When a new life begins to bloom inside a mother’s womb, art is already there, woven into the very fabric of existence. The first recognition of literature for this unborn child is the rhythmic “lub-dub” of the mother’s heartbeat. It’s a melody, a symphony, the first poem ever heard. As the baby’s own heartbeat joins in, the art of life begins to unfold. In that sacred space, the child falls in love with art and literature, long before taking their first breath. Yet, as we grow and step into the world, many of us leave behind that innate connection to beauty and creativity. Only a few hold onto it, nurturing it like a fragile flame.

For a woman, life is a tapestry of roles—daughter, wife, mother, working professional, aunt, sister, grandmother. Society assigns these identities, and often, personal commitments demand that she set aside her own dreams to fulfill these expectations. A woman may leave behind the career she built, the passions she nurtured, to embrace her role as a mother or wife. In doing so, she sometimes forgets her inner self, her interests, and the artist that lives within her. But the art, the literature, never truly leaves her. It lingers, waiting to be rediscovered.

The First Lullaby: A Mother’s Gift of Literature

In Sri Lanka, the beauty of literature begins not just in the womb but in the lullabies sung by mothers to their children. These lullabies are the first live installations of love for literature. The rhythmic words, “doi doi doi doiya baba, bai bai bai bayya baba,” are etched into the cultural memory of the people. If you’re familiar with these words, you can’t help but read them in the same tone and tune. They are more than just words; they are a part of the blood and veins of Sri Lankan culture. For me, this is the first role a woman plays in contributing to the literature of Ceylon—a role that is both intimate and profound.

Before the world became commercialized, village life was rich with folk songs. Men and women alike used these songs to express their joys, sorrows, and everyday experiences. Women, in particular, wove literature into their lives through these folk songs, though their contributions often went unnoticed. Whether in moments of joy or sorrow, laughter or tears, women instinctively nourished literature. Their emotions—tears, smiles, anger, sorrow—were the raw materials of art.

The Rare Jewels of Sri Lankan Literature

While many women carry literature within them, not all recognize it as their true passion. Those who do, however, become rare jewels in the literary world. In Sri Lanka, the number of women poets and writers is smaller compared to men, but their impact is undeniable. Women like Dona Issabella (known as Gajaman Nona), Sybil Weththasinghe, Sumitra Rahubadda, Yamuna Malani Perera, Sunethra Rajakaruna, and Soma Jayakodi have left an indelible mark on Sri Lankan literature. Their works are iconic, a testament to the power of women’s voices in a field often dominated by men.

Making Literature a Part of a Woman’s Soul

If we can make literature an integral part of a woman’s life—not just as a subject for exams or a line in a syllabus—we can help her reconnect with the beauty of words and stories. When literature becomes a part of her soul, it transforms her. She becomes more sensitive, more understanding, and more connected to the world around her. And through her, the next generation will inherit this love for literature, becoming beautiful human souls who appreciate the power of art and words.

Because the love for literature doesn’t start in a classroom or a library. It starts with a lullaby—a mother’s gentle voice, singing her child to sleep. It starts in the womb, with the rhythm of a heartbeat. And it continues, if we let it, throughout a woman’s life, shaping her and the world she touches.

Conclusion: A Call to Rediscover the Artist Within

To every woman who has ever set aside her dreams for the sake of others, remember this: the artist within you is still there, waiting to be rediscovered. The literature that flowed through your veins as a child, the songs you sang to your children, the emotions you poured into your daily life—they are all part of your story. Embrace them. Let literature be more than just words on a page; let it be a part of your soul. And in doing so, you will not only enrich your own life but also inspire the generations to come.

Because the love for literature starts with a lullaby, but it doesn’t have to end there. 🌟