|
|
 |
 |
| Sunday, 28 March 2004 |
 |
|
 |
Features |  |
| News Business Features Editorial
|
Short sighted plans plunge country into disorder "Me Yanne Koi Pare" (What road are we going along?) Rather coincidentally, the writer was handed over the above book for review by its author, a UNESCO award winner for an earlier title, the very day she was invited to review a mini-cinematic piece again on the subject of roads, "Me paren enna" (Take this road - the A 9 highway). The latter happens to be macadamized while the earlier bears no debt to that English gentleman, Mr. McAdam who initiated the new art of road surfacing. The fact is Seneviratne may only incidentally touch upon roads in his work that to some may read like a literary junk shop. In a junk shop you are not sure what you may feast your eyes on next. But perhaps the author deliberately intended his work to be a junk shop for there is so much to tell, a whole bag of woes and ills to pour forth, a cascade of solutions whose spouts have to be opened. Bold and fresh "Me yanne koi pare" content - wise is raw and rustic as its earthly title and apt cover - illustration of a decrepit looking typical Lankan loaded with a huge bundle of umpteen problems on which an ominous bird of prey seems to roost. Dismal, you would say, but the subsequent pages though ramifying the woes and ills, open up an Aladdin's cave of bright objects, of plans and devices for a better economy and a saner approach to varied issues that beset Sri Lanka today. Lengthy commission reports on the subjects the author has opted to deal with are invited ones - officially sanctified and highly paid reports. One of our Marxist gurus once quipped that these commission reports are usually dropped in the loo. "There is a big bang and the matter, the commission report gets dropped - it is just like going to the loo" he announced in no less a place than the revered sanctum where our political high and mighty roost. Actually no one ever invited this author to bring out his own spontaneous commission report or more correctly, place on a platter his solutions couthed in the most blatant Sinhala, that defies translation. These terminologies themselves reveal an utterly uninhibited mind that is rid of the bonds of established ideologies, political or otherwise. Spontaneously and with love for the country, taking upon himself the onus of finding some down-to-earth solutions to tackle basic economic issues, the author bull-dozes his way in his own inimitable style without any "By - your leaves, Madam or Sir." He almost poses as a metaphor of independent thinking, in a land of timid rats scared of political cats or goons. Talking of metaphors who else but M. D. H. Seneviratne of Gampaha would see the unhappy metaphor of "A span cloth worn to stop diarrhoea" (Atheesarayata gasoo amudaya) in the so called panacea introduced to solve our ills? The fact that many of the post-independence era movements targeted at solving varied ills that are cankerous to our development paradigm fall into the category of this span cloth need not be reiterated. Remove the immediate and temporary solution and the nauseating flow begins. That the writer is not only an economist who has dabbled in varied fields of dynamic momentum but also an ingenious writer who can whet his books with an appeal to the average reader is testified by his adoption of local sayings and local characters to drive home his point. To his aid comes characters hidden in dim recesses of time and our locality as Induruwe Achariya, to whom some distraught man had gone with a problem (kadatholu) and returned with two problems (Two kadatholu). Ekak kadatholu maka gannata gosin mata vunu kariya. Dekak kadatholu sada dunnai Induruwe Achariya." (The sense of humour of the average Sinhala man pulsates underneath this poetic piece, a humour that helps maintain his sense of equilibrium in these perilous times). In the chapter impinging on the most basic of all problems ie. the alleviation of hunger, he traces how the one-track path of concentrating on encouraging the cultivation of paddy alone has led to a host of other problems as what happened to the man who solicited Induruwe Achariya's aid. Here is an economist who does not propound his theories in an arm chair swathed by luxurious draperies (Ivory tower economists, did one say?). Here is an advocate of theories who though extremely well versed in the most profound economic theories and the land ordinances of the country, has been to our mud - sodden fields, has bothered to talk to those who toil on them and hence is well-acquainted with the nuances of the problems that our peasants are bogged in. He has been equally at home under the shade of groves of our untapped Kitul groves, which if tapped would be a lush money spinner by way of generating many a necessary by-product that the country