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| Sunday, 1 December 2002 |
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Shedding light on post modernism Paschath Navyavadaya (Post-Modernism) Professor Wimal Dissanayake's Paschath Navyavadaya (Post-Modernism) is a 148-page Sinhala publication just released by Visidunu Publishers in the wake of the International Book Fair held from September 10 to 15 at the BMICH. The book is, without any doubt a refreshing addition to the slowly but steadily growing media literature in the country. It is perhaps the first perceptive treatment, albeit brief, of the complex subject of post-modernism, done in Sinhala. Professor Dissanayake is eminently suited to write a book on post-modernism since he has taught this subject at a number of North American and Asian universities over the last two decades. His own books as well as the works co-authored with some renowned US and Asian scholars numbering 30 have received the plaudits of communication scholars. He is the first Sri Lankan communication scientist who has earned international recognition. He is no stranger to Sinhala readers although Paschath Navyavadaya appears after a lapse of almost 20 years. After earning his PhD from Cambridge, and having taught at Kelaniya university for several years, Professor Dissanayake did his postdoctoral studies in Communication as a Fullbright scholar at the prestigious Annenberg School of Communication of the University of Pennsylvania. Professor Dissanayake is also a recognised authority on Asian Cinema. Post-modernism is by any standards a complicated term, or set of ideas. It has only emerged in the West as an area of academic study since the mid-1980s. Post-modernism is hard to define, because it is a concept that appears in a wide array of disciplines or areas of study, including art, architecture, music, film, literature, sociology, mass communication, fashion and technology. Many scholars share the view that it is hard to locate it temporarily or historically, because it is not clear exactly when post-modernism begins. Professor Dissanayake brings in several exponents of post-modernism in his attempt to elucidate certain elements. The author discusses leading post-modernist writers such as Lyotard, Baudrillard, Bourdieu, Derrida, Foucault, Hassan and many others. According to Lyotard, the post-modern world is characterised by a spreading criticism about 'meta narratives' or general belief systems, including world religions, political ideologies such as socialism or liberalism, and even science and reason itself. In the view of post-modernists, the collapse of meta narratives or general belief systems is connected with the new 'depthlessness' of culture - 'a new kind of superficiality.' Post-modern culture simply 'picks and mixes' in terms of fashion, music, lifestyle and even sub-cultural belief, whereas in the former modern era culture still 'meant something.' Post-modern writers assert that youth sub-cultural styles no longer express anything more than fashion statements, unconnected to deeper values or experiences. Post-modern television and film become preoccupied merely with surface style and imagery, rather than deeper underlying themes, which might relate to 'the realities' of the human condition. Sociologists point out action blockbuster movies dwell on the spectacular special effects, rather than strong plots, and television drama departs from the 'realist' plots of the 1960s and embraces a surreal world in which 'reality' is often confused. A strong exponent of post-modernism, Baudrillard sees this world as a 'media saturated world' in which we are constantly bombarded by media and advertising messages through multi-channel television, globalized electronic and satellite networks, a profusion of radio stations, newspapers and street billboards. For Baudrillard, the post-modern world is a world dominated by 'simulacra' (false or deceptive images) in which we no longer even try to distinguish reality from image, the two blur together. Post-modernism identifies leisure with social identity and the body, and consumer culture and consumption as forms of leisure participation. In order to clarify certain points, Professor Wimal Dissanayake discusses the ideological underpinnings of the writings of Friedrich Nietzsche, Martin Heidegger, Walter Benjamin, Karl Marx, Sigmund Freud and Ferdinand Saussure. Professor Dissanayake further draws examples from the creative works of Salman Rushdie (India/Great Britain), Garcia Markes (Columbia), Carlos Fuentes (Mexico), Italo Calvino (Italy), Umberto Eco (Italy), Gunter Grass (Germany), Haruki Murakami (Japan), Tony Morrison (USA) and Don Dililo (USA). \ He also takes trouble