Top 10 Must-Read Sri Lankan Books

We are back with our list, talking about books that boast the pride of Sri Lankan literacy. Like how a little spice can make your tea an exquisite chai, a flamboyant Sri Lankan voice can make your read oh-so-good. There’s something for everyone in this list, as we’ve compiled it from a widely cast net. 

This list is in no particular order; each book is equally worthy of a read. We’ll also include a table at the end, showing all the key details of each book.

1. Safe Haven by Shankari Chandran

Shankari is known for her astounding story telling, focusing on Sri Lankan immigrants in the uncharted lands of Australia. Chai Time at Cinnamon Gardens is a great example, and a book that got a lot of praise and admiration around the world. 

Safe Haven is another amazing addition to her portfolio, based around people escaping the civil war in Sri Lanka and hoping to find refuge in Australia, entering the border by boat. Aside from the arcs of a couple main characters pulling the strands of the story as a whole, this book is deeply emotional, exploring the struggles of seeking refuge, safety, kindness and injustice. You’ll be left with a lot to think about after this read!  

2. The Seven Moons of Maali Almeida by Shehan Karunatilak

The story starts with the death of Maali Almeida; a war photographer, gambler, and closet queen. His spirit wakes up, committed to finding the ones responsible for his death. In a country where scores are settled by death squads, suicide bombers, and hired goons, the list of suspects is depressingly long, and he has just seven moons to contact the man and woman he loves most and lead them to the photos that will rock Sri Lanka. 

Shehan’s novels are an auto read for people looking for an authentic story crafted with true Sri Lankan culture. Drama with humour; that’s what he wields so well and what readers keep coming back for.

3. Wid Keirdo by Surath De Mel (Translated by Priyangwada Perera)

A book written for children and teens, but with deep meaning and material for grown-ups to enjoy too. The original novel “Lamuthu Amaya” by Surath De Mel was in Sinhala, which was later translated by Priyangwada Perera to English after great demand.

The story is about a student attending an international school. It casts a bright light on the tug-of-war between administrations, teachers, students, and parents; the plight of our country, which makes it a must read for people from all of those categories. A thought-provoking read that challenges you to think differently, and ambitious enough to actually have a shot at changing your attitudes.

4. Playing the Devil’s Hand by Hesara Punchihewa

An interesting premise and fresh take to say the least. A Danish plastic surgeon, Dr Aksel Bjornsen, meets Russian barista, Nastya Vladimirovna, on a life-altering flight from Istanbul to Sri Lanka, and their worlds collide in a whirl of mishap and turmoil, that eventually puts their fates to the test like never before. The fact that Hesara himself is a medical student brings out a lot of genuine essence in the narrative, with the protagonist being a doctor.

This book is an invitation to explore the complexities of identity, mental health, and the delicate intersections of culture; avenues that are good for every Sri Lankan to explore, even in fictional context. 

5. Rakesfall by Vajra Chandrasekara

Tracing two souls through endless lifetimes, Rakesfall is a virtuosic exploration of what stories can be. As Annelid and Leveret reincarnate ever deeper into the future, they will chase the edge of human possibility in a dark science fiction epic unlike anything you've read before.

In simplest terms, this is a standalone science fiction epic about two souls bound together from here until the end of time. Everything outside of that scope will be interpreted differently from one reader to another. Surreal, lyrical, beautiful, haunting; these are just a few words that give a sense of what Rakesfall packs.

6. Seeking Dirt in Hiding by Siddhan Witharana

How often do you try out a new book after seeing its author in an utterly relatable tiktok? Siddhan has taken a different approach with his debut novel, putting himself on screen and connecting with readers on a mutual level.  

Story wise, it’s a cozy mystery set in a small town school, where a young janitor unwillingly gets tangled up in a murder mystery, playing the amateur sleuth. Don’t be surprised if you get too attached to a character with this read, and pray for their safety on every new page; that’s how much heart Siddhan has put into the story. And a small man going up against bigger, more powerful people? Well, that’s the underlying theme of this book, and the one that’ll keep you emotionally invested.

