A Sinhala-language short story by Piyal Kariyawasam, ‘The Scintillating Darkness Sighted by the Aged Blacksmith’ – ‘Aachari seeya dutu didulana andakaraya’ (ආචාරිසීයා දුටු දිදුලන අන්ධකාරය) in the original – is the title story of a Sri Lankan State Award-winning collection originally published in 2008.
Rooted in the swell of youth uprisings that erupted in late-20th-century Sri Lanka, the story grapples with the imbalance of power in an armed conflict between rural youth and an increasingly militarised state. Set against the rustic backdrop of the village, the narrative brings to light the resilience of the young and the depth of traditional knowledge and intergenerational wisdom.
Although it is one of Kariyawasam’s shortest stories, this work draws on many areas of specialty – such as blacksmithing, weaponry and indigenous knowledge – and has necessitated substantial research to ensure its smooth translation. The dense cultural references, vividly visual language and surrealistic sequences also required careful attention to detail in the recreation process.
– Gaya Nagahawatta
The Scintillating Darkness Sighted by the Aged Blacksmith
1
Long after the boys retraced their steps beyond the cluster of coconut seedlings at the far end of the plantation, he remained awake. Deep into the night he stood alert, expecting a sudden shoot-out or even the blood-curdling cry of the wounded, but nothing disturbed the nocturnal peace. And then the village cocks crowed, ushering in a new day.