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| Sunday, 6 July 2003 |
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Books New methodology for gem exploration Gem-Bearing Stream Sediments of Sri Lanka Geology and Geochemistry Authored by: Professor C.B. Dissanayake and Dr. Rohana Chandrajith Published by: Gem and Jewellery Research and Training Institute, National Gem and Jewellery Authority Price: Rs. 350 Reviewed by Mahes Salgado
This is a science backed, research based assessment of Sri Lanka's still fully untapped or systematically unutilised national wealth in gem resources. The senior author, Professor C.B. Dissanayake has made a pioneering contribution in the field of Geochemical Exploration in Sri Lanka and this book ranks as one of the most scholarly works in the field of Geology in Sri Lanka. It contains a summary of the research work carried out by Professor Dissanayake, and his team, over the last 25 years. It is therefore the first book of its kind in Sri Lanka and it opens up a whole new methodology for gem exploration. The gem prospecting, as carried out in Sri Lanka are traditional methods of gem mining, individual prospectors working with shovels and wash baskets at random sites. Usually, a rule of the thumb procedures is followed, prospectors flocking to a site where a chance gem discovery has been made, resulting in unplanned digging in and around, what is now deemed a likely site to dig for that rare, elusive gem. One cannot however decry or look too harshly at these age-old methods of gemming, as they have withstood the test of time - centuries of successful gem mining yielding serendipitous result. It is however the contention of experts and scientists in the field - Dissanayake prominent among them - that the time has come for geochemical and geophysical prospecting gemological research and scientific methodology to be infused into the island's gem industry. Unless we do this, we could be neglecting or simply sitting pretty on a badly untapped and ill-managed national resource, that with correct planning and utilisation of modern scientific know-how, could be turned into a national asset for the country. "Gem-bearing stream sediments of Sri Lanka" is indeed a valuable book and the most authoritative study in the field in Sri Lanka. The co-authors are eminently qualified to write on this subject, in which they have an impressive record of investigation, research and study. There are nine chapters in the book. The first three chapters cover an introduction to the subject, with an overview of the physiography and geology of the island, and chapter three, a classification of Sri Lanka's gem deposits. Going on to chapter four, the authors' focus is on the distribution of gem fields in Sri Lanka. There is extensive coverage here on the geology and geochemistry of the gem deposits. Chapters five to eight deal respectively with stream sediment geochemistry, gold in stream sediments, rare minerals and rare-earth element geochemistry. These few chapters are based on the original research carried out by Dissanayake and his research team and is a storehouse of extremely valuable information hitherto unknown in Sri Lanka. The reference list at the end of the book is dominated by the research publications of the two co-authors in prestigious international journals. Chapter nine, "Future Prospects" charts target areas for mineral exploration. The serious minded gem prospector with a science background will certainly find this section most useful. The two final sections on "possible origin of metalliferous magmatic materials" and "influence of fluids" focus on the occurrence of valuable mineral resources in the light of modern research findings on the geology of Sri Lanka. Dissanayake and Chandrajith's book is most certainly an outstanding
contribution and they deserve the highest praise for introducing a new
applied scientific technique to the earth scientists of Sri Lanka
interested in mineral exploration. The book is well written and is abound
with clear illustrations. It will be a welcome addition to libraries,
universities and the professionals in the fields of geology, geochemistry
and gemology will find this book a source of new information. Breaching bounds of geographical location A recent addition to a stream of local English writing is Sonalini Gunasekera's dual publication of prose and poetry.
