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| Sunday, 8 June 2003 |
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Revisiting the fascinating Dutch period 400 Years of Dutch-Sri Lanka Relations: 1602 - 2002 Edited by Saman Kelegama and Roshan Madawela; Published by: Institute of Policy Studies, Reviewed by Vijita Fernando The year 2002 marked 400 years of Dutch - Sri Lanka relations. To mark this significant anniversary, the Institute of Policy Studies of Sri Lanka and the newly formed Sri Lanka - Netherlands Association held a two day symposium to examine the relations between the two countries, to revisit the historical period and analyse the various aspects of Dutch influence on Sri Lanka. This book is a result of the symposium held in August 2002 and contains a selection of papers presented then. A meticulously researched introduction by the two authors of this comprehensive collection provides the ideal groundwork from which to view the four hundred years of interaction between the Dutch and Sri Lanka, beginning with the historic first visit of Joris Van Spillbergen in 1602, the subsequent capture of the maritime provinces in 1658 and the Dutch rule lasting till 1796. History has recorded the lingering influence of this interaction, first as traders and then as conquerors, on the many aspects of Sri Lankan life, the vestiges of which remain even today. This collection of essays delves deep into these, recording the Dutch presence as seen in monuments, mansions, canals and more importantly, in the living legacy of Roman Dutch law. The introduction highlights some of the important events and their impact and provides a revealing picture on the subject, from historical beginnings through the cultural interplay, Dutch artifacts, monuments and coming down to current relations between the two countries. It is these aspects of this relationship that are highlighted in detail in the body of the book. It is not possible in a review of this nature to discuss each one of these scholarly contributions in any depth. However, reading through them, even cursorily, one can glean the amount of scholarship that has gone into every one of them, whether the author is commenting on a Sri Lankan perspective of early years of Dutch rule, Dutch diplomacy, the bloodless surrender of the Dutch to the British or Colonialism in Comparative Perspective in the section in which the authors discuss the historical perspective of Dutch-Sri Lanka relations. The body of the book is presented in five sections, each one dealing with various aspects of a single topic. Thus we have economic relations, Dutch influence on the socio-political system, a detailed look at religious influences, impact on the education system, land registration and the legal system. Economic relations between the two countries going back to the years of the Dutch East India Company, the economic policies and activity in the days of Dutch rule, and recent trends in economic relations form a special section. Of particular interest to the average reader is the section on Dutch Landmarks and Legacies, pinpointing the Dutch influence on the country's culture, its impact on the Sinhala language, adding a range of new words, the Dutch influence on architecture, the legacy of Dutch maps, to name a few. Additionally, there is a glimpse of how Sri Lankan art, furniture design and medical knowledge had a significant impact in Holland. Dutch interest and knowledge of herbal medicine and pharmacology boosted Dutch interest in these. This transfer of knowledge led to significant research on plants in the coastal belt of Sri Lanka. One cannot overlook another legacy the Dutch has left - the impact on the country's cuisine. The exotic dishes which still find a special place notably during festive times have been handed down over the generations and still retain their Dutch names and special pleasures for the gourmet. The history of the Burgher community in Sri Lanka, the "smallest group in the throng of human material which comprised the population" to quote R.L. Brohier, is placed in perspective against the backdrop of political changes in West Europe, founding of the Verenigde Oost-Indiche Compagnie (VOC) and coming down to the present day Burghers and the remarkable contribution they have made to Sri Lanka in medicine, law, literature, archaeology, science, politics, in fact, to almost every sphere of life. Some names I have picked out at random, especially those linked in my mind to these topics. Professor K.M. de Silva whose features in the local media have always been welcome reading, Dr. Lorna Dewaraja, always a felicitous writer, who can deftly turn a phrase to give life to the most prosaic of subjects, K.D.G. Wimalaratne whose newspaper features are wholesome lessons on his particular discipline, Deloraine Brohier whose knack of story telling and her detailed knowledge of her community are always fascinating, Vernon Mendis, the diplomat and of course writer, novelist, critic, Carl Muller, forever associated in my mind with his jam fruit tree, whose inimitable style and flippancy are only a cover for some extremely useful points on the Burgher community and their lifestyle, adding a pinch of spice to the collection! This is not a volume to be dipped into - to verify a date or to check the spelling of lomprijst. It