imports today. In fact, there does not seem to be a single area the writer is not acquainted with, in our economic scenario and one cannot help but feel that the non-recognition of brilliant minds enhances the country's disaster. Flashy speeches adorned with flamboyant rhetoric have failed, never ending political vendettas have failed, long term but short sighted plans have floundered on the rocks of caprice, leaving the field to utterly practical solutions as those advocated by the writer. The extract quoted from the Gal Vihara inscription by the author and ascribed to King Parakramabahu the Great, takes one by surprise due to its very modernistic veneer and relevance to our own times. When translated it reads: "Where there is a vacuum of knowledge, One wonders whether this great monarch with his brilliant water - conservation policies telescoped himself into the eve of the 20th century and the dawn of the 21st century Sri Lanka when he voiced this dictum about 900 years ago. ############## Fascinating story on magnetic personality 'Santhi Gurunnanse' Despite the might of the British Empire at the time, in 1925 as a teacher-trainee he wrote to the press that the British should quit Sri Lanka. A devout Catholic, he opposed all the reactionary policies of the then Catholic church. Being a teacher in an assisted Catholic school, he dared to clamour as far back as 1928 that all assisted schools should be vested in the state. He joined the Marxist LSSP in 1936 and was the first Catholic to do so. When the Catholic Church opposed free education, he vigorously campaigned for it and openly clashed with the Church. He was a pioneer for the indigenisation of the Catholic Church. He moved a resolution in the VLSSP in 1955, that Sinhala should be the official language instead of English and Tamil should be a regional language in the North and East. When some Catholic priests who promulgated "Social Justice" campaigned against the Paddy Lands Act that brought relief to the ande-farmer, he branded them as hypocrites. All these acts and deeds of Warnakulasuriya Santiago Fernando would qualify him to be called a revolutionary and patriot. It is praiseworthy indeed to commemorate such an outstanding personality. Santiago Fernando, affectionately called "Santhi Gurunnanse" was born in 1904 in Negombo called the "Little Rome." It is significant that a Buddhist Bhikkhu, Ven. Horathapola Palitha Thera has presented a book "Santhi Gurunnanse" to commemorate the birth century of Santiago Fernando. It is a compilation of articles on the various facets of his illustrious career. Rev. Fr. Ernest Poruthota, who assigns the title "Samasamajist - Saint" to Santiago Fernando describes the struggle Santiago Fernando had to face to introduce Poruwa, Magul Bera and Jayamangala Gatha at the Church for his daughter's wedding in 1967 with some humour. The leading journalist D. F. Kariyakaravana, who at one time was a political disciple of Santiago Fernando, relates his association with him in a moving and touching tone. W. A. Abeysinghe, the veteran writer asserts that when the political and social history of Sri Lanka in the 20th century is written, the name of Santiago Fernando should be placed in the same level with those of Philip Gunawardena, Dr. N. M. Perera, Dr. S. A. Wickramasinghe and T. B. Subasinghe. The MEP leader Dinesh Gunawardena, in his article on Santiago Fernando, who was a contemporary of his father Philip Gunawardena traces the role played by Santiago Fernando in VLSSP, the precursor of the MEP. He analyses the struggles, commitment and sacrifices of Santiago Fernando for the cause of the underprivileged and marginalized. The article of Basil de Silva, a secretary of VLSSP (1951-53) while appreciating the achievements of Santiago Fernando, depicts the recent political history in our country. It is indicated in Umandava - a Sinhala classic - that the son would be greater than the father. However, son of Santiago Fernando, W. T. A. Leslie Fernando, former High Court Judge and acclaimed writer in his article takes a different stand. In view of the stature of Santiago Fernando in society he compares the father a colossus and himself a dwarf. "Santhi Gurunnanse" is a fascinating book on a magnetic personality and it would be appreciated by the readers. ############## Souvenir published by Ananda A/L students True to Ananda spirit students of the 2004 Advanced Level Mathematics Section's - M5 class of Ananda College, Colombo have published a souvenir to mark their final year at the school. The souvenir was launched at a special ceremony held at the school under the patronage of Principal B. A. Abeyratne and indicates the versatility of the future citizens produced by Ananda College, Colombo. Inspired by their indomitable class teacher Neville Palihawadana and guided by their Principal and sectional head the students