Folk Culture A Tool From The Past To Understand The Present

Martin Wickremasinghe remains one of Sri Lanka's most renowned Sinhalese writers

who has contributed immensely to the Sinhala literature and cultural world. Many of his writings speak of the idyllic Koggala region and describes the carefree days the author spent here in his childhood home.

This home, today, has been converted into the Martin Wickremasinghe Folk Museum in an attempt to utilize the Martin Wickremasinghe Trust for the betterment and dissemination of knowledge amongst the local and international community regarding the history and development of Sri Lankan folk culture.

The Museum which opened in 1981 has a growing collection of various exhibits, memorabilia, and photographs that tell the story of Sri Lanka's rural livelihoods, crafts and skills, religious beliefs, cultural arts and much more.

A common thread in Martin Wickremasinghe's writings is the constant association of the life and culture of the people in the island and the bonding, resilience, and social development of society. The author also analyses this from the point of view of various other world powers controlling Sri Lanka at various times in history. A sense of strong pride in the culture and integrity of the Sri Lankan citizen is a strong element in the authors' many works.

The House itself bears an important place in history as it is one of the only houses set in the South of the country in the particular region of Koggala that survived the World War II at a time when most others were completely destroyed in the building of a sea plane base. As a result the house which is close to being 200 years old retains the charming simplicity of Sri Lankan traditional architecture with strong Dutch influences.

The surrounding 7 acres of land on which the house rests is a haven for many birds and other wonderful species of flora, fauna and small animals. Many indigenous plants take pride of place here.

The House remains a monumental characteristic of everything Martin Wickremesinghe dreamed of and envisioned his life to be. It is a must visit for those wanting an insight into the true Sri Lankan spirit.

Saman Villas Bentota, situated a short drive away is one of many Sri Lanka Boutique Hotels that offer a customized dream vacation and is an embodiment of a Luxury Hotel Sri Lanka.

by: Roland Lefevre

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