A viral tuition class video has ignited widespread condemnation after a teacher openly insulted Martin Wickramasinghe, triggering anger across Sri Lanka’s literary and academic circles.
A video clip circulating on social media has caused intense debate after a private tutor conducting extra classes made deeply disrespectful remarks about Martin Wickramasinghe, widely regarded as the great scholar of Hela. In the footage, the teacher is seen addressing students while referring to Wickramasinghe as an “idiot,” provoking shock and outrage.
The comments have drawn strong criticism from scholars and literary figures, who describe the remarks as ignorant and short sighted. They stress that Wickramasinghe’s legacy extends far beyond fiction, encompassing linguistics, cultural studies, anthropology, scientific thought, and evolutionary theory.
During the lesson, the teacher says, “That idiot who wrote Gamperaliya, what’s his name, Martin Wickramasinghe. Now you want to read Gamperaliya. Then why is he called the great poet of Hela? What is the reason, I don’t understand,” continuing with further dismissive statements about Sinhala literature and school curricula.
The controversy intensified when the teacher allegedly recited verses using obscene language. Following public backlash, the tutor later issued a Facebook apology, accepting responsibility and admitting his remarks were unnecessary and inappropriate.
