What are the characteristics of Sri Lankan English short stories?

Sure. 'The Other Side of Silence' by Rajiva Wijesinha is a great one. It delves into the complex emotions and relationships within Sri Lankan society.

One common theme is family. In Sri Lankan short stories, family relationships, like the bond between parents and children or among siblings, are often explored. Another theme is culture. Stories usually incorporate elements of Sri Lankan traditions, festivals, and religious beliefs.

Sure. One interesting Sri Lankan cultural story is about the Sigiriya Rock Fortress. It was built by King Kasyapa in the 5th century. The fortress is not only an architectural wonder but also has beautiful frescoes on its walls. These frescoes depict the beauty of Sri Lankan women of that time, wearing traditional jewelry and clothing. It gives us a glimpse into the art and aesthetics of the ancient Sri Lankan civilization.

'The God of Small Things' by Arundhati Roy, although the author is Indian, the story also has a connection to Sri Lanka's context in some ways. It's a beautifully written novel that touches on themes like caste, family, and love. The characters are so well - developed that you can't help but be drawn into their world. The story unfolds in a way that makes you think about the social hierarchies and how they affect people's lives.

A story that is quite inspiring is of a group of Sri Lankan gay individuals who organized a small, underground art exhibition to showcase the works of LGBTQ+ artists in the country. It was a way to express their identity and culture, and it inspired many others in the community to be proud of who they are.

Sure. 'The Boarding House' is a great Sri Lankan short story. It gives a vivid picture of the daily lives of people in Sri Lanka, including their relationships and the social environment. Also, 'The Dumb Wife' is quite interesting as it explores family dynamics in a Sri Lankan setting.

One popular Sri Lankan kids story is about the Monkey King. He is very clever and often outwits his enemies. Another is the story of the kind elephant that helps the villagers. It shows the importance of kindness.

The spirits of the dead play a huge role. Whether it's the vengeful spirit of someone who was wronged in life, like the girl in the well story. Their presence is often accompanied by strange phenomena like cold spots, objects moving on their own, and the feeling of being watched. This makes the stories very scary as it plays on our fear of the unknown and the afterlife.

One common theme is revenge. Many ghost stories in Sri Lanka involve spirits that are seeking revenge for some wrong done to them in their past lives. For example, a person who was killed unjustly might come back as a ghost to haunt the killer or their descendants.

The 'Mahajanaka Jataka' is a well - known Sri Lankan folktale. It tells the story of Prince Mahajanaka who overcame many hardships. His journey includes being shipwrecked and having to face various challenges. This tale often imparts moral lessons about perseverance and the power of good deeds.