Walking tall among columns

Francis Keenawinna

Sahurda Satahan 3

Buddhadasa Galappatty’s latest compilation titled ‘Sahurda Satahan 3’ will be launched at the BMICH (in front of Sirimavo Bandaranaike Exhibition Centre) on September 26 at 10 am. The launch features only one speech, delivered by Professor Sunanda Mahendra, on ‘Art of Column Writing’. ‘Sahurda Satahan 3’ is a Sarasavi publication.

As far back as early 1970s ‘Parasathu’ cinema tabloid was household among the local cinegoers.

Its editor D B Warnasiri was writing a column called ‘Wije Mallige Coloma’, until he obtained a scholarship to fly to Germany. The column was quite popular, so Warnasiri wanted someone sensible to take care of it in his absence.

That’s how Buddhadasa Galappatty made his entry into column writing.

Galappatty looked after the column together with his fellow columnists Bandula Padmakumara, Mahinda Algama, Roland Abeypala and Gamini Wijetunge – they all wrote under their real names. Even despite Warnasiri’s return, Galappatty was commissioned to resume the column.

Buddhy – as he would be affectionately called in the close circles – is known for his poetry and criticism more than column writing. May be largely because the columns were not credited straight to his name. But they gained immense popularity in the press.

Following ‘Wije Mallige Colama’, Buddhy’s next venture was ‘Ablik Coloma’ in Sunday Divaina on diverse subjects. He had then penned various columns to newspapers such as ‘Lanka’, ‘Mawbima’ and ‘Sarasaviya’. His most popular column ‘Sahurda Satahan’ was initiated at the request of Lankadeepa literary supplement ‘Veemansa’ editor Chandrika Wijesundara and Samudra Wettasinghe in 2003. Galappatty’s life became busy hunting for subjects as diverse as literature, cinema, theatre, music, television and mass media. He dared to touch controversial incidents too. And now 10 years have almost lapsed. The readers’ comments are always varied.

Some are encouraging, and some are sort of derogatory. An encouraging Galappatty had compiled his columns into book format in 2007 and 2008 as two volumes. “I do participate in almost every significant function such as book launches, literary seminars and workshops. I do not forget to watch theatre, cinema and teledrama previews. I find time to write as I am familiar with time management.”

Having served at state and private sector in senior managerial capacity had taught Galappatty how to manage time with busy schedules. “I prefer to be named as a poet more than critic, columnist, make up artist or a media personnel.

I started my writing career as a poet in the 70s. Readers have read me for the last five decades and I think they love my poetry. Well, that doesn’t mean other areas are not my cup of tea.”

He prefers column writing next to poetry.

His latest compilation aptly titled as ‘Sahurda Satahan 3’ comprises selected 62 columns written on different characters and events over the last three years. The volume became large, as several years lapsed since 2008.

“Most of my columns are not of strong criticism sort, but observatory comments and remarks.

Sometimes, when I appreciate a creative work, I share it with my readers through my Sahurda Satahana. I mix the classical, poetic language with contemporary usage with a balance.”