Debut Novel Unveils Fictional Mystery Behind Historic Thara Statue

A compelling new Sinhala novel, “Alu Pata Ahasak Hemantha Sulagak,” by debut author Ishani Wijewardhana, is set to launch on March 28, 2026, under Rasakatha Publishers. Blending history with imagination, the novel explores the enigmatic origins of the famed Thara statue believed to have been discovered near Trincomalee and later taken to London during the colonial era by Governor Sir Robert Brownrigg. Shrouded in mystery, the identity of the statue’s creator and the inspiration behind its form remain unknown. Ishani’s work offers a richly imagined narrative that seeks to fill these historical gaps with emotional depth and cultural reflection.   

A graduate of the Colombo Faculty of Law, Ishani is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in International Relations at the University of Colombo and serves as a visiting lecturer at the Open University of Sri Lanka. Her debut marks a promising entry into Sri Lanka’s contemporary literary landscape.