7. Brotherless Night by V. V. Ganeshananthan

A story centered around a young woman named Sashi, in 1981, who wants to become a doctor. But her dreams get upended as her family gets swept up in the conflict between the Sri Lankan government and the minority insurgent group known as the Tamil Tigers. Set during the early years of Sri Lanka’s three-decade civil war, Brotherless Night is a heartrending portrait of one woman’s moral journey and a testament to both the enduring impact of war and the bonds of home.

Ganeshananthan’s writing is a treat, and so easy to get soaked up in. Her prose works wonders with the characters, making them effortlessly tap into your mind and ask you to consider how history is told and the many truths it leaves out.

8. Jade and the Hidden Treasure by Abdul Rahman

How about an adventure thriller next? This captivating novel is written so smoothly that it could be enjoyed by readers of all ages. The story follows a boy with a passion for ancient artifacts and a desire to become an archaeologist, who embarks on a journey to find a hidden treasure and gets challenged in catastrophic ways. 

The creativity and imagination behind the vivid fantasy world that comes alive on page shows Rahman’s passion for the craft. He has also weaved in enticing twists to the plot, ensuring a satisfying read with a proper payoff. 

9. The Slow Sad Suicide of Rohan Wijeratne: Stories by Yudhanjaya Wijeratne

Science fiction stories written by a real life data scientist; now isn’t that the perfect formula? Yudhanjaya has set out to write short fiction a while back, to learn more about the craft, and published stories that resonated extremely positively with readers during the process.

The Slow Sad Suicide of Rohan Wijeratne was initially sold as a single short story, about a man who’s fed up of his overly well-off life. For a creative and not too obvious way of ending his life, he decides to take a one way trip into a Ring Singularity. Including that story, and a handful of other short stories he has written between 2017 to 2022, this collection was released, offering a single ticket to enjoy his amusing reads.  

10. The Beast and Other Stories by Senaka Abeyratne

Another short story collection to end our list, this one promises to take readers on a profound journey through the complexities of life. Senaka is known for his excellence with plays, having written a handful of great examples, and his writing is truly a pleasure to read.

This collection will go well with tea at sundown, under a night lamp before bed or during a short break at work. Good old stories to tickle your mind with wit. A must read, especially for ones seeking a deeper understanding of life.

Comparison of Top 10 Sri Lankan Must-Reads

To sum up, if you particularly enjoy the works of Sri Lankan authors, or are a Sri Lankan who prefers to support local talent when taking a thrilling journey through the pages, this list will serve you well. We didn’t just include the popular titles; there are noteworthy releases from authors who are on their way to the top too, so you are sure to have found something new here! 

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some common themes explored in Sri Lankan literature?

Much of Sri Lankan literature grapples with the country's complex history - particularly British colonialism, ethnic conflict, civil war, and natural disasters. Key themes include cultural hybridity, sexuality, ethnic tensions, childhood innocence, modernity versus tradition, prejudice and genius, loss and healing, and the personal impact of tragedy.

Which Sri Lankan authors have won the most awards & recognition?

Internationally, the most critically acclaimed Sri Lankan authors include Michael Ondaatje, Michelle de Kretser, Romesh Gunesekera, Shyam Selvadurai, and Shehan Karunatilaka. All have won Commonwealth Writers Prizes along with other honors like the Booker Prize, Governor General’s Award, and Gratiaen Prize.

Domestically in Sri Lanka, iconic Sinhala writers like Martin Wickramasinghe have received high literary praise along with Tamil authors like S. Ponnuthurai and Ashokamitran. English language authors like Carl Muller, Anne Abayasekara, Karen Roberts, Vivimarie Vanderpoorten and Prasanna Jayawardena have also achieved notable success.

Who are some up and coming contemporary authors from Sri Lanka worth reading?

Exciting up and coming talents producing Sri Lankan English literature include Vihanga Perera, Masha Fernando, Dilini Lankachandra, Rafat Hamza, and Udaya Kumar. Their innovative short fiction has received acclaim from publications like Granta, Fantasy & Science Fiction, and Commonwealth Short Story Prize anthologies.

In other languages, compelling contemporary authors like Hasini Haputhanthri writing in Sinhala and S. Ramakrishnan working in Tamil signal a new generation bridging past and future in Sri Lankan literature.

What Sri Lankan novel would you recommend as a starter read to someone unfamiliar with the country’s literature?

For readers seeking an accessible entry point into the richness of Sri Lankan literature, excellent places to start include: