Maithri’s “Purple Patch”– bridging continents By Arundathie Abeysinghe
Part One
Maithri Panagoda, one of Australia’s leading lawyers with over 48 years’ experience in litigation and dispute resolution as well as one of Australia’s most respected advocates for justice, published author and songwriter offers readers an experience bridging continents, Asia (Sri Lanka, his former native land) and Australia. His poetic thoughts are shaped by nostalgic memories of Sri Lanka, village paths, hamlets, village life and surroundings and Sydney’s iconic locations. His poetic prowess is a testament to Australian-Sri Lankan diasporic literature with subtle, human-centered, nostalgic, yet, poignant diasporic writing.
Maithri Panagoda is an adjunct Professor at the University of Notre Dame. The Law Society of NSW has accredited him as a personal injury specialist. He has dedicated himself to representing Aboriginal people and survivors of historical abuse. He has also been involved in several successful claims being brought by members of the Stolen Generation. As Maithri is fluent in Sinhalese, he is involved in diverse activities with the Sri Lankan community in New South Wales.
Maithri has published numerous articles and is a regular speaker at legal seminars. He is the author of the chapter on workers’ compensation in the Lawyers Practice Manual published by the Thompson Lawbook Co.
A few of Maithri’s creative work ranges from Hada Mumunana Handa, Sudu Weli, Pages of Life, Kaviyak Soya and Vipravasi Deshapremiya.
His latest collection “Purple Patch” is an exceptional opportunity for readers in Australia as well as Sri Lanka. Although, the diaspora observes English-language poetry through the experiences of a Sri Lankan-Australian, yet, without aligning to either, instead walking through nostalgic memories of both continents, offering his experiences in childhood village memories to court rooms down under.
Part II– Review of “Purple Patch”