have used this opportunity to display their varied talents and skills and set an example for their juniors to follow. "Those sweet little secrets we shared, those small joys and quiet moments we have gone through, all the crazy things we have done, just try to remember and surely there will be a smile in your face," later in life say the editors in their introductory message. The publication which also carries the bio data of all 39 students in class, their caricatures drawn by a colleague with the respective nicknames is interesting reading which will provide the students nostalgic memories in later life, said Mr. Palihawadana. ############## History of Sirimal Uyana History of Sirimal Uyana Sunday June 29, 2003, was a red letter day in the annals of the Sirimal Uyana saga when a large number of residents gathered in the Maliban Sama Mandiraya, to witness the presentation of the first copy of the book "History of Sirimal Uyana" to the Chairman of the Maliban Biscuits Manufactories Ltd. Speeches were made, crackers were lit, while a musical fiesta was going on, as arranged by "the Master of Ceremonies" S. Samarasinghe, Asst. Secretary of the Ratmalana Airport Building Society (RABS). The musical fiesta and for a matter of that the whole ceremony ended with a song sung by little Miss Trisha Perera, a great grand daughter of the Author.Sirimal Uyana is a little hamlet in Ratmalana, having a fine network of roads, and its main feature is that all its roads are named after flowers. Its name was De Soysa Estate before the RABS took it over. The book "History of Sirimal Uyana" consists of 8 Chapters and 3 appendixes, the most important being Chapter III: Names of Road, with a copy of roads of Sirimal Uyana; Chapter IV: Pipe-borne water supply and Chapter VII: Directory of residents. The road map and the Directory of residents will be a boon to visitors, who find it difficult to locate houses, as the assessment numbers have been given by the Dehiwala-Mt. Lavinia Municipal Council in a very haphazard manner. Although the book is dedicated to the gentle and peace-loving people of Sirimal Uyana, who have always been a source of strength to the RABS, it will interest those who are outside, as it reveals how the pioneer settlers had to fight tooth and nail to get the various facilities, which are a 'sine qua non' for a tolerable existence. The present generation, which is enjoying such facilities and amenities, should be grateful to their forefathers, who had to fight off and on against an indifferent, lethargic and bungling bureaucracy to procure them. To mention one instance, as an example --Owing to the sins of omission and commission on the part of a careless book-keeper, who drew up a balance sheet showing a deficit, whereas actually the Municipal Council was running at a profit, the first settlers of Sirimal Uyana were deprived of a pipe-borne water supply so long as for four years. It was indeed a crime! Please see details in the history book. ############## 'Hela Maga Visithuru' Commercial Bank of Ceylon (CBC) has taken the initiative to record Sri Lanka's culturally rich folk wisdom by publishing "Hela Maga Visithuru" for the benefit of future generations. The book was launched with the objective of restoring and revitalising Sri Lanka's mythological history, patriotism, religion, rituals, traditions, customs, cures and beliefs that have come down from generation to generation. "We need to rediscover this vanishing trail which is slowly being lost in modernity," said Ravi Dias, Deputy General Manager-Personal Banking, Commercial Bank. "CBC is committed towards this national duty of preserving Sri Lanka's traditional folk knowledge, which is unique. Folk wisdom has proved imperative in explaining the value system and the spirit of the culture. It inspires imagination, encourages reading, teaches traditions and helps us to understand others and ourselves better." This worthy cause, which highlights the beliefs, rituals, the seemingly simple and innocuous practices of daily living of different people also aims at enlightening the present society to be more disciplined, well mannered, quality conscious and productive, says a press release from CBC. ############## Profile : Children are Sybil's best inspiration by LAKMAL WELABADA To become famous in whatever you do is a gift. But getting famous among children is a blessing. Sybil Wettasinghe is a blessed person who won the hearts of little ones. Even we, being adults grew up reading, admiring, imitating and living with the characters in the stories she wrote, and drawings she scribbled in newspapers and books. Today while passing the 75th milestone in her life 'Sybil Nanda' (known as that) spends her calm and restful daily routine still with children. Still pouring out stories for children with charming sketches. Sybil reminisced her wonderful