contains the kind of information that can be useful to the serious student of any of these disciplines discussed in the book. It is reference material for the researcher, the teacher and may be, the journalist. For the serious minded reader, even though not particularly interested in any of these aspects, it can provide fascinating reading to look back at past events, people, customs and lifestyles of a bygone age and ponder on the vestiges of that period which still influence our lives today. I have not looked at the nitty gritty of this production, to pick holes and mistakes in content or presentation. I leave that unpleasant task to a better reviewer than I am. I have enjoyed the book even though I have not read the whole of it, and I have spent fascinating hours visiting a significant period in my country's history. ######### Compendium of Dhamma sermons 'Dhamma Deshana Mala - 7' ANCL Publication Reviewed by J.P. Pathirana The Buddha sermonised the Dhamma for 45 years and the spoken-word had a magnetic influence on the listener. during the Buddha's time the spoken word was the only line of communication and the learned Arahaths memorised the spoken-word of the Dhamma and preached the Dhamma-sublime by word of mouth. The Associated Newspapers of Ceylon (ANCL) through its 'Budusarana' weekly brings out annually a printed compendium of Dhamma sermons (bana) and No. 7 of this year's Dhamma Deshana Mala of 'Budusarana' has added a colourful picture of the Buddha on the cover. It takes the readers along a well-arranged and well-narrated pathway; leading through the noble teachings of the Buddha on a wide-range of subjects, cleverly put-across by a galaxy of learned Bhikkhus in candid style, explaining the intricacies of the Dhamma. This readable and pleasant compendium of the Dhamma which runs to 223 pages of the printed-word focuses on a diversity of facts and figures worthy of reading over and over again. Ven. Madihe Pannasiha Maha Thera focuses in his sermon on 'How one should contact breathing effortlessly.' A multitude of other readable matter is included by Ven. Maha Theras Kanampelle Dhammasiri, Mailawa Sri Niwasa. Diviyagaha Yasassi, Malapana Vijitha Thera, Kudawadduwe Jinawansa, Kahagala Dhammarakkitha, Balangoda Jinaratne, Kottugoda Dhammawasa, Puwakpitiye Mettananda, Murugagasyaye Gnanissara, Kulugammana Dewamitta, Wellwatte Gnanabiwansa and Dikkapitiye Sumanaratana. A host of learned Bhikkhus are equally proficient in dealing with every subject of the Dhamma, in radiating the illuminated-light of the discourses preached by the Buddha. The names of all other distinguished preachers are correctly named in every page of the compendium. The pages 21-223 add a special feature of interest pertaining to a rather interesting feature on 'Dhamma Sakachcha' - a series of questions and answers, for your reading pleasure. This compendium should adorn every library, temple,school and Dhamma Pustakalas and individuals as the spoken-word of the Dhamma radiates the discourses preached by the Buddha. ANCL 'Budusarana' publication under the compilation of Ruwan D. Araththanage should be congratulated in compiling this collection by erudite scholars of the Island and offering it to the public and propagating in spirit and word the true significance of the Buddha's admonition 'Kalena Dhamma Savanang.' ######### Vesak annual trilogy Vesak Sirisara - Buddhist Annual Publisher Government Services Buddhist Association, Edited by Rajah Kuruppu 116 pages Reviewed by D. Amarasiri Weeraratne This is the 68 issue of this Vesak Annual. It's been published during Vesak time in Sri Lanka and it has an international readership and contributors. As usual the President's fund, Commissioner of Buddhist Affairs and the Director of Cultural Affairs have made donations towards this publication. Other patrons and donors are Buddhist readers abroad and here. The publication carries messages of goodwill and felicitation from both the President and the Prime Minister. The publication is a trilogy consisting of articles in Sinhala, Tamil and English. There are 23 Sinhala articles on various aspects of the Dhamma by eminent exponents of Buddhism both lay and clergy. There are five verse contributions and three Tamil articles. They are: 1. The Jataka stories by Dr. S. Kanagaratnam, 2. Universality of Death (Kisagotami Story) by Ruwan Bandara Adikari, 3. Verse Contribution by Dr. A. J. Sherifdeen. The English section contains 17 articles and five verse contributions. They expound various aspect of the Buddha Dharma. The leading article is by Bhikkhu Bodhi. His theme is Dhamma without Rebirth. The editor has written two appreciations on the life and works of Dr. G. P. Malalasekera and Alec Robertson. Ven. Madawala Upali Thera deals with the benefits of meditation on Samatha and Vipassana taught at his retreat centre at Kanduboda. He advocates the Burmese meditation which was not taught by the Buddha in the Satipattana Sutra nor in any other canonical text. It was never known in Sri Lanka until some monks and laymen went to Burma and introduced it here in 1956 year of Buddha Jayanthi despite objections from our learned Theras like Weligama Gnanaratana Thera and Kassapa Thera of the Vajirarama. However, now many meditation centres advocates Burmese meditation and also advocate Vipassana Meditation for