The main remembrance ceremony will begin today (14) at 8.00 a.m. at the Radawana Thunman Handiya, followed by the official commemorative programme at 8.30 a.m. at the premises of Radawana Mahagama Sekara Maha Vidyalaya.
The event will feature the participation of a contemporary of Mahagama Sekara. Speeches will also be delivered by Chulananda Samaranayake, Mahinda Prasad Masimbula, and Ravi Siriwardhana.
Later the same day, at 3.00 p.m., a special memorial lecture titled “Mahagama Sekara: Reflections on Half a Century” will be held at the Gampaha District Secretariat Auditorium. The keynote address will be delivered by veteran poet Ratna Sri Wijesinghe.
These events aim to celebrate and remember the immense contribution of Mahagama Sekara to Sri Lankan literature, art, and culture.
Renowned Sri Lankan literary figure and multi-talented artist Mahagama Sekara will be remembered on the 50th anniversary of his passing on January 14, 2026.
Born on April 7, 1929, in Radawana of the Siyane Korale, Sekara developed his artistic talents under the influence of his father, John Sanjo, a skilled craftsman. Sekara later acknowledged his father’s guidance in his celebrated poetry collection Prabuddha.
He received his early education at Radawana Government Boys’ School and Kirindiwela Sinhala Boys’ College, followed by formal training in fine arts at Colombo Technical College and professional teacher training at Nittambuwa Teachers’ College.
His career included service as a teacher, translator at the Department of Official Languages, radio programme producer at the Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation, lecturer at Meerigama Teachers’ College, and Principal of the Institute of Aesthetic Studies. He also earned a doctorate from Vidyodaya University.
Mahagama Sekara was not only a poet, but also a novelist, short story writer, lyricist, painter, and film director. His poetry collections such as Vyanga, Sakwala Lihini, Heta Irak Paayai, Nomiyemi, and Prabuddha reshaped modern Sinhala free verse poetry.
His novels Thunman Handiya and Manomandira, as well as the children’s book Koti Waligaya, reflect the wide range of his creative work. Notably, Thunman Handiya was also adapted into a successful film directed by Sekara himself.
On the same day, a special lecture titled “Mahagama Sekara: Reflections After Half a Century” will be delivered by veteran poet Rathna Sri Wijesinghe at the Gampaha District Secretariat Auditorium.
Mahagama Sekara’s enduring literary and artistic legacy continues to enrich Sri Lankan culture. His humanistic vision and creative contributions remain deeply rooted in the hearts of generations, ensuring that his influence will live on for many years to come.
