by Saman Indrajith
"Anthima Da Re" is the seventh book by Dharmarathne Perera, who is known among the Sinhala youth as a poet, lyric writer, novelist, short story writer and the editor of the Sinhala weekly tabloid titled "Kumari".

"Anthima Da Re" is a collection of 21 short stories which are defined by the author as not short stories but a collection of concepts. "These concepts were born in my mind about 20 years ago and appeared in the form of short stories on the pages of ‘Kumari’. When they appeared on the women’s weekly, they were welcome by the youth readers," Perera said.

"Some of the concepts are related to some incidents that I had witnessed and inspired me. The story titled "Dangakara Vaadakaya" (mischievous player) was such an example. It is based on a true incident that took place in Trincomalee."

The book was launched during the Literary Festival 2001, held at the BMICH by the Book Publishers Organisation.

Perera addressing the youth readership in his simple colloquial language and with his emotional plots, has not forgotten to emphasise the never ending disparities in society.

Short and simple as many of his lyrics are the stories directly jumps from one situation into another and ends in a hurry leaving behind a thoughtful reader.

"Stanley Saha Panthi Satana", (Stanley and Class Struggle) is an example of the realistic social stratification that wins over romantic short-sighted Marxism which has been prevailing in the country for decades.

The book is published by the Malpiyali Prakashakayo of Dankotuwa.