W. A. Silva

Wellawatte Arachchige Abraham Silva, popularly known as W. A. Silva, (16 January 18903 May 1957) was a best-selling author of Sinhalese literature. Born in Wellawatte, Colombo, his career began with his first novel, Siriyalatha, written at the age of 16 after receiving a formal Sinhalese education.

He studied Sanskrit and Sinhala under Pelane Sri Vajiragnana Thero and developed a habit of reading and assessing world literature in his spare time. While working as a clerk, Silva wrote his second novel Lakshmi, in 1922. After his death, High Street in Wellawatte was renamed W. A. Silva Mawatha in his honour.

His residence 'Silvermere' at No. 126, W A Silva Mawatha, Wellawatte has been turned into a museum containing artifacts of his time, hand written manuscripts, copies of novels, and other memorabilia.

Publications Siriyalatha (1907) Lakshmi (1922) Hingana Kolla (1923) Pasal Guruvari (1924) Deiyanne Rate (1926) Kele Handha (1933) Daivayogaya (1936) Sunethra (1936) Vijayaba Kollaya (1938) Radala Piliruwe Handa pane Julihatha Ridihavadiya Lensuva Sakviti Raja Amurtha Hasthaya Dalakumar Arabian Nights (translation) Maya Yogaya (play) Ramayanaya (translation)