Prof. Ediriweera Sarachchandra’s birth centenary:

Cultural icon-cum eminent literatus

by Rupa Banduwardena

Prof. Ediriweera Sarachchandra Memorial Museum was opened at Peradeniya University Library recently to mark the birth centenary to Prof. Ediriweera Sarachchandra. His birth centenary celebrations were held at the Waters Edge under the patronage of President Mahinda Rajapaksa. His memory lingers in the hearts of millions of Sri Lankans even today. It is welcome news to all who knew and loved him. He was the legendary dramatist, eminent author, literary critic, composer like no other, among the galaxy of men who adorned the university at that time.

It is with a deep sense of nostalgia that I recall this person of medium height, always standing upright adorned with a beaming smile conveying warmth and generosity, understanding and intellect to all around him. Just behind Sanghamitta adjoining the University Medical Centre, was his abode-his bungalow the centre of drama activity.

Daughter

With the rays of the morning sun, holding the hand of his daughter Sunelkra he would take a walk slowly going down the hillock. My memories flash back to the time that my friends to this day, Radmini, Winnie, Shiva, Beatrice and the late Chandra would be watching him from the balcony, each one making their comments on the days he was on his walking spree.

At other times he would go in his green Volkswagon where he pleased, mostly to lecture halls to deliver his eloquent lectures. His scholarly competence could be well understood which touched the hearts and minds of undergrads creating a deep sense of inspiration regarding the national heritage and culture. The finest aesthetic aura covered the entire premises.

Cultural icon

He was undoubtedly a towering figure in the world of drama in which he did much research for its forward march. After returning from his research work in Japan he would talk of Kabuki. His interests were centred round drama being the first to introduce a new type to the Lankan society.

Maname was a remarkable achievement and it came to be ranked as the first ever best drama written and produced at the time. It had become so much a part of his life. Due to his interest and determination, young talent was explored to its fullest. Edmond, Shyamon, Pastor, Lionel, Trilicia, Hemamali, Indrani, Trixie and Swarna were the lucky ones to be his choice.

He made them to be the most talented actors at the time. It is so sad that some members of the original cast are not among the living today.

The Nadagam style was his prime aim and concern. With his Buddhist outlook, the Jataka story formed the theme of his drama. In his quest for a right person to give life to Nadagam songs, stylised and rhythmic walk, he found Charles Silva Gurunnanse, well-versed and efficient in the task.

He was entrusted with that past of the drama with his son Norman, who was involved with rhythmic beating of the drums. It was purely based on Sri Lankan traditional music creating a distinct Lankan identity. The entire cast did pretty well making the creator a renowned dramatist.

The song Premayen Manaranjithawe became a hot favourite of Lankans.

All drama loving people seemed to be in love with him. It was first staged in the Open Air Stadium another brainchild of Prof. Sarachchandra. We were indeed privileged to participate and enjoy the drama.

Mention should also be made of the Drama Circle formed by him and Sinhabahu that followed immediately. Elova Gihin Melowa Awa also should be added to this list.

These led to the creation of a new generation of dramatists to keep up the true spirit of drama.

Reputed literatus

The beginning of literary criticism at Peradeniya also could be attributed to this literary giant. He had read widely in the course of which he grasped the western and oriental tradition on criticism. While inaugurating a dramatic era his spirit re-awakened the interest in the literary arena. He contributed much towards the Buddhist revival. He linked drama with Buddhism with his election of Jataka stories. The creative critical resurgence associated with the university at the time commenced with him, with his close colleagues such as Prof. Siri Gunasinghe and Dr. Gunadasa Amerasekera. Nisandas, the novel literary verse form which came to the fore with them, is admired to date.

Among his other books “Sahitya Vidyava” dealt with his new theories of criticism. Consequently many literary critics emerged from among the undergraduates. “Sinhala Navakatha Ithihasaya” is another great work supposed to be a well-known literary work of his. These books which he wrote after much research were an asset to students.

The recently opened museum contains anarray of articles and items, his literary works, drama manuscripts, his attire, and other contributions, standing as a monument to his memory. Grateful Lankans, his pupils and his own family members are keeping him alive, by carrying on his values and principles. He made no small contribution for “Peradeniya to be the jewel in the crown of the Sri Lanka university system, which cherishes tradition and promotes knowledge.”