laymen. Dr. Tudor Senanayake writes on the Advantages of Renunciation. Indeed it is the heart - core of Buddhism and to realise the spiritual attainments in Buddhism one must renounce the lay-life. Higher meditation cannot be done by laymen observing only Pancha-seela with household cares and trammels. Asoka Devendra's Saga of the Gods is informative, instructive and educative. Asoka Jayasingha in his article on Anatta and Rebirth labours to explain on rebirth. And how it takes place without the mind (Vinnana) passing from one life to another. Dr. D. P. Atukorale presents the case for vegetarianism and refutes the excuses made by the Buddhist gluttons who are greedy for the flesh of animals. T. B. Ratnayaka has in his masterly style writes on the salient features of the Buddha-Dhamma that appeal to the intellectuals of the world. Rajah Kuruppu has expounded the meditation on breathing. My own theme here is Buddhism and the problem of suffering. Therein I have tried to explain the universality of the problem in philosophy and religion. The various solutions offered in the religious and the Buddhist solution in the doctrine of karma and rebirth has been explained. Dr. Susunaga Weeraperuma of France has written on 'The Belief in a Creator God.' There are nine more articles and a verse which make interesting reading at Vesak time. 'Nirvana and the Worldly life' by Dr. P. D. Premasiri, 'Punya and Kusala' by D. Saddhasena, 'Environmental Issues' by Ven. Prof. Dharma Vihari, Buddhist Evaluation of Motherhood by A. G. S. Kariyawasam, Sanghamitta, by Barbara Crossette, Jataka stories by Dr. (Mrs.) P. M. Peiris, Righ Effort by Nandasena Mudiyanse. Like in the previous years a special overseas edition has also printed for the benefit of the foreign readers. The magazine contains four verse contributions, viz. - Nirvana by U. Karunatillaka, Samadhi - Silence by Tilak Gunawardena, Mother by Chandra Wickramasingha, Enlightened One by Irene Abeysekera and a versification of the Ambapali story by Kamal Premadasa. The cover picture contains a drawing like a cave painting at Pulligoda - Jamankaduwa district. It depicts a few celestial beings getting ready to visit the Buddha. ######### Al-Ameen Law Report - The storehouse of Islamic Jurisprudence Reviewed by Saleem Marsoof, President's Counsel, Additional Solicitor General, Senior Lecturer, Sri Lanka Law College. The launch of the Al-Ameen Law Report is a historic event for all Muslims of Sri Lanka, irrespective of whether they are in any way connected with the administration of justice or not, and to all Sri Lankan judges, judicial administrators and legal practitioners irrespective of whether they belong to the Islamic faith or not. That is because the maiden volume of the Al-Ameen Law Report breaks new ground as the first ever Sri Lankan law report to deal exclusively with what former Attorney General Shibly Aziz, PC has chosen to describe in his Foreword as "the rich and myriad Islamic jurisprudence" of this country. Published by Al-Ameen Publishers and edited by Mr. A. H. G. Ameen, Attorney-at-law, the Al-Ameen Law Reports claims to be the first private law report to concentrate exclusively on decisions of our courts and tribunals on all aspects of Muslim law. The report pays special attention to decisions of the Wakf Tribunal and judgments of the ordinary courts relating to mosques and Muslim charitable trusts or wakf, which in my personal experience was one of the most neglected areas of the law as far as law reporting was concerned. As we all know, Wakf as well as its plural form awqaf, literally mean 'detention', but the main characteristic of the concept is the unconditional and permanent dedication of property in the name of Allah for the benefit of the people for a good purpose whether religious, pious or charitable. Of the various forms that charity could take, awqaf is the most noble as it is a dedication to God, and the most enduring as it is given in perpetuity. The history of Wakf began right in the time of Prophet Muhammad when the very first mosque and Islamic centre was built by the Prophet in Medina in the first year of Hijrah. The Prophetic Mosque or Masjid al-Nabawi, was built on a parcel of land belonging to two orphans. In spite of the Prophet's insistence to pay for the land, the orphans refused to accept the price from the Prophet but said they would take it from Allah in the next world. During the lifetime of our Prophet several other wakfs were established for the welfare of the public. For example, Hazarath Uthman, who later became the third Caliph, bought a well and dedicated it for the charitable use of all the people in that area in order to relieve Muslims of the difficulties imposed by Jews who banned Muslims from drawing water from a well belonging to a Jew. The concept of wakf or awqaf is one of the greatest contribution made by Islam to jurisprudence in general, and it possesses great socio-economic potential. The Muslims of Sri Lanka, have inherited this rich jurisprudence, which has to be preserved and developed by the Wakfs Tribunal and other institutions administering Justice in Sri Lanka. However, we have been in the past handicapped by the absence of a law report that was dedicated to the exclusive reporting of the judgments and orders of these institutions. True to his word, the Editor