Combined expression of art

Reviewed by Kalakeerthi Edwin Ariyadasa

Sinhala classical literature is unique in the world in celebrating birds. We have a whole range of literary works, characterized as 'Sandesa' (message) poems. In each of these, the central entity is a bird. Scholarly poets of past ages, created these poetic works, to send messages through birds of their choice.

Among the most renowned of these are the Selalihini Sandesaya (Hill-myna message poem), Gira (parrot) Hansa, Tisara (swan), Mayura (peacock), Kokila (cuckoo) and Parevi (dove). Even the common cock-fowl (sevul) has been elevated to the stature of a messenger bird.

Authors: Shanika Wimalasena and Ashinka Wimalasena A Siblings publication

Our bird population, rates to be celebrated, in every way we can. Within our relatively small island home, we shelter an astonishing variety of winged beings. It is authoritatively stated, that Sri Lanka has one of the highest levels of biological endemism. Sri Lanka's bird-life is impressively rich with a recorded species figure of about 433.

Paradise birds

Two-hundred and thirty three are resident of which 26 are recognised as endemic. Generally speaking, the human's in Sri Lanka, do not seem to take a sufficiently keen interest in these multi-hued, variegated and winged fellow residents of theirs.

Some of those fabulous and stunningly beautiful birds, that thrilled us no end, in our childhood days, have vanished - perhaps, for ever.

My memory still flutters, when I recall, how we tried to chase those Paradise birds, with their long trailing tail streamers. Even at that time they were rare. In such a context, I experienced an unabashed pleasure and excitement, when I came upon a luxury coffee-table volume produced by two keen teenagers on Sri Lankan birds. I cannot help but imagine, that they may have even lisped, in tune with the warblings of their winged friends.

The book an elegant volume scintillatingly reflects, the profound ardour these two children evinced in Sri Lanka's ecological treasures, from their early boyhood on.

The teenaged co-authors Shanika Wimalasena (17) and Ashinka Wimalasena (16) took delight in drawing animals and birds, even when they were very young. Their affectionate closeness to each over and above the main feast of bird-paintings. The book presents extremely practical information - especially for those young people, who have an enthusiasm for the methodical study of birds.

Zonal variations

The book prints a map of Sri Lanka, depicting zonal variations and National Parks. The description of bird typography through a colour illustration, indicates the main parts a bird's plumage and anatomy. The scientific terms given to a bird's body parts, enable the in-depth study of the winged population. All parts of a bird's body from the crown as the top to the tail at the lowest end, are clearly identified. According to the note provided by the co-authors, this book-publishing debut of theirs, is the outcome of their inspiration from the spontaneity, beauty and the freedom of movement, they observed in their winged friends. The young authors, did not confine their explorations to the surface appearance of the birds they watched, spending strenuous hours, trekking and trudging through bird haunts.

Tribute

They were impressed by the inner being of these winged beings. The teenaged authors say that these birds, when studied with the deference, indicate that they have a kind of pride and elegance. They were witness to the eternal game of life dominated by the hunter and the hunted, as it manifested in the bird-kingdom. Their note is in a way, a tribute to the lives of the birds, and, equally a chronicling the behavioural patterns of these beings. Their end-aim is to persuade you to share their enthusiasm for animals, birds and nature.

This is a thoroughly wholesome, ecologically profitable attitude.

They provide brush portraits and pen-portraits of a series of Sri Lankan birds ranging from the Little Green Bee-Eater to the Greater Flamingo.

In each note, the English name of the bird is given along with its popular name, in Sinhala characters. Its zoological name is provided. The average size is indicated. Such details as identification, distribution, nesting, diet etc., are dwelt upon. An additional note is included, if some significant point has to be made.

This series, is enthralling as paintings of on birds. Above all, an ecological message comes through loud and clear.

"If you do not begin to understand and love our birds, soon we are likely to lose a brilliant endowment of nature. We will comment later. But it will be futile." Remember what Red India Chief Seattle said in 1855. "Where is the thicket? Gone. Where is the eagle? Gone...The end of Living and the beginning of survival." Look at this book. Remember Chief Seattle.

[Book launch]

Adavanvu Denethin

Dr. W.A. Abeysinghe's latest book Adavanvu Denethin was launched at Dayawansa Jayakody Bookshop, Colombo 10 recently.

The book consists of lyrics he had written from 1968 to 2011.

Adavanvu Denethin is a Dayawansa Jayakody publication.

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Surangana Kumariya

Saman Mahanama Dissanayake's latest Sinhala novel Surangana Kumariya was launched at Dayawansa Jayakody Bookshop, Colomborecently.

Dissanayake is the author of several other novels such as Duruthu Sihinaya, Lansi Kella, Kangaru Nimnaya, Punchi Sir and Randenigala Walawwa.

Surangana Kumariya is a Dayawansa Jayakody publication.

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Atheethayata Giya Allen

S.Chandrasiri Dassanayake's latest book Atheethayata Giya Allen will be launched at Dayawansa Jayakody Bookshop, Colombo 10 on August 2 at 10 a.m.

Atheethayata Giya Allen is the authentic Sinhala translation of H.Rider Haggard's popular book The Ancient Allan.

Dassanayake is the author of several other books such as Sedave Sirakaruva, Jamika Thanayama, Manthrakariyage Sirasa, Amen Deviyage Diyaniya, Arunodaye Regina, Cleopatra, Mee Dume Minissu, Allen saha Pujaniya Pushpaya

and Ethdala Daruva.

The novel is a Dayawansa Jayakody publication.