Sybil Wettasinghe (October 31, 1928 – June 30, 2020) was a pioneering figure in Sri Lankan children’s literature, whose work continues to inspire generations.

Her career as a writer began through the encouragement of Dharmapala Wettasinghe, then Chief Subeditor of Janatha newspaper, who later became her husband. When the regular story writer was absent one day, he invited Sybil to contribute a story—Kuda Hora (The Umbrella Thief). The story became an instant favorite among young readers and marked the beginning of a remarkable career in storytelling and illustration.

Kuda Hora, originally illustrated in black and white, was published in 1956 as a Navamaga supplementary reader and has remained in continuous publication for over 65 years. In 1983, Sybil re-illustrated the book in color and entered it into Japan’s prestigious Noma Concours Picture Book Illustrations Competition, where she won third place. This recognition led to Kuda Hora being translated and published in Japan, and later in Korea, China, Sweden, and New Zealand.

In total, Sybil Wettasinghe authored and illustrated over 250 children’s books, in addition to illustrating hundreds more for other authors. Eight of her books were published in Japan, the last being Magic Silver Tree. She wrote in both Sinhala and English, with many of her works translated into Tamil.

Sybil passed away peacefully on June 30, 2020, leaving behind an enduring literary and artistic legacy.