Karunasena Jayalath is a Sri Lankan novelist who offered a diverse perspective on mundane human characters. His writing delves into romanticism, showcasing a keen understanding of human emotions. He masterfully crafted characters that reveal both the beauty of love and its dark side, often complicated emotions that arise from it. Regrettably, Karunasena Jayalath is one of the most underrated novelists in Sri Lanka.
He had the ability to build compelling characters, revealing their emotional conflicts and behavior patterns. He created more realistic and compelling figures in his novels. He had a profound understanding of human behavior, motivations, and the impact of past experiences on present actions. He built characters with depth and complexity.
Karunasena Jayalath skillfully shapes the character of Sugath in the "Golu Hadavatha" novel." Sugath, a young man grappling with intense separation anxiety stemming from the loss of his parents, embodies a profound sense of loneliness. Even though his parents passed away when he was just a child, their absence leads to an emotional void within him.
Dr. Gabor Maté, a reputable addiction therapist and author of "In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts," highlights how such emptiness can lead to addiction disorders. As Sugath navigates his fragile mental state, he ultimately turns to alcohol as a coping mechanism to deal with his heartbreak and disappointments.
After enduring emotional trauma, Sugath became an alcoholic. He is affected by negative emotional states such as worry, dysphoria, sadness, and irritability. Karunasena Jayalath highlights the symptomatology of alcohol use disorder in Sugath in a dramatic manner.
Another notable character in his novel "Hathuru Hithak" is Padmini, who stands out distinctly among other famous literary characters. Unlike characters created by authors like Martin Wickramasinghe, K. Jayathilaka, or G.B. Senanayake, Padmini represents a rarity in Sinhala literature.
In "Hathuru Hithak," Padmini is a student and close acquaintance of Nimal Hathurusinghe’s girlfriend, Kusum. Confronted with parental expectations, Nimal decides to leave his girlfriend Kusum and eventually marries Padmini, a woman from a wealthy background. For Padmini, it was not a victory over Kusum, but rather a retribution. On their wedding day, Padmini discreetly informs Kusum, "I did what you could not do," hinting at a sense of vengeance that she feels. Subsequently, Padmini's actions lead to infidelity, making Nimal’s life a constant turmoil.
This raises the question: why does Padmini seek revenge on him? Padmini views herself as a victim of past sexual abuse, which informs her complex and troubled character. Her desire for revenge grew stronger, especially towards her husband, Nimal Hathurusingha.
Padmini’s childhood was marred by a profound trauma that left her haunted by memories of abuse. This experience fractured her sense of self, eroding her trust in men and impeding her ability to forge genuine and meaningful human relationships. Her emotional responses felt shallow, a stark defense against the deeper pain she carried within.
It appears that Padmini is grappling with the effects of Rape Trauma Syndrome (RTS). Karunasena Jayalath skillfully develops Padmini’s character, unveiling intricate psychological dimensions that resonate throughout her actions.
In “Haturu Hithak,” there are indications that Padmini exhibits traits of borderline personality disorder, a state she reaches following her childhood sexual trauma. She contrasts starkly with Kusum; Padmini shows a troubling absence of empathy, emotional numbness, risky behaviors, emotional instability, and deep-seated hatred.
Ironically, Karunasena Jayalath, often dismissed as merely a writer of uncouth romances, deserves a more thorough examination. He delves into profound aspects of the human psyche, skillfully illustrating the emotional intricacies of youthful minds. His works merit a fresh, analytical reading.
Dr. Ruwan M Jayatunge
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