Al Haj Ameen has devoted the first 215 pages of the first volume of the report to decisions of the Wakfs Tribunal, the Court of Appeal and Supreme Court on Wakfs Law. The volume opens with the first ever case to be decided by the Wakfs Tribunal, namely Dahlan vs Mahroof (case No. W/TRIB/1), involving the Colombo Grand Mosque. I note that the last few pages (pages 216-228) of the volume contain some judgments relating to matrimonial law, but confined to only one issue, namely whether an enforcement order issued under Section 65 (2) of the Muslim Marriage and Divorce Act of 1951 for the recovery of mahr or kaikooli (as opposed to maintenance) should be filed in the Magistrates Court, Primary Court or the District Court. The confusion arises from the fact that while Section 65 (2)of the Act provides for recovery through the Court of Requests, this institution was abolished by the Administration of Justice Law in 1976. In view of the conflict in judicial opinion, and the untold hardships suffered in silence by the persons entitled to recover mahr or kaikooli, a legislative or authoritative judicial clarification has become an urgent necessity. To make reference easy, the Editor has included a table of cases and an elaborate subject index. He has also provided a Section by Section index to cases reported so as to enable the busy reader to have access to the relevant pages dealing with sections in the Muslim Mosques and Charitable Trusts or Wakfs Act, the Civil Procedure Code, the Primary Court Procedure Act, the Judicature Act and the Muslim Marriage and Divorce Act. While strongly recommending the Al-Ameen Law Report to all legal practitioners, Judges and judicial administrators, I would like to remind those gentlemen who hold office as members of the Wakfs Board and the Wakfs Tribunal that they too are called upon to sit in judgment. I wish to quote from the Foreword to the Al-Ameen Law Report penned by Justice Jameel, in which reference is made to an hadith from Abu Dawood Vol 3 page 103 in which it is reported that our Prophet (PBUH) said: "Judges are of three types, one of whom will go to paradise and two to hell. The one who will go to paradise is a man who knows what is right and gives judgment accordingly. But the man who knows what is right and acts tyrannically in his judgment will go to hell, and a man who gives judgment for people where he is ignorant, will go to hell". I am sure, and I pray to the Almighty, that the publication of the Al Ameen Law Report will save all those who are called upon to sit in judgment from the fury of hell. I earnestly urge not only all Judges, Judicial Administrators and members of the Wakfs Tribunal and Quazi Board of Review, but also all trustees of Mosques, Quazis, legal practitioners, ministers, officials, Members of Parliament and Provincial Councils as well as all social researchers and responsible members of the public to benefit from the maiden volume of this timely publication. ######### Website for books A website was launched for the first time where people can find books that are available in Sri Lanka. The website is built as a search engine, very similar to famous search engines as Yahoo and Google and as simple in use, says a media release from the site. The big difference is that you won't find other websites, but books for which you have been looking and the location where the books are available. You can find all the information that you need to be sure that it is the book that you have been looking for. Information that is given about the books includes title, author, ISBN number, publisher and price. You can also get a small impression about the book by reading the short description that is given. The most important thing about this site is that you also can find out where to get the book! This might be a bookshop, a library or an individual. The contact information of the supplier is given and the next step is up to you. You can contact the supplier with a phone call or e-mail to get more information about the availability of the book or you can have a look at the website, if they have one. The address of the supplier is given, so that you can straight away go to the supplier and get the book! Second hand books Let's explain this better. The website is the place to find out which books are available in Sri Lanka. This means that information is given about books you can buy in bookshops and/or borrow from libraries. It involves new and second hand books! Next to a search engine, the site is also a place where individuals can come to offer books. If you want to get rid of your old books, or if you want to offer them so that another person can use them for sometime, you can go to Mybooks.lk. This easy-to-use website offers you all facilities and free publicity to offer your books easily to a broad group of people. At the moment, participating bookshops are Bookland, Sarasavi Bookshop, Taprobane, MD Gunasena, Buddhist Cultural Centre, Barefoot, Lexicon, Poobalasingham, Robert Agencies and Vijitha Yapa. Every week new shops and new books are uploaded to the site. Don't hesitate to come and use the site, don't hesitate to search for books or to offer books! If you want more information visit the site, www.mybooks.lk or send an e-mail to [email protected]. |
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