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In his search for roots and the pursuit of literary and intellectual activity Martin Wickramasinghe found and almost ideal wife who was happy to live and walk in his shadow and assist him in many simple and endearing ways.

She was an ideal mother too.

Prema was a simple loving woman who was content to be in his background but help the author and his children in innumerable ways. She diligently made hand written copies of the many chapters of his novels and short stories. The much scribbled and scratched out pages from his profolic pen came to life as novels, essays and short stories written out neatly by Prema. He then read out some of these pages to his wife and children. Knowing her husband's impatience with mistakes she painstakingly copied out very faithfully the pages of his books. In the days when there were no type writers, let alone computers, printers and other aides, Prema's help was immeasurable.

They settled in Colombo bringing up their six children who Prema mothered with much love and care. Being a typical Asian mother she adored her sons but she did not neglect or fail her daughters. She gave them independence to play netball, badminton or any game and let them take to sports, high jump, hurdles or whatever sport they liked. They were encouraged to bring their friends home. All her children had a rounded life. Guided by an intelligent devoted mother and a loving intellectual father, their's was a happy home.

They taught their children contentment. This basic ingredient was provided by Prema who was a contented woman.

She was proud of her husband's achievements and the sunshine that fell on him was sufficient for her too. She was contented, encouraging, and always in the background with a beautiful smile of encouragement.

Between them Prema and Martin brought up six children. There were times of need, for an editor's salary was woefully inadequate but Prema met these needs with skill. She stretched the limited rescources assisted by her mother who was a gracious and loving grandmother.

After her children studied and did well in life some rising to great heights she became a grandmother who hardly ever interfered with the life of the young people, though so many years removed from her. She seemed to understand that her generation must change. She later became the force that drew all the others of her family of all generations to the centre. She bound so many generations into one unit, a large and happy family. Prema and her husband helped so many relations from Koggala her husbands village and from Kathaluwa later they began to help poor students from these villages.

Prema echoed her husband's thoughts and attitude. She admired them so much that she always kept a few of Martin Wickramasinghe books like Gamperaliya, Madol Duwa and Yuganthaya under her pillow. They were her favourites; she would read a little portion, wipe them gently and put them away. Though she was not extremely pious. The Buddhist way of life was her way too. Generosity and contentment guide her.

Prema takes with her a certain outlook and a way of life which the future generations have lost. Prema is to my knowledge one of the last of a generation of wonderfully committed and contented people.

May she Attain Nibbana.

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Copyright 2001 The Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Ltd.
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