Avatharanaya, a historical fiction novel by Eranda Ginige, will be launched on 5th August 2025 from 4.00 p.m. to 6.00 p.m. at the Main Hall of the Sri Sambuddhathva Jayanthi Mandiraya. The event will be attended by H.E. Mahinda Rajapaksa and H.E. Gotabaya Rajapaksa. Published by Sarasavi Publishers, the book is priced at Rs. 950.
Eranda Ginige weaves a fascinating story of the power struggles between the royal dynasties who ruled the ancient kingdoms of Magadha and Kosala, as well as the Sakya Republic. The narrative pivots around the tragic life of a man and his redemption. Beneath this description of the common fate of human life runs an intriguing philosophical undercurrent.
The author has attempted to connect the political transformations that occurred immediately prior to the initiation of the Sinhala civilisation, as described in the Mahavamsa. In doing so, Avatharanaya hints at an alternative origin for the Sinhala nation. The author also seeks to portray the characters found in Buddhist literature in a more humanistic light. Written in the style of the early Sinhala novel, Avatharanaya aims to incite nostalgic feelings among today’s readers.
Eranda Ginige is known to the Sri Lankan audience through his pioneering works, such as Ath Pavura (a reality TV show for social entrepreneurs) and his popular social and political commentary. His other books include ‘Ryan to the Moon’, ‘How to become a Successful Social Entrepreneur’ (in both Sinhala & Tamil), and ‘Republic’ (in Sinhala). Avatharanaya is his debut novel and is the first book in a trilogy.
Dhamma Dissanayake, a Senior Lecturer at Colombo University, and Deepthi Kumara Gunarathna, the Leader of the Samabima Party, will deliver keynote speeches at the Avatharanaya book launch.
SYNOPSIS
A child is born with a dreadful prophecy. A vengeance is unleashed by an unholy matrimony. A man is dedicated towards a righteous kingdom. An enlightened one walks the streets, preaching a new world philosophy.
Faced with the cruel realities of life, the bitter loss of love, and the treacherous conspiracies among powerful families, will the rightful heir to the throne accept the challenge at the end of his numerous battles under the cold shadow of the great Himalayas?
Avatharanaya is the humanistic reimagining of a tragic legend that was misunderstood for centuries.
