Lankan authors should focus more on rare subjects - Dr. Kohona

by Ananda Kannangara

Sri Lankan authors must focus more attention on publishing books on rare subjects for the benefit of local and foreign readers said Secretary, Foreign Affairs Ministry Dr. Palitha Kohona recently.

He was addressing a ceremony at the Sri Lanka Foundation Institute to launch the "Rhythm of Cascades", written by former District Judge M.S.N.L de Costa. Thusitha Ranasinghe was the chief guest. Prof. Shantha Hennayaka was also present.

"The Rhythm of Cascades" consist of 100 pictures with descriptions on waterfalls in Sri Lanka.

Dr. Kohona thanked the author for his painstaking effort to portray some Sri Lankan waterfalls. He said that although mother nature has been generous in blessing the country with many waterfalls, the records on waterfalls are few.

He said he was fortunate to read a few publications on Lankan waterfalls such as "A guide to the waterfalls of Sri Lanka", written by a German national and "Handbook for the Ceylon Traveller".

Giving a comprehensive description of Sri Lankan waterfalls,

Dr. Kohona said that although he had the privilege of seeing many world famous waterfalls including the Niagara in America, the beauty of Lankan waterfalls had always fascinated him.

He said the future generation should take care of the waterfalls and that it would be sad if the waterfalls were to be shredded by humanity's own fault.

"Waterfalls will never fail to delight, they are nature's jewels and a natural phenomenon of exquisite beauty," he said.