Well-known writer and educationist

By Asha Senevirathne

The sound of the famous bell of 'Tomo' which touched the childish heart of 'Totto Chan' like a gentle breeze, threw wide open a free world before her.

Educationist Kobayashi's method of teaching, based on nature, at the very free school, made education a new experience for little Totto Chan.

Totto Chan is the central character of the popular Japanese novel 'Totto Chan' which was translated into English as 'The little girl at the window'. It became famous among local readers as 'Hari Puduma Iskole.' And who do you think is responsible for this translation, which has captured the attention of so many readers? None other than quiet and reserved educationist, Leelananda Gamachchi.

He is a well-known writer, principal, project officer and a director with over 40 years experience, having done research in both local and foreign universities and various other training institutes.

He has translated over 60 English books into Sinhala, but conspicuous (prominent) among his translations are the world famous author Enid Blyton's series on child heroes, Famous Five and Franklin W. Dixon's series on young heroes, Hardy Boys.

He is a past pupil of Thollambure Dutugemunu Maha Vidyalaya in Galle; a village school with limited facilities. Although there were limitations, the quality of education there had been high with many dedicated teachers.

Neither the children nor the teachers had pressures that they have today. Even the O/L examination was faced like any other term test. Everything was so simple, said Gamachchi.

He had paid a lot of attention to History and Sinhala. Having been an avid reader even then, he had learnt Sinhala literature eagerly. By the time he sat for his O/L, he had already read books like 'Kavsilumina.' Reading had become like consuming his daily food.

As there were no extra classes or tuition then, and due to the love and dedication of the teachers, the children of those days were purely products of their schools. They had ample time to read, write and be creative, according to Gamachchi.

Inspired by what he read, he had written verses to magazines under various pen-names.

English classes were not common those days and there wasn't much interest in the language. "But I tried to read simple books in English and pick up the language." Little by little, his knowledge of English had begun to improve.He had taken the initiative to study while reading and that, he says, had basically inspired him to do translations of English books into Sinhala.

Without resorting to traditional modes of advice to children, he had used a different style in his work.

With the conviction that children were intelligent enough to pick such advice through books, he had always translated English books with a suitable story for children into Sinhala, so that a majority of our children who are not fluent in English could read and learn from these valuable English books.

He believes that such translations would not harm children if done properly. He has however not tried to deviate from reality while relating an interesting story. He stressed the need to develop humane qualities and good relationships between children so that they would be able to explore the world and gain knowledge.

He says, "The books we selected to translate are from different countries. Therefore, children get an awareness of different ecological systems and lifestyles. Then they have the opportunity to compare the curriculum they have learnt in school with that of the real world.

That also helps children to enjoy nature in a sensitive way and look after it properly. Through these, children develop an ability to see everything in a broader way". He strongly advised children to read. Reading daily as a habit is very important,he pointed out.

"If you can dedicate your time and attention to reading a book or a newspaper for at least an hour a day, you can be a knowledgeable person. In this world, there is nothing that can compare with books because of the knowledge stored in them.

"But as social values change and we must be selective of what we read. We have to choose between the good and the bad," he added.

Ideally, books should be selected according to age levels. Especially when selecting books for very young children, parents must be very careful, he said.This dedicated educationist lamented that today's education system has robbed children of the time to read extra material.

Reading extra material can improve your knowledge, so reading other than those books in the curriculum is very important. Books open the door to a fun-filled and happy world.

Children need to live a carefree life and enjoy this happiness. It is the joys of childhood that linger throughout life like a lovely fragrance. If one misses out on that happiness, it will strongly affect his or her whole life.

Therefore, enjoy your lovely childhood and live happily, is what Gamachchi has to say to today's children, many of whom are living stressful lives, burdened with school work and tuition, with little or no time to relax.

Some of his books and translations (for children)

Punchi Veerayo (From the Famous Five series)

Pasindu Pasdena Karadarayaka Patalila

Abirahas Kamaraya

Sangavunu Mandiraye Abirahasa

Tharuna Veerayo (From the Hardy Boys series)

Diyamanthiye Anatura

Marayata Maranaya

Vanduru Ves Muhuna

Robovo Enavo (Robots are coming)

Lamayin Gilina Parigankaya (The computorwho ate the children )

Hari Puduma Iskole (Totto Chan / The little girl at the window)