Angela Seneviratne - Born In A World Devoid Of Television, Putting Pen to Paper And Transmitting My Thoughts Was The Most Astonishing Wonder (Writer from Colombo)

Angela Seneviratne

My writing began while in junior school, with little expressions of a colorful world.

 As I loved the printed word, and it was only imagination that brought life to the characters in books, it was easy for me to write.

 I would knit little stories, essays, maintain a daily diary with what I saw, my unusual experiences, I even spoke in written word to my pages.

1.Tell us more about your background and journey.

 

 

I am Angela Seneviratne, an islander with sun in her heart, currently resident in Colombo, RI Lanka, voracious reader, passionate columnist with two leading publications, a gypsy at heart and feet, on a ceaseless journey to discover and experience the beauty and magic of living.

I am extrovert, and a positive being, casting all challenges over my shoulder and steadfastly heading forward.I like to say I hail from the mountains as my foundation and growing up years were there, but necessity demands, I need to specify that my father hailed from the south and my mother from the north, two vastly different cultures, and lifestyles. 

My education began in a boys College, which I am proud of, and maintain an ongoing relationship with the institution by serving on the Executive Committee of the Old Boys Association. 

My second institution of education was St Mary’s Convent Matera, a famous girl’s school by the seaside in the south of the island, and finally in one of the most prestigious instructions of learning in the Metropolis, Colombo, Bishops College.

 

As a result of the Insurrection in 1971, my parents had already made up their minds that they would not permit their only child to further her education as their only old-fashioned way of thinking was to get me married off. They said I should be married by the age of 16.

 

My writing began while in junior school, with little expressions of a colorful world. As I loved the printed word, and it was only imagination that brought life to the characters in books, it was easy for me to write. I would knit little stories, essays, maintain a daily diary with what I saw, my unusual experiences, I even spoke in written word to my pages.

2. When did you decide to be a writer?

I never decided to be a writer. Being born in a world devoid of television or modern visual amenities, putting pen to paper and transmitting my thoughts to be visible was to be the most astonishing wonder. 

In the beginning it was a communication with me, with the lack of another being to talk to.

3. How do you plan and priorities your work?

In my multifaceted life, writing is just one of the sprees. I am known more in this country as a former beauty queen, fashion model, cinema, television and theatre artiste, radio personality, Corporate etiquette trainer, and at times, an event planner, and caterer. The latter only for personal friends.

4. Who is your favorite writer and why?

I grew up on Charles Dickens, Charlotte Bronte, for school literature that became my favorites, Enid Blyton for leisure reading in my childhood, moving on to the classics of family life by Louisa M Alcott, and over the decades I have liked many styles and genres but since reading now is purely for relaxation, I prefer light fiction, satire, and life stories.

5. Where does your inspiration lie in life?

The teaching of the scriptures is where my inspiration is. Having undergone several episodes of rough paths, the Word of God was Promising and gave me the Hope and Faith to trust Him. He never failed me.

6. What does your typical day look like?

I write in the night, when the world is still and my thoughts run free, and sleep in the wee hours of the morning, awaken at 6 am, follow my rituals of shower, prayer, breakfast, and a quiet read. 

Chores around the house and garden follow, a very skimpy lunch, loads of water, a wee afternoon nap refreshes me for the rest of the day.

Evenings used to always spend with friends, but as lifestyles changes with the Global pandemic, it is a matter of I me and myself. Not being too fond of television I immerse myself in reading.

7. What piece of advice would you like to give to future aspiring writers?

The only way to improve one’s ability to write, is to read.! Learn a whole sentence in a day, deciphering its grammatical collection. And practice writing….

Interviewed by - Aditi Joshi