childhood with full of enthusiasm. "I was born and bred in Gintota, Galle where I spent most precious and happiest period of my life," she said. After spending six years in the village, Sybil and her family moved to Colombo, since her parents wanted to give a better education to their five children. Sybil was sent to Holy Family Convent, Bambalapitiya where she opened the doors of the second wonderful chapter of her childhood. "It was in the mid 1930s. At that time, European nuns were running the Holy Family Convent. I still remember the fairy tales, school girls' stories and the other famous books in English literature they used to read to us," she said. When she first entered the Convent where Sinhala was prohibited and English was the only accepted language , the little village girl had great difficulty in conversing with classmates. But, she soon found a way. She started scribbling the 'things' on a piece of paper when she couldn't find the exact word in her vocabulary. The messages were exchanged very well between the little village artist and Euro-Colombo friends without any difficulty until she picked up English fluently. But, Sybil's talent for art was not recognised and admired by her parents nor the Convent nuns who believed she was 'wasting her time on rubbish'. "You can do all that once you leave the school," said the Mother Principal. The only soul who encouraged the teenager was her Literature teacher Ms.Eileen Dissanayake who always used to say, "Sybil, you have a wonderful imagination. I know you will one day become a famous artist and story teller"....The 'Grace Squirrel's page' in the 'Times of Ceylon' and the children's page in the 'Sunday Observer' always published the tiny poems, petite stories and lovely drawings little Sybil used to send them. The offer she got from H.D.Sugathadasa, Principal of Royal College to do the illustrations in the 'Nawamaga - Standard five' book, brought Sybil into the limelight. Martin Wickremasinghe, writing an article in the 'Dinamina' Sinhala daily paper, had said that 'the child who illustrated this book has a great future'... The predictions about Sybil became reality when she joined 'Lankadeepa', at the age of 18 in 1948. "Much to the disappointment of my mother I couldn't go to university as I was very bad in Maths. There was a mini war at home when I said I wanted to become a journalist," she said with a smile. Since then, Sybil has been writing and drawing for children. Later she joined 'Lake House' and filled the pages of all the Sinhala and English papers which included 'Janatha', 'Silumina, 'Sarasaviya', 'Sunday Observer' and 'Daily News'. She wrote beautiful short stories and made exquisite drawings not only for children but also for adults as well. She was the editor of the 'Bindu' children's weekly of Upali Group of newspapers for about four years. So far 'Sybil Nanda' has written about 150 children's story books, and almost everything has come in print. Among them, 'Umbrella thief', 'Hoity the fox', 'Strange visitors to the cat country' and 'Run away beard' were translated into Japanese. The first three books won the Best Foreign Book Awards in Japan. Her 'Child in Me' won the Gratiaen Award in 1995, and 'Run away beard' won the SAARC Award for the best designed children's book in 2003. Apart from that, Sybil had won five 'Sahithya' (Literature) Awards of Sri Lanka for five of her children's books including; 'Wesak Lantern', 'Woolly Ball', 'Magul gedara bath neththo' and 'Meti gedara Lamai'. She received a Biennale of Illustrations Bratislava (BIB) Honourable Mention for the illustration she did for 'Deeptha Lama Maga' (the children's Bible in Sinhala). Sybil Wettasinghe was invited to the panel of judges to select books for the Peace and Tolerance Award by UNESCO in Paris in 1998. She conducted workshops on children's book publishing in Fiji Islands and Laos. Sybil met her life partner D.D.Wettasinghe when they were working in 'Janatha'. D.D. later became the Editor of 'Silumina'. The two were blessed with four children. Today, Sybil is a grandmother of five grandchildren whom she believes the best inspiration in her life to continue with her work. At present she is engaged in the illustration of two books of Dr.Nancy Baron - 'Flying Free' and 'Little Elephant -Part 2'. "I am writing Part 2 of the 'Child in Me'. After that I hope to write about the experiences I gathered by travelling in Germany, England and Japan. If given an opportunity I also like to illustrate the life of the Buddha and Jathaka stories for children," said Sybil. "Drawing for children is a fine art. And writing for children is also an art. A child can absorb just one idea at a time. So if we try to introduce ten ideas with one story, it won't succeed," concluded 'Sybil Nanda'. |
|
News | Business | Features
| Editorial | Security Produced by Lake House |
