my favourite story book madol duwa essay

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Madol Doova (English)

මඩොල් දූව Translated by Ashley Halpe

Martin Wickramasinghe’s novel Madol Doova has been read, re-read and loved by generations of Sri Lankans in its original Sinhala as well as in Tamil and English translations. During the half a century since it was first published in 1947, over a million copies have been printed. It has been translated into Chinese, Russian, Dutch, Rumanian, Czech Bulgarian and Japanese Ianguages and published in these respective countries.

‘The courage and determination that give Upali and Jinna heroic stature in the eyes of the reader, is a product of their unyielding physical and mental strength. Their intelligence confronts and overcomes the handicap of a deficient education. Upali is a hero who overflows with an extraordinary human vitality. – Professor I. Scavetch, Bruno University –

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Now, let me share a brief summary of another literary work related to an island in Sri Lanka:

Madol Doova (Sinhala: මඩොල් දූව) is a captivating children’s novel and coming-of-age story written by Sri Lankan writer Martin Wickramasinghe . First published in 1947 , the book recounts the misadventures of Upali Giniwella and his friends on the Southern coast of Sri Lanka during the 1890s . The novel later describes the efforts of Upali and his friend Jinna to lead their lives on a small deserted island called Madol Doova . This island, believed to be haunted, becomes the backdrop for their adventures and challenges.

The name “Madol Doova” translates to “island of mangroves” in the Sinhala language. The story humorously portrays the adults’ treatment of children and their inability to understand them. Upali and Jinna, the two main characters, embark on a journey of independence, responsibility, and friendship as they navigate life on this intriguing island.

If you’re ever in Sri Lanka, consider exploring both the real Madol Duwa and the fictional Madol Doova for a taste of adventure and natural beauty! 🌴📖

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Essay on My Favourite Book in English for Children and Students

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Essay on My Favourite Book in English: Books are one of the most important inventions of humanity. They are our best friends and they can never be replaced by anything else. Books give us knowledge, pleasure and a deep insight into the world around us. They are the source of our inspiration and motivation.

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Mark Twain rightly said, “Good friends, good books, and a sleepy conscience: this is the ideal life.” One must-read books to ensure a fulfilling and satisfying life. Reading books is as important for a person as making friends and also socializing. People have different tastes when it comes to books. While some may like the crime genre, others might love romance, while yet others might be hooked on science fiction. People tend to have personal favorites when it comes to books.

Books are the best friends, companions and teachers. They play an important role in our life. They give us an inner vision and a deeper insight. They enrich our experience and sharpen our intellect. They give us an opportunity to stand on other people’s shoulders and see the world from a higher perspective.

Long and Short Essays on My Favourite Book in English

Here are long and short essays on My Favourite Book to help you with the topic in your exam. Following My Favourite Book Essay is written very simply using easy words under different words limit to help you with the topic in your exams. We have covered different famous books under our five essays so that you can get your favorite one-book essay.

Essay on My Favourite Book 200 words – Essay 1

‘my favourite book – palace of illusions’.

I have read several books. However, none has captivated my interest as the Palace of Illusions. Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni writes the book. Born in 1956, Chitra is a well-known Indian American author and poet. An alumnus of the University of Calcutta and the Wright State University, United States, Chitra received a Ph.D. in English from California.

Her book, The Palace of Illusions, narrates the story of Panchali from the epic story of Mahabharat. Chitra has given a feminist interpretation of this epic saga through her narrator, Panchali. The novel focuses on the life of Panchali. It covers those aspects of her life that were missed in the other adaptations of Mahabharat. It gives a detailed account of Panchaali’s life from when she was born. Her birth was no less than a miracle. She was born magically in the fire.

Panchali was the daughter of a wealthy king. She went on to marry the five Pandavas. After her marriage, her hardships have been written at length in the novel. The challenges of living in exile, her relationship with her husband and mother-in-law, and her equation with Lord Krishna have all been covered in the novel.

Panchali is a charismatic and daring character. I loved reading about her. Chitra has portrayed the character and also depicted the events very well.

Essay on My Favourite Subject

Essay on My Favourite Book 300 words – Essay 2

‘my favourite book – 2 states by chetan bhagat’.

Introduction

I love reading romance novels and one of the best I have read so far is 2 states by Chetan Bhagat. I love the central characters of this novel and how love evolves between them. The novel is said to be partly autobiographical. Bhagat’s own love story inspired him to write this book. The book was loved by the masses so much that it was even adapted into a movie.

The Interesting Story of 2 States

The story is about a young Punjabi boy, Krish, and a beautiful South Indian girl, Ananya. The two studies at IIM Ahmedabad. They become good friends and spend a lot of time together. Soon fall in love with each other. They want to get married but cannot foresee the difficulties ahead. The problem begins when they introduce their parents to each other.

The two families are from different cultural backgrounds and find it hard to get along. Krish and Ananya try hard to pacify the situation and establish a bond between the two. However, things go out of hand, and they decide to part ways. They begin to concentrate on their respective careers, but it is hard. It is difficult for them to forget each other. Finally, things take a turn for the good, and they reunite.

I love the deep bond between Krish and Ananya. Chetan Bhagat has brought these characters to life. They seem just meant for each other. Other characters in the story are also quite strong and opinionated. It is interesting to read about each one of them.

I love this book. I have read it thrice and can read it over and over again. The characters of this story seem so real that I start living with them every time I read this book. I have also seen the movie based on this book and enjoyed it thoroughly.

My Favourite Book Paragraph For Students

Essay on My Favourite Book 400 words – Essay 3

‘my favourite book – a suitable boy.

One of my all-time favourite books is Vikram Seth’s A Suitable Boy. The story is lengthy but doesn’t get boring at any point. It is one of the longest Indian novels ever published in the English language in a single volume. It contains as many as 1349 pages. I love the theme as well as the characters of this story. It took me almost two months to finish reading this novel.

The Interesting Storyline

The story is set in India, which recently attained independence from British Rule. It narrates the story of four families. The story set in the fictional town of Brahmpur focuses on the character of Mrs. Rupa Mehra, who is eagerly looking for a match for her younger daughter, Lata. As I began reading the book, it reminded me of Pride and also Prejudice.

The character of Mrs. Rupa Mehra resembled that of Elizabeth’s mother in the novel. The central theme seemed similar too. However, I like A Suitable Boy more as it is set in India and is more relatable. Seth shares that this work has largely been inspired by the Chinese novel, The Story of the Stone, authored by Cao Xuegin.

I particularly loved Lata’s character. She is a young girl who is daring and likes to make her decisions on her own. She does not conform to the rules set by her mother and the opinion of her brother. The difficulties she faces in due course of the story and the way she tries to overcome them are interesting. Her character inspires me to stand for what I feel is right.

The caste and class tension and the post-partition politics form the novel’s backdrop, making it more interesting.

About the Author – Vikram Seth

Vikram Seth, born in Calcutta in 1952, is an Indian author and poet. He belongs to a well-educated and respectable Indian family. His mother, Leila Seth, became the first Chief Justice of the Delhi High Court. Seth has written several exciting novels and poems.

His writings have been immensely appreciated. He has won some prestigious awards for his work. These include the Padma Shri, WH Smith Literary Award, Sahitya Academy Award, Crossword Book Award, and also the Pravasi Bhartiya Samman.