The book of poetry called, "Music from another room", is a pleasant compilation of esoteric poems that are traditionally written and easy to understand. The war poems in particular stand out like quality creations, which chart the life of a young soldier in three stages before, after and during the battle. It is a collection of 21 poems in some of which archaic words abound as though Sonalini meant to resurrect the now forgotten lingo and set it in verse against the present day vogue words. To quote: "Summer Hues" The Welkin explodes with a fiery rage, Dewy plumes on harvest's face, the hallowed forms and secret coves, Embracing the cares of wetted shapes ..." brings to mind alien scenes no doubt the result of the writer's foray into Classical Civilisation. Then in "Reef Symmetry" "A glint of light spread lilac blue, Upon the lolling ocean hue, The graceful ebb of mighty waves, Eroding sands of secret caves ..." One is brought back to the local scene and familiar lingo. There is then a happy blend of the indigenous and the alien as the writer breaches the bounds of geographical location to entertain a wider audience. "Kadapatha", is the title of the book of prose. An absorbing story of quiet observations conveyed in a personal style of narration. This special relationship between the author and her readers is carefully protected throughout the story. As the title suggests what is mirrored by the author has been alluded to in the dustcover. Kadapatha provides unique insight into the mind of a girl who is intrigued by the ancient history of her country. Her appreciation is heightened by different influences of a mixed racial background in relating her experiences through the acquaintance of a friend to exhort the future regeneration of her country by glorifying historical landmarks reminiscent of a great civilisation. "When you die, you return as a spirit to the place you most favoured in life. It's a natural reaction like pins to a magnet". Sonalini Gunasekera attended Ladies College and Colombo International School thereafter gaining admission to Oxford University to read Law. She was a member and communique presenter at the Future World Leaders' Summit in 2001. A well-motivated student she has excelled in oratory and won several accolades including the Edexcel world prize medallions for History and Literature. Sonalini's passion is writing poetry and short stories. Her books are a reflection of this art and her perfection of it through serious interest and experience. Sonalini is also actively involved in social service and teaching
underprivileged children. - LE A record of indefatigable endurance Footsteps in the air... by Sreema Perera 111 pages Price Rs. 100 A Vishva Lekha Publication
The narrative revolves around the writer's parents and herself making it a near autobiography and Sreema commends the book to readers who she hopes would be able to discern 'Truth' in the light of the experiences she recounts. And the Truth she unravels is found for all time in the Dhammapada from which she derives immense strength and fortitude. So this narrative is of a Buddhist - a practising one for whom the ultimate solace is found in the Dhamma. Sreema's deep affection and devotion to her stricken father who had passed the proverbial span by another decade is never in doubt but at his death she is dry eyed as she contemplates. "I did all I could have done for my father, when he was alive and it was as if there was nothing to lament about. And of course there is nothing to lament about. How many countless numbers of times in Sansara might I have lost a father? It was as if it was a regular occurrence that one need not attach too much importance to. This attitude of mine will be defined as ingratitude by many, to a very dutiful father but isn't it a very basic acceptance of Anicca and Dukkha? In fact like how I always think, birth and death in Sansara is like going on a long journey to a final destination, where during the trip you change buses often. You get in a bus and after a while out of it. Birth and death is like that to me." Sreema's account of her father's sudden travails after a long life of 'prolific good health both physically and mentally' is short, mercifully so for the illness that struck him took him away in a short time and to Sreema her 'father is now a sacred and treasured memory.' While the account of her experiences relating to her father are recorded after his demise the longer narrative is her offering to a sick mother. She gains satisfaction that it was offered during her mother's life time. Again there is ample recourse to the Dhamma in a very pragmatic way that can serve as therapy to any reader to come to terms with the travails that visit anyone in a lifetime. Of her mother Sreema says 'She was born a Christian of converted parents. When she got married to a Buddhist, she unhesitatingly studied the Buddhist texts in order to educate us as it was her contention that the children should follow the father's religion. Subsequently