H.P. Siriwardhana:

A man apart

"If there is anything in the world that can really be called a man's property, it is surely that, which is the result of his mental activity".

Arthur Schopenhauer (1788-1860)

German philosopher

Billions upon billions of men and women, walked the earth, since, humans first appeared on this planet. Many billions of them are consigned to a limbo, where they are totally and utterly forgotten. History has a way of rescuing a mere handful of them, to be at least, peripherally remembered. It is a very rare few indeed, who are elevated to the status of icons, adorned with a halo of immortality.

In some societies, including ours, the memory of even exceptional men and women, is fairly short. Even in the limited arena of existence, destiny endows upon them, these outstanding individuals make an effort to promote the human essence, in their own way.

They may not possess high profile. Their fame, glory and reputation may not extend over far horizons. Their names may not exactly be household words. But, within those restrictions and limitations they make a substantial contribution towards the enhancement of wholesome human thought, through the fields of their choice. Reincarnation.

Some personalities of this calibre, achieve a reincarnation, due to the ardour of some of their friends and followers.

H. P. Siriwardhana

The late H.P. (Hettimulle Appuhamilage Piyadasa) Siriwardhana, was an individual of that category, who, during a long and fruitful life-time, kept on enriching human thought, in his own way- largely unsung, unremembered.

Currently, Nihal Sarathchandra Akmeemana a Sri Lankan, presently resident in Auckland, New Zealand, has taken the initiative to re-kindle and re-awaken the memory of the late H.P. Siriwardhana.

In this praiseworthy move, Nihal Sarathchandra Akmeemana is propelled by the fervour, he entertained as a youthful enthusiast, towards the works of H.P.S. Nihal Sarathchandra Akmeemana, sets out to revive memories of H.P. Siriwardhana, with an unmistakable sense of mission.

The late H.P. Siriwardhana's life and works, pre-eminently deserve ardent and dedicated adoration.

Rural roots

In hindsight, it is quite evident, that H.P.S. led a complete life. By birth, he was a villager - a legatee of strong traditional, rural roots.

After a brief initial education in Sinhala, he joined Ananda Sastralaya, Kotte - a reputed educational institute, dominated by the savant Dr. E.W. Adikaram. Young Siriwardhana, caught the eye of Dr. E.W. Adikaram, by his many-sided efficiencies. He was exceptional in his academic studies. Surprisingly, he excelled in volleyball.

His distinguished academic achievement earned him a place in the faculty of Ananda Sastralaya where he was a teacher of English.

In volleyball, he became the captain of the National Team and won a victory over the Indian team. This qualified him, even for State encomium.

As a member of the Parliamentary Hansard staff, he achieved the distinction of originating the Sinhala Short-hand system, named after him. His system was utilized to record the inaugural Sinhala address in Parliament, by the then Prime Minister S.W.R.D. Bandaranaike. Later on he was promoted to the position of Chief Editor of the Senate Hansard.

He held several prestigious State posts. He was the chairman of the Library Services Board and for a whole decade he was the chairman of the Ceylon Tourist Bureau.

Politeness

As a State official, his courtesy was exemplary. He insisted on politeness to such an extent, that he came to be known as "please Sir." He upheld moral dignity scrupulously. Once, when asked to perform a duty, that went counter to his conscience, he tendered his resignation, J.R. intervened and saw to it that H.P.S. continued in service, with his conscience intact.

In his creative writings, he displayed a profound philosophic depth. This was the invariable outcome of his engrossed adherence to the teachings of philosopher Jiddu Krishnamurti.

His short-stories persuaded the reader to view life, going beyond the accepted human routine. His piece of short-fiction titled" The Day Death Cried" will have a startling impact on the reader.

When Death calls, he is ready, with a calm, serene and untroubled mind. He does not wait or mourn. This unusual response to his presence makes 'Death" (Mara) cry.

H.P. Siriwardhana's mature outlook on life was determined by the guidance provided by his stable unfluctuating philosophic discipline. He could steadily focus on the stark reality of life. That explains why his stories can travel far beyond surface entertainment and contribute substantially towards the transformation of an individual's total being.

Human values

As far as I can see, a revival of his works, is an urgent, timely need. Today, most individuals inhabit a world of tinsel-dazzle. H.P. Siriwardhana's works have the potential to lead them towards stable human values. His works will nudge people towards a wholesome and sustained self-searching.

When he passed away at the ripe old-age of 91, he was fully reconciled to the nature of death. In his last breath, he addressed his daughter: " When my lifeless body is cremated, I will rise with the smoke and will get united with the universe".

It is our sense of humanity, to see to that the memory of such exceptional beings is revived, for the well-being of those who are around today. He did not write sustained philosophic treatises. He resorted to the short story genre, as an oblique form of expressing profound views about life and its meaning.

As a tribute to his memory, his translation of Victor Hugo's The Hunchback of Notre Dame is being brought out. We have to felicitate H.P.S's worthy fan and follower Nihal Sarathchandra Akmeemana, for this impressive human gesture.