Martin Wickramasinghe Posthumous Rites

Martin Wickramasinghe left an important legacy to the literature produced in Sri Lanka and for this he has been recognized as one of the most important writers of this country. As such, his funerals got the attention that they deserved, at that point in time and even now after decades have passed. The author died in 1976 and the news of his death was a major event that caught the attention of all newspapers in the country. The news was received with sadness, grief and regret not only by those who knew him personally but also by those who had read his works and people in general. According to his wish, his last rites were performed in his birthplace, Koggala and his cremation followed the traditional rules and was simple. His ashes were therefore buried in Koggala's ground and those of his wife were placed right next to his in 2001, following her death.