I love Seth’s portrayal of the changing family values and relationships in independent India. Therefore the social and political issues that the country was gripped with post-independence have been interwoven appropriately to set the novel’s tone.

Essay on Reading is a Good Habit

Essay on My Favourite Book 500 words – Essay 4

‘my favourite book – the room on the roof’.

I read a lot. It is my favourite hobby. I keep reading books from different authors, but my favourite ones are those written by the famous Indian author Ruskin Bond. Since my childhood, I have been reading his books and have always loved them. One of my favourite books is The Room on the Roof.

The Storyline

The Room on the Roof is the story of an orphaned Anglo-Indian boy, Rusty. He lives with Mr. Harrison. Therefore they reside in a European colony in Dehradun. Mr. Harrison wants Rusty to turn out into a sophisticated Englishman. However he tries to keep him away from the Indians living in their vicinity.

Rusty, on the other hand, loves playing with his Indian friends. He enjoys their company thoroughly. Unable to bear Mr. Harrison’s dominating attitude and rules, Rusty runs away to live with his friends. He starts living with his friends and becomes dependent on them for his routine needs.

Rusty explores so much about India and the Indian culture as he begins to live away from Mr. Harrison. He loves this newfound freedom. But soon realizes that he cannot go on this way for long. He understands that he needs to work to survive.

Soon, he begins to give English lessons to Kishen Kapoor, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Kapoor. They provide him with accommodation and food in return for his service. He starts living in a room on their roof. Eventually, he finds out that Mr. Kapoor is a drunkard. His wife, Meena, is 20 years younger than him. Rusty feels infatuated with Meena, and she reciprocates the feelings. The two grow quite close. For the first time in his life, Rusty feels elated.

However, his happiness is short-lived as Meena dies in a car accident. Rusty is devastated at the news, and so is Kishen. After this incident, Kishen goes to live with his aunt, and Rusty is left alone. To overcome the grief and start life afresh, Rusty decides to get settled in England. Before leaving for England, Rusty meets Kishen. He learns that Rusty has become a thief while Mr. Kapoor has remarried. He takes it as his responsibility to help Kishen come out of the dark world of crime. However he advises Kishen to lead a respectable life.

I love the Protagonist of the Book

I loved the character of Rusty. His journey took me through a roller coaster of emotions. I felt bad about his condition as a kid. The way Mr. Harrison treats him is heart-wrenching. I loved it when he ran away from Mr. Harrison’s house and experienced freedom. I also liked the equation between Meena and Rusty. However, the demise of Meena and the condition of Rusty towards the end saddened me yet again.

Ruskin Bond – The Famous Writer

Ruskin Bond is an Indian author of British descent. He resides in Mussoorie, India. Has written numerous books. He is known for writing some of the best children’s books. However has received a lot of appreciation for his work. He has been awarded the Sahitya Academy Award for his contribution to literature.

The story of Rusty has touched my heart. I have read this book many times. I love the various phases in Rusty’s life and also how he deals with the various challenges he faces.

Paragraph on Books

Essay on My Favourite Book 600 words – Essay 5

‘my favourite book – the god of small things.

The God of Small Things is one of the best books written by an Indian author. This was the first novel of Arundhati Roy. It won her the Booker Prize for Fiction in the year 1997. It also happens to be one of my favourite books. I love its plot, characters, and theme.

About the Author – Arundhati Roy

Arundhati Roy was born in Shillong, Meghalaya. Rajib Roy’s father was a tea plantation manager, and her mother, Mary Roy, was a women’s rights activist. Her parents divorced when she was two years old. She lived with her mother. They settled in Kerala, which was her mother’s hometown. She has studied architecture. She rose to fame with the release of her debut novel, The God of Small Things which became a best seller. It won her many accolades.

Roy is also a political activist. She has been working on environmental and also human rights issues.

The God of Small Things

The God of Small Things narrates the story of a family living in Kerela in the 1960s. It covers several issues, including the evil caste system and also communism. Is the story of Esthappen and Rahel. It shares the joys and sorrows they experienced during their childhood and how the turn of events during their early life evolved them as individuals.

The story moves to and fro, depicting the events occurring in the life of the twins when they were seven years old and as they turned 31. The story is about a dysfunctional family. The relationship between the characters is quite complicated. It is something that passed from generation to generation. Pappachi, the grandfather of Rahel and also Estha, could not do well professionally, and he takes out all his anger and frustration on his wife. He beats her throughout his life. The life of their kids, Ammu and Chako, also screwed up.

Chacko’s wife Margaret betrays him. She falls for another man and leaves Chacko for him. However, soon after, her lover dies. Chacko and Margaret have a daughter named Sophie, who dies a tragic death. Ammu marries a man named Baba, an incompetent and abusive person. Their marriage also falls apart soon. The two have twins, Rahel and Estha.

The main part of the story begins when Sophie, Rahel, and Estha meet. The twins are seven years old at that time. The plot gets interesting with several twists and turns. Ammu’s affair with a low caste man, Velutha, Sophie’s tragic death, Chacko’s hatred for Ammu, and also all that follows keep the readers hooked. It is sad to read how Estha and Rahel have to part ways. The twins who were so close to each other raised in different places and never get to see others for years. At last, they meet and realize how much they love and need each other.

The communist tension, the stress within the family, social issues, and the complicated relationships all written precisely and in a way that the interest is kept alive until the end.

I love the portrayal of the characters. They are all different from each other and have an interesting stories of their own. I especially love the twins. My heart goes out to them. They had a traumatic childhood because of their abusive father and frustrated mother. Their lives didn’t turn out to be great even as they grew up. Therefore only solace they found was in each other’s company which they realized as they reunited after years.

The novel touched my heart. It made me wonder how the rules made by society almost ruin people’s life. I experienced several feelings such as anger, disgust, joy, and love as I went through this book.

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Frequently Asked Questions on My Favourite Book

What is your favorite children's book.

My favorite children's book is 'Where the Wild Things Are' by Maurice Sendak.

What do you love about books?

I love books because they transport me to different worlds, spark my imagination, and offer knowledge and entertainment.

Why do you enjoy reading a book?

I enjoy reading books because they allow me to escape reality, learn new things, and experience a wide range of emotions.

Which is the most favorite book?

My most favorite book is 'To Kill a Mockingbird' by Harper Lee.

How do I talk about my book?

When talking about my favorite book, I usually mention the author, the plot, and what I found most compelling about it.

What should I say my favorite book is?

You should say your favorite book is one that has had a profound impact on you, whether through its story, characters, or themes.

Which is your favorite story book, and why?

My favorite storybook is 'The Little Prince' by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry because it beautifully explores the complexities of human nature and relationships.

How do I write about my favorite book?

When writing about my favorite book, I describe the plot, characters, and the emotions it evoked in me.

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Madol Doova Explained

Madol Doova ( Sinhala : මඩොල් දූව is a children's novel and coming-of-age story written by Sri Lanka n writer Martin Wickramasinghe and first published in 1947. The book recounts the misadventures of Upali Giniwella and his friends on the Southern coast of Sri Lanka during the 1890s. It later describes the efforts of Upali and his friend Jinna to lead their lives in a small deserted island. The novel has been translated into several languages, and was made into a film of the same name in 1976.

