• Event held to mark Mahagama Sekara’s 96th birthday

Sri Lankan film, books, and poetry have shaped the lives of many of us, both living in the island and abroad. From the more idealistic expressions of emotion to the more spiritual statements, local art has made an impact on our culture, education and, of course, the development of our language.

One such contributor to Sri Lankan literature is Mahagama Sekara (1929-1976), whose contributions to the Sinhala arts and culture have not been forgotten even to this date. Speaking at an event held on 7 April to commemorate Sekara’s 96th birthday, senior academics and experts in Sinhala literature expressed their views on how Sekara and his thoughts shaped Sri Lankan society.

The occasion was marked with the launch of a new print of Sekara’s ‘Prabuddha’.

A journey to the arts

Wherever one might be in the world, folk culture tugs at our minds and heartstrings as we long to dive deep into a cultural journey. This was one of the main forms of inspiration for Sekara, who was motivated to give his all to the success of Sinhala literature and expression.

“Sekara started his work as an artist and therefore he already knew how to explore our rich history and culture through various art forms,” renowned contemporary painter and senior lecturer at the University of the Visual and Performing Arts Jagath Ravindra said at the birthday commemoration. “He was able to bring in his experiences to enrich Sinhala literature and give generations of readers something to enjoy and ponder upon.”

Ravindra reflected on how Sekara’s work and vision have influenced generations of Sri Lankan literature and culture enthusiasts as well as students who study his work.

“There is something magical about Sekara’s language and thoughts,” Ravindra said. “It is not only inspirational but almost unachievable.”

Sekara’s legacy is in fact remarkable. He contributed short essays and plays to Sinhala newspapers and magazines, published several novels and pieces of poetry, and wrote over a hundred songs. In addition to all of this, Sekara has made undeniable contributions to the local art scene blending emotion with rich tradition.

“It is important to remember what Sekara stood for,” Ravindra said. “He stood for the arts, he stood for his love for education, and for the thing that inspired him the most: His religion.”

A spiritual soul

Like many Sri Lankans of his time, religion played an important part in Sekara’s life and work. Sekara was considered by all who knew him as a devout Buddhist whose faith inspired some of his most personal work.

“Mahagama Sekara will not be the incredible artist he was if not for his devout and pious nature,” Prof. Sarath Wijesooriya, a prominent figure in Sinhala literature, said. “He understood the basic Buddhist teachings of humanism and the realities of life and skilfully incorporated these facets into his work.”

Prof. Wijesooriya said that by carefully intertwining his love for art, literature, and religion, Sekara was able to highlight and explore the interesting and often nuanced idea of what it means to be a Sri Lankan.

“His exploration of traditional Sinhala folk culture with religion as well as hints of modern art and thought highlights our diverse yet cultured view of the world,” Prof. Wijesooriya said.

A modern maestro

As a skilful poet, painter, novelist, and filmmaker, Sekara knew that resisting change was impossible. Post-colonial Sri Lanka was a rapidly developing landscape and modern art and ideas were beginning to seep into our traditional tapestry. 

“The world and Sri Lanka was seeing a rapid exposure to Western music, movies, and ideologies as well as influence from other Eastern territories such as India,” Prof. Wijesooriya said. “While most people and artists would shy away from change, Sekara embraced it and learnt the art forms and expressions of various cultures.”

Scholars and readers of Sekara’s work note the influence of French free verse as well as English poetry and Japanese haiku that provides the reader with a multicultural yet simply unique experience. This interesting mix of Sri Lankan culture and globalism has resulted in Sekara’s work being recognised for various music, film, and literary awards, including the State Literary Award. 

“While it is important to remember him for his achievements and awards, we must also remember and respect him as a person,” Prof. Wijesooriya said. “Mahagama Sekara was one of the most hardworking and dedicated people in the history of Sri Lankan art. He would not have earned his legacy without these qualities.”

Prof. Wijesooriya said that his hard work, simplicity, as well as his piety endeared him to people of all ages and backgrounds, making his work relatable and enjoyable to all Sri Lankans. Yet, Sekara was not content to retire merely to contribute his fair share to the arts. His constant yearning for knowledge and caring nature had inspired him to take up teaching so that he may pass on his vast knowledge to the future generations.

The event concluded by acknowledging Sekara’s story. His versatility and open-minded nature helped represent Sri Lankan art at its finest and contributed to the awe of millions of Sri Lankans.