When we talk about literature in Sri Lanka, there is a lot to discuss. The country boasts a 92% literacy rate, the highest in South Asia and among the highest in Asia. Sri Lankanhas a rich tradition of storytelling, with the majority of its literature written in the Sinhala language, as well as some works in Tamil, Pali, and English. According to the Worldmark Encyclopedia of Cultures and Daily Life, Sinhala literature dates back well over 2000 years, as evidenced by the Mahavamsa, a chronicle of Sinhalese royalty composed in Pali in the 5th century, and the Deepavamsha, which has been continued in parts. The 20th century is considered the golden age of Sinhala literature, with many stories and tales dealing with the life of Lord Buddha, including the "Jathaka katha."

Sri Lanka is also home to several famous writers. Arthur C. Clarke, a science fiction writer, and the author of "2001: A Space Odyssey," was born in England but lived in Sri Lanka and became a citizen of the country. Romeesh Gunasekera's short story collection "Monkfish" was shortlisted for the 1994 Booker Prize, and his works "The Reef" and "Sandglass" were also well received. Michelle de Kretser is regarded as an upcoming writer, particularly known for "The Hamilton Case," which explores colonial Ceylon. Mahagama Sekara (1929-1976) was a significant figure in Sinhala literature, contributing as a poet, lyricist, playwright, novelist, artist, filmmaker, and translator. Martin

Wickramasinghe, known as the father of modern Sinhala literature, is also a renowned writer whose books have been translated into several languages, focusing on the culture and life of the Sri Lankan people.