A pioneering archaeologist, historian and epigraphist

An outstanding, iconic personality who dedicated his whole life to explore the buried history, archaeology and the heritage of Sri Lanka, Professor Senarat Paranavithana's memorable service has not been recognized and granted the privileged position he deserved in the academic sphere as well as among the general population at large. Sirisaman Wijetunga, a prolific author specialising in history and archaeology, an ex-assistant director of archaeology and a former media consultant to the Central Cultural Fund, stressing the above fact has published a felicitation volume - "Thunkal Dutu Paranavithana" to highlight the invaluable service Prof Paranavithana had rendered to the Sri Lankan heritage.

The title of his book itself reveals the visionary in Paranavithana, who was able to foresee the much needed understanding of the rich past, the present and also the future of Sri Lankan heritage which has to be recognized, appreciated and also protected for the benefit of our future generations. Wijetunga, who regards his association with Professor Paranavithana as a special episode in his life and his vocation, proclaims that the name and the yeoman service the unassuming, dedicated Professor had rendered should be conveyed to the general public so that he could be elevated to the position of a national hero.

Hence, Wijetunga's efforts to combine the service Paranavithana had done to pave the way to our glorious past and his human qualities should be appreciated. Wijetunga has clearly stated that his efforts was not to bring out a research volume but to encourage researchers and other academics to continue the dedicated work the Professor had performed and also to give the general readers an idea of what this great son of Lanka had done by digging into the buried glory of our country.

Wijetunga in this treatise, describes in detail, how the young man from a remote village in the South was moulded into the pre-eminent archaeologist who made archaeology both his vocation as well as his leisure time activity. Young Paranavithana entered the archaeology sphere as an epigraphical assistant under A.M. Hocart, the then Commissioner of Archaeology, who opened new vistas to the talented and enthusiastic recruit by sending him to India for an intensive training in epigraphy. This far-seeing act of Hocart can be considered as the most important step in creating one of the greatest epigraphists, archaeologists, and historians as well as an illustrious academic of Sri Lanka, Wijetunga explains.

After finishing the training, Hocart had wanted Paranavithana to come back to Sri Lanka but as India's Commissioner of Archaeology, the famous John Marshal had assigned him to the excavation work of Mohenjodaro Harappa site, Paranavithana was not able to return. The experience he gained there was a blessing in disguise that helped him to become the pre-eminent archaeologist this country has ever produced.

When Professor Paranavithana joined the Archaeology Department, all the archeological research were done by eminent British archaeologists such as H.C.P. Bell, H.M. Hocart etc, who were responsible for creating an awareness regarding the importance of inscriptions and excavations that revealed and proved the details that were already known through the written history of Sri Lanka. With the appointment of Paranavithana as the first Sri Lankan Commissioner of Archaeology and later as the first Professor of Archaeology at the Peradeniya University a change was visible in the attitude of the public and their enthusiasm concerning the subjects of archaeology, history and especially our heritage.

According to Wijetunga, Paranavithana's proficiency in Sinhala, Pali, Sanskrit and especially Tamil helped him to add the much-needed plausibility to the already known historical and archaeological facts and discoveries highlighted during the colonial times. Hence, he was able to give different interpretations and new meanings to the existing points of view and concepts.

Although Paranavitana was involved in making changes to the administrative set up in the Department of Archaeology, his interest and enthusiasm in finding new inscriptions, monuments as well as excavation activities continued with new zeal. Wijetunga's presentation of a list of the important inscriptions and excavations Paranavithana had discovered is a boon to future archaeologists and historians.

In addition, Wijetunga's descriptions of the excavation sites and the important facts gained from them too should be commended. The idea that was established by that renowned archaeologist H.C.P. Bell regarding the site where King Elara was cremated is a case in point. Paranavithana rejecting Bell's notion, proved that it was the place where King Dutugemunu was cremated, using several inscriptions he had found.

A special mention has been made with regard to Paranavithana's knowledge in ancient architectural science our ancestors possessed and Wijetunga says that his findings and details about the stupas, wahalkadas, pesavalalu and chattra etc will pave the way for future generations to do more research linked to the architectural patterns of ancient Sri Lanka.

Wijetunga has presented an exhaustive study on Paranavithana's dedicated service as an archaeologist par excellence by introducing some of his monumental and significant discoveries he had made and interpreted. Reading and the interpretation of Sigiri graffiti was one of his memorable towering tasks that created a great impact among the academics. His deep knowledge in Tamil was extremely helpful in reading some of the Tamil inscriptions that debunked the prevailing concept of the Tamil homeland. In addition, Wijetunga also features brief descriptions about Paranavithana's excavation work at the Mihintale dagoba, the tomb of King Kashyapa, Giritale Wehera and many more important sites, during his lifetime.

As the commissioner of Archaeology, Paranavithana had to face the economic hardships that affected the whole world as well as the malaria epidemic and in fact as he had to travel to many remote places for excavation work made him a victim of the malaria epidemic.

The inclusion of the bibliography of the published writings of Dr.Senarat Paranavithana compiled by H.A.I.Goonnetileke, Librarian, Peradeniya University at the end of Wijetunga's valuable treatise is an important entry that shows the depth of the service the Professor had done and proof that he should be recognised as one of the greatest sons of Sri Lanka.

Wijetunga at the end of the book laments that the death of Professor Paranavithana occurred when his services were much needed and also stresses that the vacuum he had created in the annals of Sri Lankan history cannot be easily filled by any other individual in this specified field.

Sirisaman Wijetunga's efforts to highlight the invaluable service of Professor Senarat Paranavithana and his attempt to mount him on a pedestal he deserved should be well appreciated. His book on Professor Paranavithana is a must read for all who are interested in the heritage of our country.

- Rohana Aryaratne