Gajaman Nona

Dona Isabella Koraneliya (Sinhala:දොන ඉසබෙලා කොරනෙලියා) (a.k.a. Gajaman Nona) was a Sri Lankan author who was noted for having the ability to write and recite impromptu Sinhala poetry. She was born in Kollupitiya, Ceylon as the second daughter of Don Francisco Senaratna Kumara Perumal and Fransina Jasenthu Graivo. She was baptized Dona Isabella Koraneliya Perumal. She had her early education within her own family. She was talented earned her mother's title of Gajaman Nona (Lady Gajaman). She grew up in Matara, a most beautiful and elegant woman with a taste for dressing like a Dutch gentlewoman which comes from her partially "Westernized" background. She had most unusual talent in literature. This was highlighted in woman of her community and status.

Contents

• Thuta Kala Lewan Gajaman Nona
• Hitiwana Kivindiya Nuthana Gajaman Nona
• References

her talents were noticed in her early age when someone hidden her water pot, she had composed a Sinhala verse:

English Version:

(Gooneratne 1999, p. 82.)

Between 1802 and 1806 Sir John D'Oyly was the Government Agent and Fiscal Collector in Matara and Hambantota districts. Following her husband's death, Gajaman Nona found herself in severe financial hardship, unable to secure stable employment. With the responsibility of caring for several children, she sought help from John D'Oyly, the Government Agent. Displaying generosity, Sir John D'Oyly awarded her Nindagama, a grant of land sufficient for sustenance and agricultural activities. Today, a statue commemorating Gajaman Nona is located at Ambalantota, Nonagama Junction, a place named in her honor. In appreciation for his assistance, she dedicated a poem to Sir John.