Donna Isabella Koraneliya (Sinhala: දෝන ඉසබෙලා කොරනෙලියා) (a.k.a. Gajaman Nona) (10 March 1746-15 December 1815) was a Sri Lankan author who was noted for having the ability to write and recite impromptu Sinhala poetry.
She was born in Marawila, Ceylon as the second daughter of Don Francisco Senarathna Kumara Perumal and Francina Jasenthu Graivo.[1] Gajaman was baptised as Donna Isabella Koraneliya at St. Paul's Church, Milagiriya in Bambalapitiya.[2] As a baby, she was brought to Marawila in Beliatta as her father was undertaking Rājākariya, a system where the individual provides services in exchange for land. She had her early education within her own family.[3] She was talented and earned her honorific name Gajaman Nona (Lady Gajaman) from her mother. She grew up in Matara,[3] with a taste for dressing like a Dutch woman, which came from her partially 'Westernized' background.[3] She had a surprising talent in literature, which was highlighted by the women of her community and status.
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