to discuss the main features of the film produced by John Lucke Goddard (France), Ridley Scott (USA), Weam Wenders (Germany), David Lynch (USA) and Wonkar Wy (Hong Kong). In an effort to further enlighten readers on post-modernism, Professor Dissanayake draws examples from modern architecture and cites the work of Charles Jencks. Then he goes on to discuss post-modern thinkers - namely Ihab Hassan, Jean Francois Lyotard, Michel Foucault, Jacques Lacan, Giles Deleuze, Julia Kristeva, Jacques Derrida, Roland Barthes, and John Bourdieu. At the end, Professor Dissanayake draws our attention to critical views on post-modernism of those thinkers such as Fredrick Jameson, Terry Eagleton and Jurgen Habermas. He also discusses parallels between central concepts of post-modernism with the concepts that come across in the writings of ancient Indian, Chinese and Japanese thinkers such as Bhartrhari, Nagarjuna and Kigen Dogen. The glossary of technical terms coined by Professor Dissanayake sheds light on understanding the complex subject of post-modernism. All in all, Professor Dissanayake's Paschath Navyavadya is a sterling contribution to understanding the ramifications of post-modernism. Dr. Nandana Karunanayake. On silent sufferers Diriya Deriya, By Meththika Vitanage by Shanika Sriyananda Liyanage She is too small but brave enough to fight with the Taliban's brutal warlords in Afghanistan, who came to power in 1996. Afghan women's freedom was forcibly hidden under the burka with the mandatory order for women to cover their whole body. All women, young and old had to wear the burka, the head to toe garment, a kind of a body bag when they were out of their residences. Young girls had not been sent to schools since education was prohibited for them. Disguised as a boy, 14-year-old Parwana, whose father has disappeared, tries to earn a living in these tough condition. Parwana's mother, a writer by profession hides her pen and dreams a world free of Taliban rule to pen down her traumatic experience. Parwana, tells you more about the brutal Taliban warlords, and of the average Afghan woman's desire to become 'free' from all injustice and inhumane restrictions enforced on them, caging them in their own houses like prisoners. Her's is the story of the real situation of the Afghan women who cry silently. Parwana's tale is vividly described in Meththika Vitanage's 'Diriya Deriya, her latest translation of the novel - 'Bread winner' by Deborah Ellis. Using a simple language style, she has translated it in a manner which is readable and appealing to the younger generation, interested in learning more about Afghan women under Taliban rule. 'Moving forward in Faith' Putting together countless recollections gathered over half a century, and linking them into a single chain of golden memories painstakingly written down and finally printed as a book, is by no means an easy task. Yet for the small band of women who faced this challenge and recently brought out a golden jubilee publication to celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of the National YWCA of Sri Lanka , it was a labour of love. Inspired by years of dedication and service to an organisation that has moulded and shaped their lives like so many other women around the world,their collective effort which has been titled 'Moving forward in faith', covers not only the history of the National YWCA in Sri Lanka but also spells out their vision for the future, drawing attention in particular to issues that are of concern to women today- such as working women, women and violence, women and peace, empowerment of women, leadership and women, and showing how the national 'Y' can play a role in resolving such issues. In her foreword to the book by the chairperson of the book committee, Manel Nanayakkara, who incidentally was responsible for sponsoring the publication as a tribute to her late husband Timothy Nanayakkara, explains the objective of this anniversary volume. " In contemporary Sri Lanka we need godly leaders both young and old.Such leaders should be biblically surrounded, spiritually prepared and practically alert. Every 'Y' member should be caught up in this vision. It is our prayer that this Jubilee production will provide a strong motivation for women and youth to join the 'Y' to build the future Sri Lanka". The book takes us through the teething years of the nascent organisation for which the ground had already been laid by the setting up of the Colombo YWCA. The first National Conference of the YWCA of Ceylon held in September 1951 when the organisation was recognised as an Independent National Association at the World Council in Beirut, at which Ms Marjorie de Mel was elected its first president. Her