she became a Buddhist by conviction and practise.' This gives Sreema an opening to quote the Dhamma again and again in trying to understand the plight of her mother. Having retired prematurely as the Matron of the Kandy General Hospital, the dear lady 'lives the life of a vegetable' as Sreema recounts the narrative of her mother in two parts, and rounds it off with her ultimate demise. The writer returns to her theme of commending the work to the reader to get 'an insight to the doctrine' hoping that her mother will 'comprehend the Buddha Dhamma one day in the near future and attain the bliss of Nibbana.' Sreema's childlessness brings out the typical human being under undue stress. When all medical resources are expanded the writer succumbs to pressure and delves into the realm of astrology and spirituality which somehow does not work for her. But she is prudent enough to keep the matter open by saying that 'that was my experience of prayers and reliance on the supernatural to remedy this malady. They did not work for me but I am not discounting the efficacy of same for others...."One would think that 'barrenness' and the subsequent divorce would have spared Sreema of any other tribulations, but that was not to be. In the last part of her book she begins "I was declared a cancer patient in mid 1977." Seven years on and it is her indefatigable endurance that emerges in this concluding part of her book. From what appears to be a dead end Sreema fights her way through to survive the dreaded illness contemplating the Girimananda Sutta and rounds of the blessings that cancer has bestowed on her, an abject lesson for the afflicted and the whole on how one can find merit in adversity. Commended for its therapeutic effect and the conquering spirit of the writer (having gone through the ordeal myself as a cancer patient) I quote Sreema. Cancer taught me - To look at things in the correct perspective, To be thankful for each day, To give up planning, To do what I have to do, now, To forget hurts and wrongs, To face Ashta loka dhamma without flinching (to keep the shirt on) To know that I can only mind my own karma, To know that nothing is important, To get my priorities in order, To approach a whole new dimension beyond life, To see Godliness everywhere, To get to square one on the path into the journey beyond the mind, To intensify the effort and time on the way, To let go, To live for the moment, To know that nothing exists, To look for truth within, To be free, To come Home, To laugh. For this fundamental lesson, (which, how do I know when I would have learnt!) What a solid stepping stone, Cancer was to me! FACTOTUM Interesting analysis with valuable information Technical Vocational Education by Professor P.P.G.L. Siriwardene (Stamford Publishers Ltd) Price Rs. 600 It is truly my pleasure to write this Review on: "Technical Vocational Education" authored by Professor (Emeritus) P.P.G.L. Siriwardene, in his day, Professor of Chemistry of The University of Colombo and later Vice-Chancellor of The University of Sri Lanka. My pleasure is for two good reasons. On the one hand, I am one of his grateful pupils, and like all his pupils I benefited immensely from his golden brain and his heart of gold. On the other hand, "Technical Vocational Education" is a splendid book. As an Author, I am most impressed with the impeccably high standard of this academic work. The book has been very well researched, well crafted, and is brimming with helpful details. "Technical Vocational Education" (TVE) consists of a comprehensive and interesting analysis obtained through the author's experiences, written with concise vibrancy. It offers highly valuable information on policy making, policy reforms, responsibilities of policy makers and planners management of TVE, as well as the curriculum and the teaching-learning process. Development of physical resources, non-formal TVE, the role of the private sector linkages with industry as well as vocational guidance and counselling of students are commented upon at length in the next few chapters. The final chapters include case studies mainly in the Asia Pacific region countries, which are specifically helpful to TVE institutes and those involved in developing TVE. A number of annexures help to strengthen the text and TVE development objectives. Professor P.P.G.L. Siriwardene obtained a Ph.D in Metallurgy from Cambridge University and soon afterwards inaugurated the course in Metallurgy in the Faculty of Engineering of the University of Ceylon. His experience in TVE was mainly with UNESCO and later in projects funded by The Asian Development Bank and The Commonwealth Secretariat. In addition in this international experience, in Sri Lanka his period with the Ceylon Technical College gave him much awareness and also led him to identify metallurgy for specialization. This together with his experience in Chemistry helped him to make many national and international contributions. He was a member of the board of directors of The Mineral Sands Corporation, The Steel Corporation and The Cement Corporation. Besides, he held several high offices, such as Chairman of the Sri Lanka Atomic Energy Authority and Chairman of the Ceylon Institute of Scientific and Technical Research. This book is indeed invaluable to organs of the government of Sri Lanka in the field of Technical Vocational Education and to the academic community. T.D.S.A. Dissanayake Combination of fact and fiction 'Sainted Blue, Painted Black' Publisher: Vijitha Yapa Publications Price: Rs. 399.00