Story in brief

Upali Giniwella is a boy living in a village in southern Sri Lanka. He had lost his mother at a young age about 7 years old, and is under the care of a stepmother. Jinna is the servant boy of their house, and is a close and devoted friend to Upali. The two boys get into a lot of mischief in the village with their boy gang, and is severely punished by Upali's father as a result. Upali is eventually sent to away to a new school, and has to live with a school teacher. When he returns home, the two boys are caught trying to raid an orchard. Afraid that they will be sent away to work or given up to the police, Upali and Jinna run away from home and end up working for a farmer named Podigamarala.

While working, the two boys see an island covered by dense forest, and decide to go and live there. They learn that the deserted island, Madol Doova, is believed to be haunted, but start farming there with the help of Podigamarala. [1] After spotting a mysterious light on the island, which was supposedly the ghost haunting it, they follow it and find out that it is in reality a fugitive hiding from the law. Meanwhile, another man named Punchi Mahattaya arrives on the island and later helps them with their work. When Upali hears that his father is taken ill, he returns home and helps out his stepmother and stepbrother. After settling up a legal issue for farming on government land, he finally returns to the plantation on Madol Doova, which had now developed into a prosperous venture with the help of Jinna. [2]

Story and characters

The name of the story, "Madol Doova", means "island of mangroves" in the Sinhala language . [3] The story takes place in the 1890s, and portrays the lifestyles and culture of that period. It is presented as a narrative by Upali Giniwella, and views the adults' treatment of the children and the inability to understand them, in a sarcastic and humorous way. Madol Doova is presented in simple language, [4]

Upali and Jinna are the two main characters of the story. Upali is boy who likes to be independent and is the leader of a boy gang in his village. He likes heroism and adventure. Although mischievous at first, he learns to be responsible later on. Upali's devoted friend and helper, Jinna, is an enthusiastic and courageous boy and Upali admits that he could not have managed without Jinna. Other characters include Podigamarala, a helpful farmer who allows the boys to work for him and teaches them farming and handling firearms and later helps them when they go to Madol Doova, and Punchi Mahattaya, a lazy and idle man who arrives at the island and starts to live there with Upali and Jinna. Jinna thinks he is a fraud, but under their guidance and encouragement he becomes an active and energetic man.

Reception and adaptations

Madol Doova was first published in 1947 in Sinhala , as a children's novel. It soon became very popular, and was translated into English. It was later translated into several other languages as well, including Tamil, Japanese, Chinese, Russian, Dutch, Romanian and Bulgarian. [5] Although some critics have doubted if the book sets an example to children because of the mischief done by Upali and his friends, it is seen as a depiction of the reforming and courage of a child who was once a "notorious imp".

Madol Doova is one of Martin Wickramasinghe's best known books. [6] The novel was later adapted into a film as Madol Duwa (Enchanted Island) in 1976 by Sri Lankan film maker Lester James Peries . [7] It was also made into a teledrama . [8]

• Martin Wickramasinghe
• Koggala Lagoon

External links

• Sample reading from martinwickramasinghe.info

Notes and References

• News: English Literature made easy : Madol Doova chapters 6, 7, & 8 . Ekanayake. C.. 2005-03-06. Sunday Observer. 2009-10-20. https://web.archive.org/web/20110605235057/http://www.sundayobserver.lk/2005/03/06/mag04.html. 2011-06-05. live.
• News: English Literature made easy : Madol Doova chapters 9 & 10 . Ekanayake. C.. 2005-03-13. Sunday Observer. 2009-10-20. https://web.archive.org/web/20110605235110/http://www.sundayobserver.lk/2005/03/13/mag04.html. 2011-06-05. live.
• News: Japanese translator takes 'Madol Doova' to his people . Welabada. Lakmal. 2004-03-21. Sunday Observer. 2009-10-20. https://web.archive.org/web/20110605235143/http://www.sundayobserver.lk/2004/03/21/fea13.html. 2011-06-05. live.
• News: Madol Doova by Martin Wickramasinghe . Ekanayake. C.. 2005-02-13. Sunday Observer. 2009-10-20. https://web.archive.org/web/20110605235151/http://www.sundayobserver.lk/2005/02/13/mag04.html. 2011-06-05. live.
• News: Martin Wickramasinghe: He wrote for children too . Saparamadu. Sumana. 2009-06-14. Sunday Observer. 2009-10-20. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20090703011821/http://www.sundayobserver.lk/2009/06/14/jun06.asp. 2009-07-03.
• News: Glimpse of History from ANCL Archives : Sage of Koggala . Thilakarathne . Indeewara . 2007-02-15. Sunday Observer. 2009-10-20.
• News: Father of the Sri Lankan Cinema notches 90 . Premadasa. T. K.. 2009-04-04. The Island. 2009-10-20.
• News: The Great Novelist is Born . 2006-05-28. The Sunday Times. 2009-10-20.

This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License . It uses material from the Wikipedia article " Madol Doova ".

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Madol Duwa is an island situated in the southern region of Sri Lanka. It gained popularity through a novel written by Martin Wickramasinghe. Over the years, the island has transformed into a notable travel destination. This travel guide aims to offer an overview of what you can expect when you visit the fascinating Madol Duwa.

Overview and History

Madol Duwa is an island with both ecological and cultural importance in Sri Lanka. It's part of a larger archipelago in the southern region of the country. The waters surrounding the island are brackish, a mix of both fresh and saltwater, forming a unique habitat for a diverse array of plants and animals.

The island gained mainstream attention through the novel "Madol Duwa" by Martin Wickramasinghe. The book tells the story of two young boys who find refuge and purpose on the island, turning it into a thriving plantation. While the novel serves as many people's introduction to the island, Madol Duwa's history extends beyond the literary world.

Originally, the island was a stopover for local fishermen during their fishing expeditions. Over time, it also became a sanctuary for various forms of wildlife and plant life. Recognizing its ecological significance, local authorities designated it as an eco-sensitive zone. Measures have been put in place to protect its unique biodiversity.

Culturally, Madol Duwa serves as a symbol of hope and resilience, partly due to its portrayal in the novel. This literary connection has led to a unique blend of visitors, ranging from eco-tourists and bird watchers to students and literary enthusiasts. The story is part of the educational curriculum in Sri Lanka, and many students visit the island on school trips.

In addition, the island attracts researchers and conservationists. Various studies aim to understand its ecology, informing conservation efforts and policies to maintain the area's ecological balance.

Features of the Madol Duwa

The island is not just a flat expanse; it also has some minor elevations that offer different viewpoints. These elevated areas are easily accessible and offer opportunities for short hikes. While the island itself is relatively small, its varied topography makes exploring it an interesting activity.

The Koggala Lake, situated adjacent to Madol Duwa, is a significant feature. This lake is a vital resource for the local communities and acts as a gateway to the island. Its calm waters are ideal for boating activities. Additionally, the area where the lake meets the sea forms a unique aquatic environment, offering both ecological and visual interest.

Eco-Tourism

Madol Duwa has been developed with a focus on eco-tourism. Signboards and educational materials are scattered around the island to inform visitors about its ecological importance, particularly the role of mangroves in the ecosystem. Waste disposal bins are strategically placed to encourage responsible tourism. The island also has guided tours that educate visitors on the local flora and fauna, as well as the island's role in conservation efforts.