vision was to forge a link between the YWCA and the Lanka Mahila Samithiya another women's organisation. In keeping with that vision the first camp for rural women was held in Moratuwa in 1952, and in the same year the Institute of Social Work was set up in conjunction with the YMCA resulting in a number of rural projects around the island. Other highlights of the newly formed National YWCA as recollected by members of the National YWCA ( most of them pioneers in the movement), include the setting up of a hostel for students " Rotunda" in Kollupitiya on premises gifted by a member Ms Irangani Pieris; the setting up of the Family Life Education Centre at Moratumulla in 1972; the expansion of the Rotunda hostel to include a Nearly New Shop, guest rooms and a cafeteria, upto the present times when we see how the National Y has expanded over the years, with branches spreading throughout the island. The book also records major landmarks in the history of the National Y, such as the opening of the Rotunda building which has also been captured on camera with the then National President Ms Kanmanie Handy being greeted by Ms Fidelia de Silva who later succeeded the former as National President. The entire book is replete with such nostalgic memories. Women into their fabric are the activities and various projects that have made life more meaningful and fulfilling to the thousands of women whose lives they have enriched. In their final message the authors remind women in this country that the YWCA thus has the power to change their lives and is ready to take on new challenges in keeping with the changing needs of the 21st century. Written in an interesting and readable style, this book is certainly worth more than just a glance. It should be among the treasured souvenirs of every member ( and even non members) of the YWCA as it is perhaps one of the most comprehensive accounts of the history of the YWCA movement in Sri Lanka to be published in recent years. - Carol Aloysius Reflections on diversity of attitudes "Seva Manjari" (a repository of Service) The first impulse to write a biography on the lives and characters of illustrious persons arose in order to extol the virtues to be emulated and to indicate the vices to be eschewed. This is precisely the credo and spirit of the compilers of "Seva Manjari" - a dedicated professional of the diverse characteristic achievements of Professor Nandasena Ratnapala. A person who excelled in a profession he loved, gave a great deal to those whom he worked with, whose kindness and generosity were boundless and always advocated to others to improve the talent of writing by this basic dictum 'if you understand what you are writing about, the words will come. Get to the heart of the story and do not worry too much how you are going to tell it. Keep on writing and read and read more and more.' Ratnapala was a voracious reader and a prolific writer. His literary style and form and sensitivity of literary talent never deserted him and was at ease in languages. English and Sinhala. A researcher of a rare calibre as he 'lived-in research' than making theoretical treatises but practical approaches to go into the core of a problem and the classic examples are himself 'living the life of a beggar', 'going into police custody', and 'portraying as a prostitute'. The classic examples were his publications on these subjects which were masterpieces which went into prints and re-prints to several editions. This publication "Seva Manjari" (a repository of service) is a felicitation volume rich in contents compiled with much pains-taking care and precision and dedication by the trio-Compilers to make it a reading pleasure from the academic researcher to the general reader. Opening with a colourful cover-page a portrait of Professor Nandasena Ratnapala crowned with his equally regalia-of his professional academic cloak and cap with his distinctions: B.A. (Hons.), M.A. University of Ceylon, Dr. Phil. Gottingen University, Germany, PhD (Sri Lanka) D.Litt. (S. J. University) on Research. 