Andarege Niyama Launched in Colombo as Chulananda Samaranayake Delivers Strong Remarks on Literature

he novel Andarege Niyama, written by G.K. Sumith Nanda, was launched today at the Social and Collective Centre in Colombo.

Former Speaker of Parliament Karu Jayasuriya attended the event as the guest of honour, while the keynote address was delivered by author and writer Chulananda Samaranayake.

Addressing the gathering, Samaranayake made strong remarks about the role of literature in society, reflecting on the importance of folk literature in expressing the experiences and struggles of ordinary people.

He questioned why bus poems are no longer widely read or recited, despite the fact that people once had a rich tradition of folk literature.

He recalled how people in earlier times used folk songs and poems to release their frustrations and express the pressures of everyday life, citing traditional forms such as miners' songs and cart drivers' songs.

His remarks highlighted the importance of preserving folk literature and recognising its place in the country's literary heritage.