Modern Sinhala Poetry Nourished by Religious Narratives and Religious Concepts: A Study Based on Saumya Sandaruwan Liyanage’s Poetic Work ‘Hatte Watte Magdalena’

Abstract

The purpose of this research paper is to examine the use of religious narratives and concepts in the award-winning poetry of Saumya Sandaruwan Liyanage, recipient of the State Literary Award in 2014. In particular, the study focuses on how the poetry collection Hate Vatte Magdalena successfully draws on religious narratives and concepts to construct its poetic vision. This research is structured in two main parts: first, an exploration of religious narratives and concepts, and second, an analysis of how these religious narratives and concepts are employed within modern poetry. The central research question is: how are religious narratives and concepts reflected in the works of Soumya Sandaruwan Liyanage as a modern Sinhala poet? Liyanage demonstrates a careful and sophisticated use of religious language, incorporating elements of religious narratives into his poetic compositions. Through this approach, he creates innovative poetic imagery while reinterpreting contemporary social realities from a fresh perspective. Issues such as class disparity, poverty, racism, war, and feminism are articulated in ways that allow religious narratives and concepts to acquire new and layered meanings. Accordingly, this study examines how and to what extent the “religious narratives and concepts” contributes to poetic effectiveness in “Hate Vatte Magdalena”, highlighting the poet’s ability to merge traditional mythic elements with modern social concerns.