A study on the representation of the urban middle-class conflict in 1980s Sri Lankan society in contemporary teledramas written by Somaweera Senanayake

Abstract

This study examines how the urban middle-class conflicts prevalent in contemporary society were represented in television dramas produced using scripts written by Somaweera Senanayake during the mid-1980s (1985–1995). The teledramas Yashorawaya, Asalwesiyo, and Ape Aththo were selected and analyzed for this study. Accordingly, the research problem explores how urban middle-class conflicts are depicted in these teledramas and in what manner these depictions reflect the socio-economic challenges of Sri Lanka during this period. The objectives of the study are to analyze the representation of middle-class conflicts in Somaweera Senanayake’s teledramas, to identify the narrative techniques and thematic elements used to recreate this middle-class struggle, to analyze these depictions in parallel with the socio-economic and cultural framework of Sri Lanka in the mid-1980s, and to assess the impact of these depictions on the perception of contemporary audiences regarding middle-class issues. Several research methodologies were employed in this study. Content analysis was conducted by viewing the selected teledramas: Yashorawaya, Asalwesiyo, and Ape Aththo. Additionally, an exploration of historical facts regarding the socio-economic conditions of the late 1980s was conducted, and data was collected through interviews with the scriptwriter, Somaweera Senanayake. A questionnaire methodology was also utilized to measure audience perception and incorporate views expressed by teledrama directors. The final conclusion drawn from these findings is that teledramas produced from Somaweera Senanayake’s scripts effectively represent urban middle-class experiences. Themes such as high aspirations, youth unrest, unemployment, and unfulfilled hopes are widely discussed within these scripts, reflecting the socio-economic challenges and psychological pressure prevalent at the time. The study further discusses how Sri Lankan teledramas have utilized narrative techniques to reveal contemporary socio-economic issues and how the art of teledrama is used within a mass medium like television to subtly portray social class struggles.