171 Pitakotuwa – Sri Lanka – 28th August

28th August

‘’171 Pitakotuwa’’ – Sri Lanka
Directed by Banula Wijesinghe

171 Pitakotuwa is a thought-provoking monologue that uses A.E. Gunasinghe, a key figure in Sri Lanka’s labor movement and a founding member of the Sri Lankan Labour Party, as a symbolic lens to explore the lives of common people and the complexities of politics. Set against the backdrop of Gunasinghe’s neglected statue near Colombo’s Pettah, the play delves into the political awakening of the labor community through the character of Sunil and his bus, which reflects the connection Gunasinghe had with the Labour Movement.

This narrative highlights the struggles faced by ordinary Sri Lankans, portraying humanity in shades of gray, emphasizing that no leader or individual is entirely virtuous or wholly flawed. Through its compelling storytelling, 171 Pitakotuwa connects these themes to global struggles, underscoring the universal relevance of political and societal issues. The play invites audiences to reflect on leadership, morality, and the enduring challenges of the working class, making it both a deeply Sri Lankan story and a universally resonant narrative that speaks to the shared human experience.