Mangroves and Ecology

The island is surrounded by mangrove forests that serve as a natural protective barrier. These mangroves are a critical part of the local ecosystem, helping to prevent soil erosion and acting as breeding grounds for various fish species. Due to their ecological importance, cutting down mangroves is strictly regulated, and there are initiatives to plant more.

Flora and Fauna

Madol Duwa is primarily known for its mangrove forests, which are also referred to as kadolana plants locally. These mangroves serve as a protective barrier for the island and are crucial for maintaining the area's ecological balance. Beyond mangroves, the island is home to a variety of other trees, such as coconut palms and cinnamon trees. Cinnamon trees are especially noteworthy as they are part of the local spice trade. Aquatic plants like water lilies and reeds can also be found in the brackish waters surrounding the island. These plants contribute to water quality and provide habitat for aquatic life.

The island is a haven for birdwatchers, featuring species such as kingfishers, herons, and egrets. These birds are often seen near the water, hunting for fish. Speaking of fish, the waters around Madol Duwa are rich in different species like mullet, tilapia, and catfish. Aside from birds and fish, other wildlife like mongoose and monitor lizards are also present on the island. The ecosystem is further enriched by smaller creatures like dragonflies, butterflies, and various species of frogs, which play vital roles in pollination and as food sources for larger animals.

Attractions and Things to Do

Boating and canoeing.

One of the primary activities to enjoy at Madol Duwa is boating. You can rent boats or canoes to explore the Koggala Lake that surrounds the island. It's a peaceful experience that allows you to appreciate the unique aquatic environment up close. For safety, life vests are mandatory, and tours are guided.

Birdwatching

Bird enthusiasts will find the island a paradise for birdwatching. With various species like kingfishers, herons, and egrets commonly seen, it's an excellent opportunity to hone your bird identification skills. For those who are serious about birdwatching, early mornings are the best time to catch a glimpse of these beautiful creatures.

Nature Walks

Well-marked paths make it easy for visitors to go on nature walks. It's a great way to explore the diverse plant life and maybe spot some wildlife along the way. Signboards provide information about the flora and fauna, making the walk educational as well as enjoyable.

Guided Tours

Guided tours are available for those who want a more structured experience. The tours are led by guides who are very knowledgeable on the island’s ecology, history, and conservation efforts. The tours often include a trip through the mangrove forests and may also involve some birdwatching.

Photography

With its scenic beauty and abundant wildlife, Madol Duwa offers ample opportunities for photography. Whether you are an amateur or a professional, you'll find plenty of subjects to capture. However, visitors are reminded to be respectful of the environment and not disturb the wildlife while taking photographs.

Educational Activities

Schools often organize trips to Madol Duwa as an educational experience. Students can learn about ecology, conservation, and the historical importance of the island. Interactive workshops and educational materials are often part of these trips.

Location and How to Get There

Madol Duwa is situated near the town of Koggala in southern Sri Lanka, about 22 kilometers away from the major city of Galle. The most common route to reach the island is via the Southern Expressway from Colombo to Galle, followed by the Galle-Matara road to Koggala. 

Once in Koggala, boats are available at the Koggala River for a short 15-20-minute ride to the island. 

Best Time to Visit

The ideal time to visit Madol Duwa is between November and April. These months are part of the dry season in southern Sri Lanka, offering pleasant weather conditions for outdoor activities like boating, birdwatching, and nature walks. 

The skies are generally clear, and the likelihood of rain is low, making it easier to explore the island and its surroundings. This period also coincides with the migratory season for many bird species, enhancing the birdwatching experience. 

However, this is the peak tourist season, so advance booking for accommodation and activities is recommended.

Tips and Advice

• Advance Booking : Since Madol Duwa is a popular destination, it's advisable to book your accommodation and activities in advance.
• Local Guides : Utilize the services of local guides for educational and safe tours, particularly if you are interested in birdwatching or exploring the mangroves.
• Footwear : Opt for comfortable and durable shoes suitable for walking on uneven terrains, as you'll likely be doing a lot of walking.
• Weather Precautions : Always check the weather forecast before your trip. Even though rains are less frequent during the dry season, unexpected showers can occur.
• Responsible Tourism : Follow the signs and guidelines on the island to protect its natural environment. Refrain from littering and disturbing the wildlife.
• Sun Protection : The island can get quite sunny, especially during the dry months. Make sure to take sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses.
• Stay Hydrated : Outdoor activities can be dehydrating, especially in warm weather. Carry enough water to last the visit.
• Photography Ethics : While photography is encouraged, be respectful. Avoid using flash when photographing animals.

Nearby Attractions

• Koggala Lake : Located just a few kilometers from Madol Duwa, Koggala Lake offers boat tours that let you explore small islands and see various bird species. It's a peaceful setting, ideal for nature lovers.
• Galle Fort : Sri Lanka's most famous fort, this is a UNESCO World Heritage Site about 17 kilometers from Madol Duwa. The fort boasts well-preserved colonial architecture and offers a range of shops, cafes, and museums.
• Martin Wickramasinghe Museum : Situated in Koggala, this museum is dedicated to the life and work of Sri Lankan writer Martin Wickramasinghe. It's an excellent place to understand the local culture and literary history.
• Unawatuna Beach : Unawatuna is a famous beach located just 12 km from Madol Duwa. It's a popular spot for swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving.
• Jungle Beach : This secluded beach is situated near Unawatuna and offers a quieter atmosphere. It's a great place to relax and enjoy the natural surroundings away from the crowds.

Madol Duwa presents a blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and history, making it an appealing destination for travelers. If you are traveling near Galle and looking to escape into nature, you should definitely add this amazing island to your itinerary.

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10 Lines, Short And Long Essay On My Favourite Book For Kids

Key Points To Note While Writing An Essay On My Favourite Book For Lower Primary Classes

Importance of books in life, 10 lines on ‘my favourite book’ for kids, a paragraph on ‘my favourite book’ for kids, short essay on ‘my favourite book’ in english for kids, long essay on ‘my favourite book’ for children, what will your child learn by writing an essay on ‘my favourite book’.

Reading is the most effective learning method, and we all know the value of children reading literature. In truth, books have always been and will remain the greatest path to knowledge. If you’ve ever pondered how to start reading without becoming weary, this is your opportunity to do so. Continue reading these sample essays on ‘My Favourite Book’ for classes 1, 2, and 3 or ‘The Book I Like The Most’, and get some ideas for writing an essay on your own.

Essay writing on ‘my favourite book’ is easy. Let us guide you with some points to remember. 

• Begin by writing an introduction about the author and some background information on the book.
• Then, in a clean, straightforward manner, compose the primary text, and end with a proper conclusion.

Books are vital in each child’s life. They bring kids to a fantasy universe, introduce them to the big world out there, and improve their reading and writing skills, memory, and cognition. We cannot emphasise the value of literature in the kids’ lives as it expands their minds and serves as portals into the universe surrounding us. They leave a long-lasting impression on children.

