Geheniyak (ගැහැණියක්)

"Geheniyak" is another significant work by Martin Wickramasinghe, originally published in 1948. Translated into English as "Gamperaliya," it is the first novel of a trilogy that includes "Kaliyugaya" (translated as "The Age of Wrath") and "Yuganthaya" (translated as "The End of an Era"). "Geheniyak" explores the socioeconomic changes and cultural transformations in rural Sri Lanka during the early 20th century. The novel portrays the tensions between tradition and modernity, the impact of British colonialism, and the evolving social structures in the village of Yakwila. Wickramasinghe's narrative skillfully intertwines personal stories with broader historical and societal themes, making "Geheniyak" a seminal work in Sinhala literature and a reflection of the author's deep understanding of Sri Lankan society.