Pre-Colonial Food Culture in Sri Lanka: A Brief Introduction

 The Book Lovers Corner: Book Recommendation Week - Stepping into Paduma’s Tumultuous World.

Tired? Bored? Or wait … is the stress getting to you? That is      understandable and relatable. 2020 was a trying year, as everything that we were used to was turned topsy-turvy in the blink of an eye. In 2021, we are somewhat accustomed to this new normal, and yet, there are frustrating times when we want to just snuggle in bed, pull the covers over our heads and shut the world away. It was a moment such as that, which compelled me to re-arrange my book rack and behold. I stumbled upon the mango-green book. 

Of course I am biased but this novel was a large part of my childhood. Years ago, de Silva published one story per week on Paduma in the Funday Times, and I remember how I would wait for the day my mother would bring home the paper, because on that special day, it was the new Paduma story that became my bedtime story. Thankfully, de Silva compiled all the short stories into one novel making it easier to read in one go. For those of you looking for a distraction from the hectic realities of life, well, here’s me recommending this novel to you, and trust me, this recommendation is worth your time. The story revolves around Paduma, a mischievous 10 year old boy, notorious in his village Wilgama for all the wrong reasons. He has a knack for getting into trouble which he always manages to slip out of owing to some stroke of luck. Here are three of my favourite and memorable scenes from the novel that will hopefully entice you to give the book a read. 

   Paduma & Patholay

Creative nicknames - It is not uncommon to give nicknames to people, be it friends or family members. Paduma’s two best friends are Mahinda alias Mahi Bada (for obvious reasons), and Nilanka alias Bothalay which de Silva shares came about when Nilanka brought some bottled decoction to school. The book opens with a peek into the selection of the new class monitor and Paduma assumes that he would be appointed the monitor if the teacher realizes that this was the only method to tame him. Long story short, he pulls a prank to capture her attention but only gains punishment in return. The trick that was successful in fourth grade with Miss Premini is not smooth sailing with Miss Rupa, the class teacher of the fifth grade. A boy named Sunil gets the job leaving Paduma’s very name and existence a bitter pill on Miss Rupa’s tongue. Paduma, aware of how Sunil can avenge him for the pains he put him through last year, decides to give him a nickname. This is the latter’s attempt at restoring his prestige after getting berated before the entire class by Miss Rupa, and demonstrating to Sunil that he, Paduma, was unafraid of the former. Sunil is described as a big boy who is feared by his classmates, and so a nickname presented to him by Paduma would definitely win him some admiration. Sunil is nicknamed Patholay or bitter gourd, which Paduma believes resembles Sunil perfectly owing to his long, hunched body and tiny head. It is also a vegetable that is highly disliked by youngsters. The name sticks till the end and Paduma counts this as a victory.

Uleris Veda

Climbing Sri Pada - My second favourite scene is when the trio, along with a group of adults climb the Sri Pada. The organizer of the trip, Uleris Veda who is the village physician, puts Patholay in charge of Paduma, Mahi Bada and Bothalay. Clearly, Patholay would get in the way of their fun. In order to lose Patholay, Paduma devises a plan. He helps an old woman climb the mountain, and gets Patholay involved in the effort as well. When the chance strikes, he along with his friends, dash away, leaving the old woman screaming ‘’Aiyo-o-o-o’’ and an angry Patholay who struggles ‘’manfully to keep her upright’’ . In the same scene, on their way down the Sri Pada they pelt stones at a fruit laden wood apple tree to gather some fruit for themselves. Some of the stones hit a wasp nest causing the boys to run away only to collide with another old woman. The old woman screams ‘’BUDU AMMO-O-O’’ and is convinced that ‘’a gang has attacked her’’. The events that follow this particular chapter are thrilling and ironically convert Paduma from a notorious little boy to a hero who busts a child marketing racket!

Elections - The third and final memorable incident to me is on the village elections. Assuming thatthey can make some easy money, the boys first inquire after Ranbanda, one of the candidates to give them some work that would help him win. They are given the task of pasting his campaign posters which take them two days to complete. You would assume that Ranbanda would compensate them as any decent being would, but they are given nothing. In an attempt to avenge themselves, Paduma suggests they ask Piyadasa, the opposing candidate whether he needs any help. When Piyadasa says no, rather nastily may I add, Paduma suggests they replace Ranbanda’s posters with Piyadasa’s and the man is on board. However, an angry Ranbanda, seeing the boys tearng his posters, threatens them. With no place to put up the posters, the boys paste the posters on the only available surfaces they can think of: on the backs of buffaloes. Piyadasa’s wife is understandably upset when she comes for Paduma with a vengeance as the whole village laughs at the strategically placed posters.  

My fingers itch to share more memorable scenes from the book and yet I am going to hold myself back, lest I spoil the novel for you. The unfortunate loss of Nihal de Silva sent ripples across literary circles. Paduma Meets the Sunbird will be the one and only novel delving into the misadventures of this ten year old boy. However, closing the book after its completion is not necessarily a final adieu to Paduma’s world as it is a novel that you can simply pick up and read whenever, wherever. I can see myself reading it years from now, even when I am old and rocking in an armchair. So, if you feel like Atlas, who had to bear the weight of the world on his shoulders, I would say try Paduma. I guarantee you that you will be distracted, and forgo the stress of daily life and its burdens if only for a brief moment. As the saying goes, when life gives you lemons, make lemonade. Paduma is that lemonade with its subtle sarcasm and refreshing humour as we delve into a little boy’s misadventures and tumultuous escapades.

Indulge, with your very own copy of Paduma Meets the Sunbird available at Vijitha Yapa, Sarasavi, Expographics or Amazon!

- Nipuni Halkavidane