A book that elevates heroic spirit

Dasa Maha Yodhayo
Author: Dr. Sri Nissanka Perera
Publisher: Sarasavi Publishers, Nugegoda

Reviewed by Prof. Jayadeva Tilakasiri

The fifth edition of Dasa Maha Yodhayo is indeed a very valuable service to the reading public as regards the presentation of the legendary and heroic warriors of the faith including King Dutugemunu's reign, presented by the author Dr. Siri Nissanka Perera, now retired from the Department of Cultural Affairs Asst.Director, and as external Editor of the Sinhala Encyclopedia.

He has a good knowledge of the subject and the related topics, the basics of the writings of articles.

He has taken up the subject for authoritative treatment with his maturity of reading and learning as an experienced government teacher intending to give to all readers including the youth as well as the aged.

It was his main aim to impart the knowledge to the youth as they were keen to read and appreciate the past heritage of our youth and their contribution to the growth of the land from the earlier periods.

This valued writing on the subject has earned the approval and esteem of the Educational Publication Board for several reasons such as an essential reading material for students of schools and pirivenas in their studies and also to make readers understand the country's glorious past when foreign invaders threatened our land and the troupes and fighters of our land rose in defence of the island.

Style

Although written in an easy style the books and booklets dealing with the threats and invasions had a very useful effect as the younger generation had to join in the fight against forces from far-off lands including India and even warriors from European lands.

The local forces rose to the occasion and the literature records their fights which brought the country under foreign forces.

Literature

It was indeed the fighting spirit of our local forces that saved the country and ultimately brought peace and sanity.

The country though invaded survived and our valiant soldiers defended the land under kings such as Dutugemunu who inspired the talented fighters.

The kings and the rulers who ruled the country revived the fighting forces and it is said that the 10 marked men gave the lead in defence was never foreign invasions threatened.

In addition to classical literature, the learned men of the country began to narrate and record the deeds of the mighty whose legendary and hostile records are also recorded.

Along with the development of the literature there also arose the need to record their mighty deeds.

The heroic deeds of King Dutugemunu and his fighters are vividly described in the book. King Dutugemunu led the forces and encouraged the followers not only to defend the country but help in recording. The details in books.

Before ending this above abort account we have to refer even briefly to the many writings on various materials and also on stone inscriptions.

The publication of these booklets and the valuable map and records of the marching soldiers would also elevate the vigorous and heroic spirit of young and old in the years to come.