Suneth Rajawasam's 'Sainted Blue, Painted Black' is a meander into his boyhood intertwined with his school days at S. Thomas' College, Mount Lavinia to relive his schooldays memories. Yes, you need not be a Thomian to live in the ecstasy of nostalgia Suneth creates with his own style and artistry. Every experience cited has a serious underlying purpose, a story behind moulding and shaping, strengthening and improving the character of a cheeky, 'hormonany imbalanced' juvenile into a mature independent man. Suneth claims this to be a fictional auto biography, combination of fact and fiction. It is hard to draw a line between the fact and fiction However, it gives an insight to the thinking of a teenager, beneath prank, fancy and loquaciousness his depth of character is reflected. Some of the experiences are the first realisation of a boy's those 'major discoveries' and some are the disillusionment when introduced to a world of corruption and other evils prevalent in the darker reaches of society. It consists of five chapters which are arranged in chronological order: The first being Wonder Years - The Taming of the Shrew, which is about the times before joining College and his first impressions of life. The second chapter: Lower School - The Saga Begins - of Birds and Beasts, is a thought provoking thrust into familiar problems and situations faced by any hyperactive prepubescent boy, punctuated with many a rib-tickling tale. Upper School - To Make a Man, the fourth chapter is an extension of the third which also describes his first brushes with romance and the inevitable heartache involved. The fifth and final chapter; The college forms, plight of destiny, is the conclusion to this tale, being a reflection of the lessons he has learned in life and their effects on his comprehension of adulthood itself. Quite candidly it is a hilarious narration. The book is enriched with paradoxes, witty flippancy and sarcasm. A combination of poetic and witty style gives an immense reading pleasure. However, his writing career has a long way to go for fulfilment. His style is fresh, innovative and creative though sometimes verbosity and over-indulgence hinder the smooth flow and rhythm of writing. It is a collection of bittersweet memories that is meant to rekindle the flames of forgotten youth, spiced with a hint of nostalgia. It would appeal to all those who have had adventurous childhood, undoubtedly inspiring one to cherish and revel in their own fond memories of a bygone era. The book ends with 'No, this was not the end. It was only the
beginning'. Yes we wish that this would be the beginning of many more. -
N.K. Sri Lankan named bestselling author by India Times
Anushka Wirasinha's books 'Visually Learn PC' and 'On Your Marks...Net...Set...Go! Surviving in an e-world!' (published by Prentice Hall 2002) have been rated bestsellers in the prestigious India Times bestseller list. (www.indiatimes.com) To be listed amongst the bestselling authors (fiction and non-fiction) together with the world's best known writers such as Harry Potter author J. K. Rowling, J. R. R. Tolkien ('The Lord of the Rings') and Tom Peters ('In Search of Excellence') is an accomplishment of the highest order, says a press release from "Computer Literate Generation (Pvt) Ltd". The two books, have gained wide readership and popularity within a relatively short period of time. The author's unique style of writing has made her a favourite amongst IT book buyers around the world and a much loved writer in India. |
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"Sri Lanka may have the greatest proportion of land surface
underlain by gem deposits, as well as the widest variety of gem minerals
of any country in the world." - Prof. C.B. Dissanayake, Senior
Professor of Geology, University of Peradeniya.
Contrary to the title 'footsteps in the air....' this four part
narrative of a daughter's devotion to her ageing and terminally ill
parents and her own resilience, positive frame of mind and fighting spirit
as she herself comes to terms with her condition when declared a cancer
patient in mid 1977 portrays Sreema Perera as having her feet firmly on
the ground rather than fleeting in the air!
Who forget the fun and frolic, friendship and hatred, crime and
punishment, crushes and heartaches and of course big matches and trucking?
They are the memories inseparably intertwined with one's school days. They
are the days you want to fly back and live in.
