Essential reading for Lankan males
Pathways to the Peak
Authors: Dinusha Panditaratne and Shalini Panditaratne
Reviewed by Nalini MacIntyre
Pathways to the Peak is more than ‘a modest attempt to redress’ the
dearth of literature which ‘celebrates extraordinary Sri Lankan women’,
as claimed by its authors, Dinusha and Shalini Panditaratne, a
mother-daughter duo. While representing a ‘personal journey’ for the
authors, it narrates previously untold stories about the lives and
achievements of 14 trail-blazing women, some internationally known, who
have reached the pinnacle of success in their respective fields in Sri
Lanka where they continue to live and work.
 The subjects were selected for their pioneering efforts, and the
lovingly compiled account of their lives and achievements represents the
authors’ tribute to two beloved women who influenced their lives – the
grandmothers of the first-named author and the mother and mother-in-law
of the second.
The authors, though not resident in Sri Lanka while compiling this
very readable book, have personally interviewed their subjects who
represent an impressive range of professions.
Each woman’s story is illustrated with photographs which reveal
these role models as living, breathing people very much like anyone
else. As the basis of each chapter is a personal interview by one of the
authors, some stories come across more vividly than others, depending,
perhaps, on the narrative skills of the relevant interviewee.
While the choice of particular subjects and some notable omissions
may be queried, such a project has limits and cannot include every
deserving candidate. In choosing their subjects the authors have tried
to include a comprehensive range of fields, ethnicities and religions
from all parts of Sri Lanka. All the women portrayed had stellar careers
and shone in their respective fields; many broke professional barriers
in male-dominated spheres; most were also wives and mothers and had to
maintain a delicate balance between their professional and domestic
responsibilities without detriment to either. They did so at a time when
society perceived women as housewives rather than serious professionals.
Subjects
To give an idea of the varied range of the book, the subjects, many
of whom are household names, are:
Anne Abayasekera, journalist; Barbara Sansoni, artist and designer;
Bhikkuni Kusuma, a Buddhist nun; Jezima Ismail, social activist and
educationist; K G Badra Gunawardena, sportswoman; Kumari Jayawardena,
social scientist and activist; Mallika Hemachandra, jeweller; Maureen
Seneviratne, lawyer; Premala Sivaprakasapilla Sivasegaram, engineer;
Premila Diwakara, police officer; Rohini Nanayakkara, banker; Stella de
Silva, paediatrician; Sumitra Peries, film director; Vajira Dias,
Kandyan dancer and choreographer.
Some were the first women in their respective fields, and some also
shone in fields outside their regular occupations while tending their
families. All were encouraged by their families and, in some cases,
personal tragedies changed the direction of their lives.
Mosaic
All the stories are engrossing and readable. Very occasionally, the
listing of positions and achievements, however exceptional, interferes
with the flow of the narrative, but this is probably due to the way the
material was presented by the narrators. The overall effect is of a
mosaic of rich talents that should bring pride to the country.
The authors are to be congratulated on their labour of love in
compiling these amazing stories. The individual stories set against a
background of rapid social change are an inspiration to others,
especially the younger generation, showing the utmost that can be
achieved and the heights that can be reached, often against the odds, if
only one has the capability, will and perseverance.
Proceeds from the sale of the book will continue to be donated to
two charities that will benefit Sri Lankan women in need. |
