafka’s “The Trial” as ‘Nadu Yannoo’ and “Metamorphosis” as ‘Roopantharanaya’ into Sinhala, and also translated “Arabian Nights” into Sinhala, making a significant contribution to broadening the literary understanding of readers in this country. 


About 4 years ago, he also arranged to donate his valuable personal library to the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP). 

For his invaluable literary service spanning several decades, he has also been honored with numerous national-level awards. His work “Maha Rawana” was recognized with the Fairway Award, and “Asirimath Wedabima” (Wonderful Workplace) received the State Literary Award. Furthermore, his works “Bhavantharaya” (The Other World) and “Abirahash Jeevitha Tharanaya” (Crossing Mysterious Lives) have been nominated for the Swarna Pusthaka Award.