Science fiction is a rising genre in Sri Lanka’s literary scene. First gaining popularity as a literary genre among local authors with the work of Arthur C. Clarke, Sri Lanka now boasts a select number of serious science fiction authors whose work has been well received on both the local and international stage.
The Birthplace is Sri Lanka’s latest science fiction offering. Written by veteran Attorney-at-Law Nanda Senanayake, The Birthplace is a thought-provoking piece of science fiction that explores alternate origins to our universe and life as we know it.
The Sunday Morning Brunch sat down with Senanayake to find out more about The Birthplace and get some insight into Senanayake himself and what drew him to the field of science fiction.
Below are excerpts from the interview.
Tell us about the man behind The Birthplace.
I was born to a middle-class family in a rural village near Kegalle. I received my early education in St. Anthony’s College in Kandy before my further education at Royal College Colombo. I then went on to gain admission to the Faculty of Science at the University of Sri Jayewardenepura to read for a degree in physical science while also simultaneously entering Sri Lanka Law College.
My parents were more partial to me pursuing law and a legal career, and under their persuasion, I gave up my university education and focused only on my law studies, becoming an Attorney-at-Law in April 1988.
I settled down in Kandy with my wife Rupika, pursuing a career in law and raising a family. I have two children, one of whom is a doctor, and the other, a medical student.
What got you interested in science fiction?
My childhood was spent shuttling between the rural village in which I was born and the busy and urban Colombo 7 where I was boarded.
During the school vacation, I would return to my village where there was hardly any electricity. I would spend most nights gazing at the stars, preoccupied with the mysteries and possibilities hidden in the vast skies.
My interest in the stars guided me towards books and writings related to astronomy, which included science fiction. I became fascinated with science fiction because it constantly tries to look beyond the limits of the present towards the future, and attempts to find answers to the unknown.
What inspired The Birthplace?
The storyline of The Birthplace has existed in my head for a long time. I had a long-standing interest in the gap between single-celled and multicellular beings. I read the history of the Earth about three years ago, and this brought together various scattered ideas and impressions I had together and gave me a setting in which to base my novel.
What are the themes The Birthplace examines?
The Birthplace takes a serious look at the alternate origins of the universe – and, more close to home – what we know of the origins of life on planet Earth and evolution.
Without revealing too much of the plot, let me just say that I noticed certain discrepancies in our understanding of evolution – certain blanks that couldn’t be rationally explained, and The Birthplace attempts to fill them. I also take a jab at the concept of immortality, and the true boundless horizons of mankind, if we were only able to comprehend how to unlock our fullest potential.
Is The Birthplace your first book? Are there any others in the works?
I was always interested in writing. I started writing when I was 13 years old. I only started publishing my work recently; my published works include articles in the law journals.
My ongoing works in science fiction include a sequel to The Birthplace, a book I call The Devil’s Dictionary in the 21st Century. I have also been working on a book about legal maxims and phrases which may constitute around 7,000-plus pages.
As a new author entering the realm of Sri Lankan science fiction, what are your thoughts on the genre?
I think that this is a genre that has not seen many Sri Lankan writers, and that this needs to change.
Science fiction has the unique attribute of allowing the imagination of the scientific mind to explore the very edge – and sometimes – over-the-edge theories that can forge the way forward for the future of mankind.
Science fiction may be imaginary, but it is based on scientific fact, theories, and principles. The only difference between science and science fiction is that the latter doesn’t exist yet. It is important to remember that man is only limited by his own imagination, and imagination based on science are dreams that really have the potential to come true. I would love to see more contributions by Sri Lankan authors along the lines of science fiction.
The Birthplace is published by Jam Fruit Tree Publications and is available for purchase at their bookshop in Colombo. The Birthplace is also available for delivery islandwide.
