Poetry from Batticaloa

This bilingual book portrays rural Batticaloa, Sri Lanka in a harmonious mix of Tamil poetry and its translation in English prose. Created nearly half a century ago, this collection resonates even today as a timeless literary masterpiece; a curious mix of traditional beliefs and modern ideas interlaced as a single work of art. 

The poet pours her heart out through living verses, reflecting on special moments in the local temples and the breathtaking rustic surrounds. She draws from her personal experiences, capturing the magic at every level - visual, aural and spiritual - transporting the reader back in time and space. 

Whether her poems boldly address abstract themes or follow a narrative style written from real events, they hold the reader captive till the end. One hears her passionate heart cry out its resistance to society’s indifference to the poor and defenseless. And her poetic brilliance shines through when she elegantly threads an inspirational message into each of her creative pieces.

‘Poetry from Batticaloa’ is a genuine tribute to Batticaloa. It is also a fine memorial to the poet’s rich and varied life and a celebration of her deep commitment to make the world a better place.

Proud of her mother’s poetry and driven by the need to make her mother’s voice heard by generations to come, her daughter Malliha Sinniah has included its translation in English, along with a detailed glossary, to cater to the non-Tamil speaking reader and to make this literary treasure available to a wider global readership.

In honour of Kamalabooshanie’s dedication to the Ramakrishna Mission, all gains including all royalties, from ‘Poetry from Batticaloa’ are donated to the Brisbane chapter of the Vedanta Centre (Ramakrishna Mission in Australia).