“Sahithya Chakrawarthi” was awarded to Veteran Writer, Dr. W. A. Abeysinghe

The veteran writer, Dr. W. A. Abeysinghe, was awarded an Honorary Degree Doctor of Literature “Sahithya Chakrawarthi” for his outstanding contribution towards the literature and culture of Sri Lanka, by the University of Kelaniya, at the 127th convocation ceremony held recently at the BMICH.  

It was awarded to Dr. W. A. Abeysinghe by the Chief Incumbent of the Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara and KithsiriMewan Vihara, former Head of the Department of Pali and Buddhist Studies, the Chancellor of the University of Kelaniya Aggamahapanditha Most Venerable Professor Kollupitiye Mahinda SangharakkithaMaha Thera.  

The literary voyage of veteran writer Dr. W. A. Abeysinghe began over six decades ago. He has shown his colors through genres such as poems and lyrics, novels, short stories, translations, critical works, book editions and compilations, juvenile literature, and books for children. He has served in many institutions and organizations as a high-ranking personality – Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Ltd., National Library and Documentation Service Board, Literary Panel of the Arts Council, Wayamba Jana Kala Kendraya, and the International Secretariat of the Asian Buddhist Conference for Peace. He has fourteen poetry and lyric collections, three works of fiction, twenty-one literary translations, thirty-nine critical works, and sixty-eight edited compilations to his credit, up to date.  His contribution to the field of literature as a writer was phenomenal. MahaGatakuru Watha, which highlights the life and works of Martin Wickramasinghe, the doyen of modern Sinhala Literature, is undoubtedly one of the most significant magnum opus of Dr. W. A. Abeysinghe.   

Cadre Senior Prof. Nilanthi de Silva, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Kelaniya, Registrar, Deans of faculties, academic and non-academic staff, and a large crowd were present at this occasion.   
Malki Epasinghe
Communication and Media Unit
University of Kelaniya