'Seva Manjari' runs to 223 pages of learned contents contributed by a galaxy of eminent and distinguished renowned writers both in English and Sinhala and a bilingual publication worthy of reading. To name all of them, is too long a list and B. A. Tennyson Perera's lengthy contribution of the biographical portraiture of Nandasena Ratnapala, is pregnant with interesting episodes of a career of distinction tracing from the school-days to the acme of his courageous and illuminating character-styles to the time of the retirement of this unique personality. Ratnapala's wide and varied publications (both in English and Sinhala) range from books to children, short-stories, novels, prose and poetry; to such scholarly and research publications ranging from "Buddhist Sociology", to "New horizons in Research methodology". "The Beggar in Sri Lanka", "Buddhist Democratic political theory and practice," "Crime in Sri Lanka", "Tourism in Sri Lanka", "Tourism in Sri Lanka: the social aspect", are some of the highlights of Ratnapala's publications, besides numerous other printed literature he has compiled from time to time in both English and Sinhala. "Seva Manjari" - is not only a careful biographical portraiture of an academic with a difference, in the calibre of Professor Ratnapala - the compilers of this felicitation publication have taken great pains to add a series of 'Food for Thought' articles reflected with academic brilliance by Dr. M. Somathilake on the "Causes of Ajanta and their chronology", Dr. Dayalal Abeysekera on "Operation poor incorporated: towards a meaningful re-strategising of poverty alleviation", "Psychology of ageing women" by Dr. M. C. Swarnalatha Perera, Prof. W. M. Sirisena's "A. L. Kroeber and the convergence of Anthropology and History", Dr. Kingsley Wickremesuriya on "Policing Sri Lanka - some thoughts for reflection", Prof. W. M. Karunadasa on "Conflict Resolution: origins and development of a discipline", "People's participation in Social development" by Dr. Nagalingam Shanmugalingam; "An Indian manifestation of social inequality" by Dr. Daya Amarasekera and "Crime, Laws and Criminal Justice system" by Dr. E. B. R. Deshapriya. Let me quote those memorable words, when Tennyson Perera focused a question: 'Professor Ratnapala, as to how he should be remembered: "Forget me completely and if you like, read my books. I don't believe in society remembering me". This is precisely the simplicity, humility and 'plain living and high thinking' of a man of letters with a mission and a vision fulfilled. - by J. P. Pathirana Children's books Kiri Amma and Ape Kodiyata Mang Adarai are two children's books by Samanmalee Padmakumara. Colourful attractive and easy to read they are both educating and interesting, and are priced at Rs. 50 and Rs. 60 respectively. The books are author publications of the Padmakumara book series. Significance of Sigiriya Sigiri Gee Siri The ceremonial launching of "Sigiri Gee Siri" (Second Edition) was held recently with Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe as the chief guest. The main objective of Minister W. J. M. Lokubandara in writing "Sigiri Gee Siri" is not only to present the poems in a very sensational, and communicable manner but also to imbibe knowledge in the reader about all the aspects in regard to the significance of Sigiriya. So far those who wrote about Sigiriya and Sigiri poems based their views and reviews only on classical aspects, neglecting completely the aesthetic aspects. It is only Minister Lokubandara who blended the two characteristics - classical and aesthetic, making it a passionate experience communicable in vivid and moving imagery, together with a rich and impressive harmonies. The virtue of the Minister's scholasticism, and his deep reflective interest in the experiences of which he dealt with the "Sigiri Gee" is highly commendable. At the launching ceremony he explained the learned imagery, the subtle composition, above all the peculiar blend of passion and thought, feeling and ratiocination of the lyrics which reflect the achievements of the specific writers. By Premawansa Ranatunga Inspirational reading Dampavana 2 Dampavana 2 is a collection of discourses transmitted through the Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation (SLBC), from time to time, by the Ven. Saddhamma Vagiswara Sri Attadassi Marapana Vijitha the Chief Sanghanayaka of Kalutara Disawa, in his service to the Buddha Sasana. The topics for the discourses have been selected from the Dhammapada, one of the 31 books that comprise the Tripitaka (Vinaya, Sutta and Abhidhamma), which contain the quintessence of the Buddha's teachings. Dampavana 2 is not a book to be read superficially like a novel and shelved aside. It should be read and re-read so that it may serve as a constant companion for inspiration, guidance, solace and purity of mind. The book has been written in a simple and concise manner for everyone to grasp its contents easily and clearly. It, nevertheless, serves as a key to open the mind of everyone to understand Buddhism in simple language. Mahopadya Rajakeeya Panditha Ven. Horana Vagiragnana Maha Thera and Editor of the Buddhist Encyclopedia, commenting on the book Dampavana 2 says it deals purely on the doctrine of the Buddha, and not just rigmarole or incoherent speech." Aryadasa Ratnasinghe |
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