Abstract:
This paper attempts to discuss the methods that were formulated to edit and interpret Sinhalese
messenger poetries by Ra. Tennakoon (1899-1965) and Cumaratunga Munidasa (1887-1944).
The methodology is to select a few texts of the two poets focusing on the theme and compare the
texts considering several points. The points can be introduced as significant features in providing
interpretations for Sinhalese messenger poetry. This is textual based research and the selected
texts will be examined in the author’s own perspectives and reveal the insights. Cumaratunga
Munidasa and Ra. Tenakoon were classical instances for Sinhalese studies in 20
th
century Sri
Lanka. They were members of Hela Hawula, an organization founded in 1941to enrich and
enhance the Sinhalese language and identity in their own philosophy and intellectual activities.
Cumaratunga was founder and leader of the organization. Cumaratunga provided interpretation
for five messenger poems and they are Peacock message (Mayura Sandesa), Pigeon message
(Parawi Sandesa), Starling message (Salalihini Sandesa) and Parrot message (Gira
Sandesa).Tennakoon selected Swan, (It means Hansa), Parrot (Gira),Cuckoo (Kowul), Starling
(Salalihini),Pigeon (Parawi) and Rooster (Sawul) messengers. In this study two texts are
particularly selected. The texts are Starling and Parrot massages. These texts are compared in
relation to their exegetical approaches for the texts. Attention is paid to investigate how
Cumaratunga and Tennakoon have formulated the law of the etymology and linguistic elements
of the words and their meanings and how they have deployed the folklore, mythologies and
various social and cultural concepts in their exegetical works. As persons who came from the
same school, they had their own intellectual identities. Those identities are examined referring to
their philological and other ways for interpretation. The author also explores this historical
background and the exegetical methodology of Cumaratunga and Tennakoon.
