Book Launch

Pasenajith

Bhadraji Mahinda Jayatilleke's latest Sinhala novel Pasenajith was launched as a Sarasavi publication recently. The author has won the State Literary award for his children's book titled Planet Purple and the D. R. Wijewardene Award for Pavuru Bendi Rajyaya.

He is a prolific writer in Sinhala and English.

Yugayaka Piyasatahan

Padma Rathnayake's latest Sinhala novel titled Yugayaka Piyasatahan was launched as a Sarasavi publication recently.

She has also translated Prof. Ediriweera Sarachchandra's Heta Echchara Kaluva Ne into Japanese.

Bauddha Adhyayana Lipi

Ven Prof. Devalegama Medhananda Thera's latest book on Buddhism titled Bauddha Adhyayana Lipi will be launched at the Dayawansa Jayakody Bookshop, Colombo 10 on April 30 at 10 a.m. It is a Dayawansa Jayakody publication.

Senehasaka Abirahasa

Arthur Fernando's latest mystery novel titled Senehasaka Abirahasa was launched as a Sarasavi publication recently. It is the authentic Sinhala translation of Earle Stanley Gardner's Perry Mason mystery The Case of the Angry Mourner. The author has translated many other Perry Mason mysteries into Sinhala. They include Miyagiya Eththange Diyaniya, Anthima Kappama, Aviveki Rumathiya, Diyaniyage Abirahasa and Sangavi Giya Yuvathiya.

He has also translated four novels into Sinhala. They are Parisiye Natakaya, Annge Sihina Lokaya, Holman Hotalaya and Yakshayage Lathavili Geethaya.

Understanding Textiles

Nihal Ranaweera's latest book titled Understanding Textiles covers the basics of textile manufacture, usage and their behaviour. The author gives a comprehensive account of the subject dealing mainly with the raw material up to the finished product.

Another objective of the author appears to be the promotion and popularising of the subject. He has explained what fibres are and their significance in the textile industry.

The book may be useful to the garment sector in the selection of fabrics. It also provides a quick reference guide to those who study textiles.

As people have used textiles from time immemorial, they come second only to food. The author gives a graphic description of conversion of fibres to yarn, yarn to fabric, the properties of fabrics and textile processing. He has also discussed important areas such as soap, detergents, ironing, hot pressing, water, humidity, fibre identification, removal of stains and labelling.

The author has over 40 years' experience in the textile industry. He started his career as a trainee at the Veyangoda Textile Mills and proceeded to the United Kingdom for further studies.

-RS