A timely publication
Mirrored Images – An
Anthology of Sri Lankan Poetry
Edited by Prof. Rajiva Wijesinha
A recently published book Mirrored Images - An Anthology of Sri
Lankan Poetry edited by Prof. Rajiva Wijesinha was launched in Toronto
at an event organised by the Sri Lanka High Commission in Ottawa and,
the Consulate General’s Office in Toronto. The anthology brings together
the poetry of 89 poets including translations from Sinhala and Tamil
together with poems written in English.
Prof. Chelva Kanaganayakam of the English Department, University of
Toronto who gave the keynote address on the topic “Translations and the
idea of Meditative Thinking” said, “In a world dominated by the
discourses of globalisation a book of translations forces us to reflect
and meditate, and it alerts us not only to differences but also
connections and intersections among communities, religions and
ethnicities”. He said “that there are similarities and there are
differences. Both are in fact important. Context shapes the way one
lives.
The subject matter too could be different. But the meditative
dimension, the concern with belonging, and with identity and rootedness
are similar”.
Referring to Rajiva Wijesinha he said the Editor has been fair,
balanced objective and thorough.
As a writer and as a critic he is aware of the need to let literature
speak for itself and construct worlds that readers must decode for
themselves.
Mirrored Images is a significant contribution to Sri Lanka’s multiple
literary histories.
The High Commissioner Chitranganee Wagiswara said that the book is a
timely publication for Sri Lanka, at a time when the country is going
through a transition from terrorism-to peace and reconciliation. She
said that art – in this case poetry is a medium – a channel of
communication that transcends borders, which the Editor Rajiva Wijesinha
has elucidated and endeavours to showcase by stating that he “hopes that
the volume would contribute to the development of a common Sri Lankan
identity which can appreciate and celebrate difference while enhancing
mutual understanding”.
The High Commissioner said Sri Lankans living outside the country can
make a significant contribution to overcome differences and to
understand each others needs, hopes and aspirations.
Prof. Sugunasiri who is an academic, a poet, a novelist and an author
spoke on “Poetic reflections” and the depth of expression that the
medium of art could communicate through poetry. He spoke of some of the
nuances of Sri Lankan poetry.
The Consul General Karunarathna Paranawithana delivering the vote of
thanks referred to Prof. Kanaganayakam’s keynote address, as a poem in
itself.
He also called upon the Sri Lankans living outside the country on the
need to focus on art and culture that can overcome boundaries.
Invitees to the book launch included academics, journalists, Sri
Lankan community leaders from the Sinhala, Tamil and Muslim communities,
business leaders and Canadian friends.
The reception that followed gave an opportunity for the invitees to
meet the two professors as well as to mingle and exchange views on the
subject of culture and art. |