Kalu (Black) is the book that highlighted Tharaka as a Professional Author. Kalu is a book that tackles Mental Health & the Social Stigma Mentally ill people face. While still being a Phycological Thriller “Kalu” follows the life of Chethi, a woman who has lived for many years inside a mental hospital after being diagnosed with schizophrenia. The novel unfolds largely within the confined world of the institution, but the true depth of the story lies inside Chethi’s mind. It was published in 2009 by Sarasavi Publishers. The book won hearts of many and was even Nominated for The Swarna Pusthaka Award (2010) Kalu” was one of the earliest novels in Sri Lankan literature to tackle the serious and often harsh realities of mental health.