Prasanga’s ‘SaamiMalai’ to be launched in Chennai

Indian Tamils were brought down to Sri Lanka by the British as a means of increasing the work force in the tea plantations. At present they comprise the majority of the estate sector, but continue to live in dire conditions. Their lives have been interestingly penned into a book titled ‘SaamiMalai’ by upcoming novelist, lyricist and journalist Sujith Prasanga.

The book has gained much attention. Its Tamil translation, done by award-winning translator Rishan Sharif, will be launched at the Chennai Book Exhibition on January 14. The book is a publication of Ethir Veliyeedu publishing house. 

Prasanga’s efforts to capture the hardships faced by the estate workers have been commended by many. The book explores the uncertainties they live with, the natural calamities they encounter, how some women opt for foreign employment as they earn a pittance plucking tea leaves. This book is therefore considered to be the first of its kind to be penned in Sinhalese, noting down the life stories of this community in black and white. 

The book which is published by Ethir Veliyeedu publishing house will be launched at the Chennai Book Exhibition on January 14