First published in the Lake House tabloid newspaper ‘Janatha’, the book’s illustrations won 3rd place in the ‘Noma Concours pictureīook illustrations competition’ in 1983 – a competition in Japan. Sybil Wettasinghe was born in Ginthota – a small village in Galle, we learn from the exhibition. She hopes Kuda Hora would remain popular for the next 100 years to come – even after her ‘umbrella’ has been folded. She was also happy to note the success of her ‘Kuda Hora’ in Denmark – the birthplace of popular children’s author Hans Christian Anderson – and even became the first Asian book to be translated in the region. She also felt that it was a big honour for the country that a children’s book which was written in Sinhala has gained so much prominence globally and felt that all Sri Lankans should share her pride in this regard.

‘I didn’t think that a small children’s book which I wrote would become world famous’ she says, illustrating the unprecedented rise of Kuda Hora.

If you have the chance to meet this wonderful lady, you would understand why the sponsors chose to refer to her as ‘young’ – because at 88, Sybil Wettasinghe continues to be young at heart. To celebrate Kuda Hora’s 60th anniversary, an exhibition is being held at the J.D.A Perera Gallery which also celebrates its author’s life – this writer/illustrator still continues to create magic at her ‘young age’ of 88 years and was very much a part of the opening ceremony of her exhibiton. What is the name of this magical book? You guessed it – it’s ‘Kuda Hora’ or Umbrella Thief by Sybil Wettasinghe. It would be read by many generations of Sri Lankan children and would win the hearts of them all. This small book, which begins with the story of Kos Mama who went to Colombo to buy his very first umbrella, would win many awards both locally and internationally and bring much fame to its country of origin in the years to come.

Sixty years ago, a certain children’s book was written. State Literary Award for “Magul Gedara Bath Natho” book in year 1971.īest Juvenile Children’s Book Award for “Meti Gedara Lamay” by Arts Council of Sri Lanka in year 1992. Sybil Wettasinghe book collection for kids Click on above links to buy Sybil Wetthasinghe books onlineīest Children’s Picture Book award for “The Umbrella Thief” by Ministry of Cultural Affairs of Japan, in year 1986.

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