Younger children can be expected to write their essay in a simple format. Guide them to jot down their points and write them out in grammatically correct sentences. Below are ten points on the essay for class 1 & class 2:

• Books are a treasure trove of knowledge.
• Reading books is an excellent habit that gives us insight and expertise.
• They help us improve our brain power and expand our vocabulary.
• I like reading books about fairy tales.
• Fairy tale books have fascinating stories about fairies and their companions in fairyland.
• I read these books every night before going to sleep.
• The book I’m currently reading has some lovely stories with big pictures! 
• The book’s illustration makes it more enjoyable to read.
• The pictures in the book make it easy to imagine the fantasy world.
• My friends and I always exchange our books, so we get to read many new books.

Books are our great buddies since they provide all the information about the world. One of my favourite books is ‘The Jungle Book’.  Rudyard Kipling wrote ‘The Jungle Book’ in 1894. The story revolves around Mowgli, a human kid raised by wolves in a wild forest.

Bagheera, the loving panther, finds a small boy in the jungle and delivers him to the wolf pack. Mama wolf then raises Mowgli as her baby. Daddy wolf teaches Mowgli all the skills of the forest. Mowgli understands the jungle laws and spends most of his time with Baloo and Bagheera. Sher Khan, a dangerous tiger, wants to eat Mowgli. So Mowgli thinks of a plan to rescue himself and succeeds. Everybody in the forest gets happy.

Reading is something I enjoy doing. I’ve read many novels. But, one book holds a special place in my heart, my favourite book, Panchatantra, written by Vishnu Sharma. It has many stories with pictures. Every story has a moral which teaches something good and meaningful in life. I enjoy reading picture books, and this book offered me a variety of stories.

One of my favourite stories from Panchatantra is ‘The Foolish Lion And The Clever Rabbit’. Once upon a time, there was a greedy lion who used to kill animals. Everyone was afraid of him. To reduce the senseless killing, the animals requested the lion to spare them the fear and decided to send one animal to the lion each day. The lion agreed to this agreement. One day, the animals sent a rabbit. He was an intelligent creature. He reached the lion’s cave late and told him that another big lion had stopped him on the way. He told the greedy lion that this second lion was challenging him. The lion felt very angry and decided to teach a good lesson to the other lion. He asked the rabbit to take him to the place where he met the other lion. The clever rabbit took him to a well and told him that the other lion lived in that well. When the greedy lion looked inside the well, he saw his own reflection and mistook it for the second lion. He jumped into the well to attack his competitor but drowned. The rabbit saved himself and the entire forest because of his quick wit and cleverness.

There are many such stories of wit and intelligence in the Panchatantra books. They introduce us to virtues such as compassion, bravery, wisdom, mental presence, and togetherness.

Books are loyal companions that will never abandon you. This holds true for me because you can always find books with and around me.

Books can transport us to other universes without leaving our current location. Books also help us expand our creativity. My family and teachers always motivated me to read and instilled in me the value of books. The book I like most is the Panchatantra. It is an extremely fascinating book. I have finished the book, but I still continue to read it because it is so entertaining! 

One of the most prominent Indian authors and scholars, Vishnu Sharma, wrote Panchatantra in Sanskrit in the 3rd century BC. The book was later translated into many different languages. It is a collection of several stories. Vishnu Sharma has done a good job of giving moral life lessons by showcasing the activity of animals. I enjoy the book because it has many stories I love and cherish.

My mother bought this book for me as my birthday present. When I first read this book, it captured my attention instantly. Panchatantra has a unique narration which makes it my favourite book. It teaches us how humble, loving, and caring people always succeed. The book also showcases how bad qualities like cunningness, jealousy, anger and cheating can get you into trouble.

Panchatantra is a narrative of several animal characters in various stories, including a lion named Pingalaka, two bulls named Karnataka and Sanjivaka, a fox named Damanaka, deer named Chars, and so many others. These animals showcase human behaviour that we come across in our daily life.

Even though the book has a variety of stories, the story of The Crab and The Stork is close to my heart. It teaches us about presence of mind and intelligence. The story begins with a stork that was searching for food but could not find any as he was old. Finally, he plans to catch a fish to eat. He goes to a pond and pretends to be sad and depressed. Seeing him gloomy, a fish and a crab ask him why he is upset. The stork makes up a story that humans were going to inhabit the pond to grow crops. They are convinced by this story and are worried about how to stop this. The stork takes all the fish, frogs and other marine animals out of the pond, and slyly uses them for his meal. Finally, it is the turn of the crab to go with the stork, but the crab is aware that his friends are dead. So, the crab uses his intelligence, grabs the stork’s neck, and kills him to save himself.

Panchatantra stories like this one have taught me to think before taking any action. The book educates me on optimism and how to see the brightness at the end of the tunnel. It has made me realise the value of being good to all in any situation.

Thinking about their favourite book will make children mentally revisit all the books they have read and enjoyed. It will also encourage them to analyse what they like about each of the books as they choose their favourite one and think of points to write about. Moreover, as children discuss their assignments in class, it will expose them to a whole new variety of books that they would like to add to their reading wishlist. This assignment will also make children understand the importance of reading for their overall learning. It will also give them good writing practice with a topic that they can enjoy. The samples given here will give your child an idea of how to write this essay independently. So what are you waiting for? Ask your child to pick their favourite book and compose an amazing essay on their own!

1. What Are Some Popular Children’s Books?

The following are a few famous children’s books:

• The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle
• Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll
• Charlie And The Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl
• The True Story of Three Little Pigs by Jon Scieszka
• Harold and the Purple Crayon by Crockett Johnson
• Panchatantra by Vishnu Sharma
• The Famous Five by Enid Mary Blyton

2. What Was The Name Of The First Published Book In The World?

The first published book in the world was the Diamond Sutra, printed in AD 868.

We hope that the facts, tips and examples presented here help your child with their essay writing assignment on ‘My Favourite Book.’ We have kept the language simple for them to read and comprehend well, to be able to write in their own words.

Essay On ‘My Favourite Subject’ For Children Essay On An Ideal Student For Classes 1, 2, & 3 Classes How To Write An Essay On Importance Of Education For Kids

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Use of Sri Lankan English to Preserve Originality in the Translation of 'Madol Doova'

Ashley Halpe's translation of 'Madol Doova' by Martin Wickramasinghe is the translation of one of the most legendary teenage adventure novels written in Sinhala. The novel, written in Sinhala, comprises a speciality of Wickramasinge, which is his ability to create the beauty and simplicity of village life through his narrative. The translation of such a text from Sinhala into English needs to be done by a skilled translator who can understand the importance of preserving its authenticity during the process of translation. This paper will examine how the translator preserves the originality of the Sri Lankan novel through a variety of Sri Lankan English. This paper examines how the translator attempts to bridge the vast gap between Sinhala and English so as not to fail his English readers. Halpe uses loan words, code-mixing, and word to word translations of words, phrases, idioms, idiomatic expressions, sayings, and curse words to satisfactorily preserve the originality of the translated work. The translator also introduces misheard English phrases to create humour. This gives character to the novel, and it further aids in the existence's claim and recognition of the translated works' originality and homage to the original text.

