Poetry Writer Of Meegahathenna

 

Poddeniyage Aaron Appuhami and Suwandarachchige Jehn Nona had twelve children in the beautiful village of Wedawatte, Meegahatenna.  The eldest child in the family was born on May 16, 1931 and was named Martin Appuhami.  He studied at Dodangoda Vidyalaya and Makalandawa Vidyalaya. Martin was fascinated by poetry.

Poetry called "Kavi Kola" was a powerful method of mass communication in Sri Lanka a few decades ago. He could leave a unique identity in this element of Sri Lankan literature. First, he used his name as “Martin Appuhami of Meegahathenna” in his literary works, later he used the name “Martin Appuhami of Wediwaththa”. The number of sheets of poetry he has created is more than a thousand. It is recorded that sometimes, 6o thousand or one lac of copies of a single poetry has been sold out.

His poetry stimuli to the nation's freedom struggle and the leftist political ideology in these areas at the time.  He had an inborn talent to express sad emotions when reciting poems. He had a habit of writing poems paying much attention to the sensitive incidents in the society. Even if he was an insignificant character in the national suit, his voice arose with a great personality.

Martin Appuhamy, who married Miss Karunawathie Gamage in 1962, gave birth to five children named Sunil, Dasun, Siril, Sriyani and Thushara. The youngest son Dasun Premawansa Poddeniya contributed a lot to the Sri Lankan poetry as a poet of the new generation. Although Martin Appuhami was not well educated, he guided his children well in their education. At the time, many people including printers and sellers also earn a lot because of his works.

Veteran poet and literary genius Mr. Parakkrama Kodithuwakku who has been researching about the literary genres for about fifty years has published an experimental book titled 'Surin Piri Poetry'.  He chose Meegahathenna: the village of Martin Appuhami to launch the book. This can be considered as a respect given to Martin Appuhami as well as to the village. The first copy of this book was offered to Mrs. Karunawathie: the wife of Martin Appuhami and his son Dasun Premawansa. 

 

The launching ceremony was held at the theater of Meril Kariyawasam Central College, Meegahathenna on 21^st of September, 2019. On that day, the theater was full of people which revealed the love and respect of the people of the area to the poet. Even the guests of the ceremony voiced their appreciation towards the response received from the villagers.

Mr. Parakkrama Kodithuwakku has mentioned about the poet Martin Poddeniya in some of his writings. “In the year of 1963, I was on my way to Lankadeepa as an amateur writer. There was a young poet who was singing in a melancholic voice holding a poetry sheet. The specialty I saw was, his eyes were heavy with tears while singing. About 100 poems were sold out in that hour.  The poem I still have even today is one of the greatest poems I have ever read.  I got to know about the poetry sheets after I got to know him. Martin Appuhamy was by my side in my 30 years of searching for this folk poetry literature that has not been investigated by university scholars. He gladly participated in my press conferences and radio programs”.

This wonderful poet passed away on July 2, 2002. Even after his death, the memories of his works will remain in the hearts of the people for a long time.