Related Papers

daya dissanayake

This is a very brief introduction to Sri Lankan literature from the earliest records to the present day and a glance at the future. The earliest writing had been in Prakrit, which gradually developed into Sinhala, which is indigenous and unique to Sri Lanka. There had also been writings in Pali and Sanskrit, which include works of poetry and chronicles. The next language to be used by our writers was English. Today our literature is in Sinhala, Tamil and English. Most of the Muslim community in Sri Lanka also use Tamil as their mother tongue and create their literary works in Tamil or English. There are many literary works in English, of a very high standard, which unfortunately are not known even in the neighbouring countries. Very few Sinhala and Tamil works get translated into English, because our publishers do not make any efforts to promote them overseas. In the same manner the really good literature from South Asia is not available to us in Sri Lanka. E-books and audio books is the way to overcome this problem and have all literature available to everyone, anywhere at anytime. We have come a long way from oral literature to writings in copper and gold plates and palm leaves to printed books and now to e-books. The future will be audio books leading us to a new oral society of illiterates. We would not be able to call ourselves as writers, but perhaps as story-tellers. We will have our audience, not readers.

The Sri Lanka (LANKAN?) culture and traditions have always been heavily influenced by India, the most prominent being our religion, Buddha Dhamma, and our Languages, Sinhala and Tamil. Our music, dance forms, food habits and dress has (HAVE??) been borrowed from India before the Europeans arrived, and continued after they left. One aspect that has not shown any Indian influence is our literature in English. Sri Lankan writing in English was directly influenced by the British and American writers and the English translations of European and Russian literature. It has grown independently, developing own styles, themes, and ideology unique to our country. Yet very little of such writing has been able to cross the shores, even the narrow Palk Strait of just about 50 km. at the narrowest point, and only 45 minutes by air from Colombo to Chennai. Sri Lankan literature is not known in India, except for the writing of a few diaspora writers, published in the west or in India. This paper is an attempt to provide a brief introduction to the rich Sri lanka (SRI LANKAN ENGLISH?) literature and AWAKEN the curiosity of the Indian readers and encourage students to take up the studies of our writings. The situation is created by the booksellers in India who are not very interested in making our books available IN INDIA. Since books are not available there are no reviews, discussions or any means of creating an awareness. It is the same for us in Sri Lanka, we never get an opportunity to read most of the Indian writings in English. The best solution is for writers to make their books available in cyberspace for access from anywhere at any time.

KALA: Sri Lanka Art Council Journal

EA Gamini Fonseka

Ganushka Randula

This is the abstract volume of the 3rd International Conference on Linguistics in Sri Lanka, held in 2017.

IJIRT Journal

Like many of the other terms in postcolonial theory and discourse that popularly suggest detachment from metropolitan or local spaces, "exile" has been deployed as a concept beyond simply a forced removal from a given physical location. Exile in everyday use invokes images of individual political dissidents sent overseas or large groups of people banished to distant lands, forming various Diasporas. In these cases there are sometimes presumptions that the exiled are different from casual migrants who forget their original homelands and form new allegiances with the places in which they settle. Exiles retain a sense of (be) longing to/for a real or imagined homeland. Exile in the form of migration has been the cause of emergence of a large number of writers who have given direction to the progress of English Literature. In fact it was the colonial powers that made most people aliens in their own countryfirstly through linguistic displacement. As an academic with special interests in eighteenth century English Literature, the new literatures in English, and in Sri Lankan Writing in English and Sinhala, Yasmine Gooneratne was invited to take up a position at Macquarie University. Compared with the situation of many new migrants, her future was assured and relatively untroubled by the day-today uncertainties which traumatize many of those for whom economic security and the negotiation of an empowering identity within an Englishspeaking culture are significant barriers to successful settlement.

I was born and I live in Sri Lanka, but I am a son of Mother Earth. I believe one of the best ways to bring all children of Mother Earth together is through art, music, dance and literature. To overcome the language barrier we have a link through English, until someday we could use electronic technology to breakdown the language barrier by instant translations, or we develop a universal language. We in South India and Lanka share so much in common, in our culture, literature, music, dance, food habits and most of all through religion. Geographical barriers had never been an obstacle, as people have been crossing the narrow sea between our two lands for many millennia. We in Sri Lanka have been reading the great literature of South India from ancient times. We have adopted Kannaki as our own goddess Pattini. R. K. Narayan and Malgudi are household names in Sri Lanka, even among the Sinhala readers and television viewers. Gopal Ganghi's Saranam is a novel touching both South India and Sri Lanka through the people who migrated from South India during the British occupation to work in the tea estates. But unfortunately the modern literature born in our countries are not shared. We do not get an opportunity to read them, even if they are written in English or translated into English. We are at the mercy of the book publishers and sellers who decide what they market and thus what we read. The solution to this is the e-book made freely available. Lanka and South India

Suwanda Sugunasiri

Sri Lanka Journal of the Humanities

Liyanage Amarakeerthi

Martin Wickramasinghe's Virāgaya (1956), a novel considered a modern classic is often understood be a text that exclusively focuses on the inner psyche of the central character. Thus, it was criticized for the lack of socio-political meaning. Amarasekara, a renowned writer and critic, maintained that the novel represents a certain weakening of socio-political dialogue in the country after achieving independence from the British. Compared to Wickramasinghe's famous trilogy, which is explicitly 'social' since it deals with an evolution of a certain capitalist class, Virāgaya is understood to be a work that deals more with the psychological than with the social. This paper argues that when read as a postcolonial novel, contextualizing it in its specific postcolonial condition, Viragya appears to be much more 'social' and 'political' than any other novel

International Journal of Multidisciplinary Studies

Buddhima Karunarathna

The field of translation is becoming exceedingly popular with the advancement of technology. In the Sri Lankan context, the field of audio visual translations, specifically dubbing and subtitling was first practiced in early 1980s. However, compared to the practices in the field of audio visual translation in the other parts of the world, the advancement of the field in Sri Lanka was comparatively slow. Nevertheless, dubbed dramas, movies, etc. from various continents of the world are dubbed in Sinhala and Tamil and telecast in Sri Lanka. Translating a script for dubbing purpose is challenging since the translator has to focus on the linguistic factors as well as socio-cultural factors related to both the source language and the target language. The purpose of the study was to analyze strategies in translating culture specific expressions in translating a script for dubbing purpose. As the methodology, culture specific references of a Korean drama which was translated and telecast in Sinhala was analyzed. The analysis was done from the word level and above word level considering the linguistic factors as well as socio-cultural factors of both source language and the target language. Thus, the findings show that apart from strategies of translating the other conventional media, polysemiotic nature in audio visual translations, has led the translator to use several interventional strategies in translating culture specific expressions within the cultural, linguistic, technical and contextual considerations in translating a script for dubbing purpose, challenging the conventional theories of translation equivalence.

Respectus Philologicus

Niroshini Gunasekera

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Madol Doova

රු 250.00

Author : Ashley Halpe 

Madol Doova (by Martin Wickramasinghe) Translation

Publisher : Sarasa Publishers

Thirty Seventh Batch 2019

ISBN 978-955-695-007-6

Out of stock

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Martin Wickramasinghe’s novel Madol Doova has been read, re – read and loved by generations of Sri Lankans in its original Sinhala as well as in Tamil and English translations. During the half a century since it was first published in 1947, over a million copies have been printed. It has been translated into Chinese, Russian, Dutch, Rumanian, Czech Bulgarian and Japanese languages and published in these respective countries.

‘The courage and determination that give Upali and Jinna heroic stature in the eyes of the reader, is a product of their unyielding physical and mental strength. Their intelligence confronts and overcomes the handicap of a deficient education. Upali is a hero who overflows with an extraordinary human vitality.’

                                                                                             Professor I. Scavetch, Bruno University.

 #MadolDoova #AshleyHalpe #MartinWickramasinghe #EnglishBooks #LamaintaKiyaweemata

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From Madol Duwa to Kukureu: Literary Relations Between Russia And Sri Lanka

“Yes, there will be winter, there will be cold, there will be snowstorms, but then there will be spring again.”

Anyone who reads Sri Lankan Sinhala literature will be very familiar with these lines from The First Teacher by Chingiz Aitmatov. Translated as Guru Geethaya in Sinhala, it has for long been among the most popular books in Sri Lanka over the years. In fact, translations of Russian literature are among the most popular books in Sri Lanka, according to Sirimanna Karunatillake of the Soviet-Sri Lanka Friendship society and the Russian Literary Circle of Sri Lanka. This popularity has remained unwavering despite Sri Lanka’s British English influence and the spread of anti-Russian sentiments from the West. Karunatillake said to Roar, “English is very close to us. We are in fact an English colony. We learned in English and our thoughts were shaped by English. Yet, how little has English literature penetrated into Sri Lankan literature? But Russian Literature  If you ask anyone if they have read Maxim Gorky, Tolstoy Anton Chekhov [in translated form] they will say, yes.”

Professor Tissa Kariyawasam writes in the Sri Lankan Sinhala magazine ‘Soviet Deshaya’ (The Soviet Union) that since English literature was so closely tied to the ruling class, it was Russian literature that first connected with the public of Sri Lanka. In January of 1932, the Silumina newspaper began a series of articles on Russian literature. The Vesak issue of the Dinamina newspaper of 1940 published a work of Leo Tolstoy translated into Sinhala by Charles Justin Wijewardena. In his book ‘”Sri Lanka – Soviet – Russia Relations As I Happen to Know’” Sirimanna Karunatillake also confirms that in 1944, Ediriweera Sarathchandra and A.P. Gunarathne published a collection of translated Russian short stories of Chekov, Gorky, Tolstoy and Sologub. It was followed by similarly published translations by K.D.P. Wickramasinghe in 1946 and by Cyril C. Perera in 1947 and 1950. This was the initial trickle of Russian literature into Sri Lanka. Cyril C. Perera would translate and publish so many Russian works of literature that he received recognition from the Union of Soviet Writers and the Russian Embassy in Sri Lanka for fostering relations and services to literature.

From Sri Lanka To Russia, And Back

The initial steps towards more extensive literary relations were taken after the establishment of formal diplomatic ties with the Soviet Union in 1957 by none other than Sri Lanka’s great Sinhala writer Martin Wickramasinghe. In a book written by Vladimir Yakovlev—the first Soviet ambassador to Sri Lanka—on his experiences in the country, he states that he was fortunate to meet Sri Lanka’s premier author and they were fast friends. He would later introduce Wickramasinghe to Nikolai Semenovich Tikhonov; a Soviet writer, member of the Serapion Brothers literary group, once chair of the Union of Soviet Writers and the Soviet Peace committee as well as a recipient of the Lenin Peace Prize. Yakolev writes how Wickramasinghe began his love of Russian Literature with English translations of Gorki, then Gogol, then Chekov and anything else he could find. To which Tikhonov replied saying that, ‘now (in 1957) a favourable environment has appeared in which to develop cultural relations between the two countries,’ inviting Wickramasinghe to visit Russia, and further said that Wickramasinghe’s books need to be translated and published in Russia. All of which was heartily agreed to by Wickramasinghe who would send English translations of his work to the Embassy later on.

Wickramasinghe would eventually make four visits to Russia, exploring the country and making connections with literary circles. He would go on to write the book ‘Rise of the Soviet Union’ based on his experiences which explores the new Russia he encountered from multiple angles. In it, he also says, “I feel that by reading these [Russian] novels and French novels, I received the experience and wisdom of living a hundred years as a lay person. I did not feel that I received the same experience and clear knowledge of life and faith in humanity regarding a lay person’s life, from French and English novels, the way I received it from old Russian novels.” By this time a collection of Wickramasinghe’s short stories and the novel ‘Madol Duwa’ were being published in Russian to a favourable reception. In W.A. Abeysinghe biography of Martin Wickramasinghe, he writes of the recollections of Vladimir Baidakov who was the first secretary of the Soviet-Sri Lanka Friendship Society who said “I got to know Martin Wickramasinghe in 1959 after reading his collection of short stories and the novel “Madol Duwa”. They became very close to my heart because of the amicability, honesty, the strength to look deep into the human mind and the author’s affection and kindness towards the public. In later years Wickramasinghe’s major works would be published in the Soviet Union to great acclaim in literary circles.

Sirimanna Karunatillake writes that the path opened by Wickramasinghe’s tours in Russia allowed other Sri Lankan writers to follow suit. For example; A. V. Suraweera, K. Dissanayake, Ven. Udakandawala Saranankara, W. A. Abeysinghe and Gunasena Withana. Writers such as these had close relations with the Soviet Union. Even attending major cultural and literary events in Russia at the invitation of institutions like the Union of Soviet Writers. Many of these writers were working off English translations and writing Sinhala translations from them. But after diplomatic ties were officially established quite a few Sri Lankan writers came to study at Russia’s “Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia.” Better known as Lumumba University. With their acquired knowledge of Russian, they began to write Sinhala translations from the original publication itself. These were writers like Padmaharsha Kuranage. Kuranage was an editor of the popular Sanskruthi cultural magazine in Sri Lanka that introduced many foreign authors to the Sri Lankan public. He also published a book of translated Russian short stories in that time. He was one of the first batches of Sri Lankans to study at Lumumba and proceeded to continue with his translation work there. He received offers from Russian publishers to print these translations as well. And so began a publishing relationship that lasted from 1960 to 1992 as Kuranage settled in Russia till the fall of the Soviet Union.

Vincent Rodrigo was also one of that batch of students at Lumumba and was also engaged in translating Russian works. He would go on to be the author with the most Russian-to-Sinhala translations with over 200 in a 25-year career. Many of which were immensely popular in Sri Lanka. Including “Mother” by Gorky and “The First Teacher” by Chingiz Aitmatov. He also joined the then-new Sinhala section of Moscow Radio and was even involved in dubbing Russian films to Sinhala, and was known as the unofficial Sri Lankan ambassador to Russia. Other such notable writers include Oruwala Bandu, H. Jayarathne, Rupasiri Perera, and many others that carry the torch to this day. Many have also received recognition for furthering literary relations between Sri Lanka and Russia.

There were several publishers both here in Sri Lanka and in the Soviet Union that were eager to take hold of this emerging new market. For example, Moscow’s Mezhdunaródnaya Kniga (International Book Establishment). A company dedicated to the worldwide distribution and export of books. In the Soviet era, Mezhdunaródnaya Kniga associated with hundreds of publishers and export huge amounts of literature as well as other intellectual and cultural information materials. As well as Raduga Publishers, a state-owned publication house of the Soviet Union, Progress Publishers and Malish Publishing, which mainly concerned itself with children’s books.  In Sri Lanka, the publisher People’s Publishing House made connections with them. Through these connections, Sinhala and Tamil translations of Russian literature were shipped to Sri Lanka after being translated and printed in Russia itself. The first of which was reportedly a children’s book called “Two Stories” published by Mezhdunaródnaya Kniga in August of 1957.

In Sri Lanka

Karunatillake mentions that Gunasena Withana is one of the founders of the Peoples Writers Front (PWF). The PWF was created for the aim of furthering Sri Lankan literature but it also was a key group in fostering the relationship between Sri Lankan and Russian Literary circles. Withana was a guest at events like the 60th-anniversary celebrations of the October Revolution and the golden jubilee of the Union of Soviet Writers. Sirimanna Karunatillake adds, in Sri Lanka, they were very proactive in attempting to tell the public about Russian Literature. They organised many events around the country. On November 12, 1965, on the 75th anniversary of Anton Chekhov’s visit to Sri Lanka, they organised a large seminar at the University of Colombo. For Tolstoy’s 150th birth anniversary on September 9th 1978, the  PWF formed a national committee for a truly large scale celebration. The committee counted literary heavyweights like Prof. A.V. Suraweera, Prof. Tissa Kariyawasam, K. Jayatilleke, Munidasa Senarath Yapa, K.G. Karunatillake, Ven. K. Ananda, Gunasena Withana and pioneers of introducing Russian authors to Sri Lanka; Charles Justin Wijewardena and Cyril C. Perera. With their guidance, Tolstoy’s books, photographs, handwriting, discussions of his life and work, conferences, fairs were held throughout the island in September of 1978.

These efforts were supplemented by efforts from the Peoples Publishing House (PPH) as well. PPH acted as the local distributor for all the books that came from the Russian publishers and distributed them islandwide. Using events like the commemoration of the October Revolution, Lenin’s birth anniversary, PPH would organise grand book exhibitions and sales in Colombo and other major cities. They even used mobile book fairs to reach more rural areas. This system worked well and lasted until the fall of the Soviet Union when the supply of books from Russia halted. But their efforts succeeded and Russian literature was firmly embedded in the Sri Lankan literary landscape.

As mentioned before, even today, decades after the active propagation of Russian literature, the genre still enjoys a great love in the hearts of Sri Lanka’s literary public. In the foreword to the reprint of ‘Russian Short Stories’ by Ediriweera Sarachchandra and A.P. Gunarathne, author K. Jayatilleka says, “The Sinhala novel and short story began in its present form from its association with English Literature. But it lit upon the correct path and proceeded to develop further with the influence of Russian and French literature.” But beyond influencing Sri Lankan authors, the original Russian classics are still best sellers across the island in their translated forms, loved by young and old alike. And while they have not received the fame of the classics, newer Russian and Soviet novels still get translated into Sinhala. For example, in September of 2017, Russian-Uzbek writer Hamid Ismailov was hosted at the Russian Center in Colombo at the launch of the Sinhala translation of his book ‘Dead Lake’ translated by Chulananda Samaranayake. The Russian Literary Circle in Sri Lanka is still very much active and conducts its own events celebrating Russian literature like last years Annual Literary festival which was dedicated to the 200th birth anniversary of Turgenev, 150th anniversary of Gorky and the 100th anniversary of Solzhenitsyn. Russian literature is a significant part of Sri Lanka’s literary traditions and seems like it will always be so.

Special thanks to the Russian Center in Colombo and Mr Sirimanna Karunatillake.

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Monday, october 9, 2023, my favourite book ..

This  story   is   woven   around  two  boys . They  are  Upali  and  Jinna . They  are   main  characters  in  this  novel  and   they  are  very  cleverly ,  bravely  , and   diligent   childrens .  A  grant   character  of  Upali   is  a  horism  and  adventure .  In  addition   Ranadewa , Dangadasa    and   Siripala   are  the  several  characters  and   these  characters  further  illuminate  the  grant  characters . 

According  to  the  story   Upali  and  Jinna  left  their  home   and   they  went  to  an  unknown  island .  This  island  was  called  Madol  Duwa .  On  this   island  they  faced  a lot  of   problems  and  they  found   the solution   for  this   problems   . After  this  courageous   boys   becomes   successful  persons .  

 This  story  is  a    blend  of  adventure  excitement  and   perseverance .    Later  on  in  1976   Dr , Lester  James   Peris   product   Madol  Duwa  film .  The   novel  of   Madol  Duwa   is  an  experience  that  never  boring   to  the   readers   and   hence  it  is  my  favourite  book .

Essay on My Favourite Book for Students and Children

500+ Words Essay on My Favourite Book

Essay on My Favourite Book: Books are friends who never leave your side. I find this saying to be very true as books have always been there for me. I enjoy reading books . They have the power to help us travel through worlds without moving from our places. In addition, books also enhance our imagination. Growing up, my parents and teachers always encouraged me to read. They taught me the importance of reading. Subsequently, I have read several books. However, one boom that will always be my favourite is Harry Potter. It is one of the most intriguing reads of my life. I have read all the books of this series, yet I read them again as I never get bored of it.

Harry Potter Series

Harry Potter was a series of books authored by one of the most eminent writers of our generation, J.K. Rowling. These books showcase the wizarding world and its workings. J.K. Rowling has been so successful at weaving a picture of this world, that it feels real. Although the series contains seven books, I have a particular favourite. My favourite book from the series is The Goblet of fire.

When I started reading the book, it caught my attention instantly. Even though I had read all the previous parts, none of the books caught my attention as this one did. It gave a larger perspective into the wizarding world. One of the things which excite me the most about this book is the introduction of the other wizard schools. The concept of the Tri-wizard tournament is one of the most brilliant pieces I have come across in the Harry Potter series.

In addition, this book also contains some of my favourite characters. The moment I read about Victor Krum’s entry, I was star struck. The aura and personality of that character described by Rowling are simply brilliant. Further, it made me become a greater fan of the series.

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What Harry Potter Series Taught Me?

Even though the books are about the world of wizards and magic, the Harry Potter series contains a lot of lessons for young people to learn. Firstly, it teaches us the importance of friendship. I have read many books but never come across a friendship like that of Harry, Hermoine, and Ron. These three musketeers stuck together throughout the books and never gave up. It taught me the value of a good friend.

Further, the series of Harry Potter taught me that no one is perfect. Everyone has good and evil inside them. We are the ones who choose what we wish to be. This helped me in making better choices and becoming a better human being. We see how the most flawed characters like Snape had goodness inside them. Similarly, how the nicest ones like Dumbledore had some bad traits. This changed my perspective towards people and made me more considerate.

Finally, these books gave me hope. They taught me the meaning of hope and how there is light at the end of the tunnel. It gave me the strength to cling on to hope in the most desperate times just like Harry did all his life. These are some of the most essential things I learned from Harry Potter.

In conclusion, while there were many movies made in the books. Nothing beats the essence and originality of the books. The details and inclusiveness of books cannot be replaced by any form of media. Therefore, the Goblet of Fire remains to be my favourite book.

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