Glimpses of genuine socialism

Leslie W.T.A. Fernando the author is a critic of the Roman Catholic Institution in Sri Lanka who yet remains a pious Roman Catholic himself hailing from "Little Rome" - Negombo. Throughout this well-written and well-presented work such values as humaneness, compassion, humility, genuineness, maturity and social justice bloom.

By Professor A.D.P. Kalansuriya

Philip Gunawardena, undoubtedly, is the Father of genuine socialism in Sri Lanka. Our author, Leslie, vividly notes key concepts, phenomena, activity, diligence and acuteness connected with genuine socialism. Nevertheless my own view is, it brings to light the story of bitter failure to form a government of the socialists to uplift the downtrodden men and women in this country. The author's rapport with Philip Gunawardena or the "Lion of Boralugoda" makes explicit a brilliant career in the making.

Its appearance was thought to be definite when Philip Gunawardena was suggested to proceed to England to study law by his parents. Nevertheless, young Philip changed his mind and went to Illinois University in America instead in early 1920s. The author also touches in lucid language, on the academic prowess of Philip, hitherto kept out of sight. For instance with reference to the academic calibre of the top LSSP, many of us were aware of doctorates being obtained only by Dr. N.M. Perera and Dr. Colvin R. de Silva.

The present revelation is that Philip had obtained his doctorate in Agricultural Economics from Wisconsin University, USA, in 1927. The author, Leslie, needs to be congratulated for this information. Another disclosure is that Philip has had cordial relationships in America with such well-known scholars and socialists as professor Scot Nearing, professor of socialism, Indian socialists such as Jayaprakash Narayan, Seid Hussain, J.C. Kumarappa and the Mexican revolutionary Jesu Vase Gonsales (p.36).

Subsequently our author gives the glaring story of Philip's political career - both the ups and downs. Let Leslie speak from his own words; "In 1928, Philip came to England and became a member of the Communist party. He participated in the activities of the Indian League with Krishna Menon. He organized anti-imperialist activities with Jomo Kenyata of Kenya, Ram Goolem of Mauritious and Tuan Malacca of Malaya. Philip was a fascinating speaker who expounded socialism attacking the imperialist machinery and the Hyde Park Corner used to reverberate with his thunderous voice (p.36)."

Socialism and nationalism

As noted in the Introduction, the author, Leslie himself is a nationalism-oriented catholic from Negombo - little Rome. In keeping with this revolutionary position, he brings to our notice the achievements of Bishop Edmund Pieris, first Sinhala Bishop and the Forerunner of national consciousness among Catholics in Sri Lanka.

I also agree with his view embracing his devoutness to his own religion which is unchallengeable, together with his religious tolerance extended to Buddhism. This point is substantiated again and again by way of his benevolence extended in such biographies as 02,05,08,11 and 14 in his present book in which several renowned Buddhist prelates are made known. In biography no.02, Ven. Siyambalangamuwe Gunaratana Thera, without any hesitation appointed our author, Leslie, a Roman Catholic from Negombo as a lecturer in Sarananda Buddhist Affiliated College at Peradeniya in 1963. Though himself a Roman Catholic, he says, he was not discriminated by this vibrant Buddhist cleric whose benevolence surpasses merit. Equally the author appreciates Meegomuwa Jinawansa Thera, the Buddhist monk who radiated Dhamma in "Little Rome" - Negombo. He fought for the religious rights and cultural aspirations of the Buddhists. Yet humanism was his policy (p.65). He played a leading role, as a Buddhist prelate, in the independence-agitation of 1948, MEP victory 1956, and the Schools Take Over in 1960.

A crusader

The Marxists in this "Little Rome" - Negombo who were also Roman Catholics solidly remained behind this fighting Buddhist prelate. Rev. Dr. Ittapane Dhammalankara Thera's biography comes next. To our author, he not only was a crusader of national heritage but also was the famous Buddhist author who wrote a book on Fr. Marcelline Jayakody, a Catholic prelate entitled "Malpale Upon Pansale Piyathuma." The author, next touches

on the great sinhala son of the 20th century Sri Lanka. Dr. C.W.W. Kannangara, the architect of the epoch-making free eduction Bill in the State Council in 1944, Dr. Kannangar's childhood, history and profession are noted with care on the one hand and his monumental election victories in Galle and Matugama defeating very influential candidates of the era on the other. His presence in the Legislative council from 1923 and later in the state council under the Donoughmore constitution till 1947, was the blessed period pertaining to Sri Lanka's education.

The reason being the adoption of the free education scheme stretching from kindergarten to university and setting up of central colleges throughout the island. As correctly noted by the author, the Education scheme was bitterly opposed by the Catholic Church and the wealthy people in the country. Hence the need arose for public meetings to rally support. In "Little Rome," there was staunch opposition though a small number of Catholics supported it. Rev. Fr. Francis Tambimuttu writing to "The Catholic Herald" expressed fears the privileged position of the Christians in Ceylon would be destroyed if men like Kannangara came into power (p.78).

Mr. Santiago Fernando, the author's father joined hands with Dr. Kannangara to address several public meetings in Sri Lanka. Philip Gunwardene, Dr. N.M. Perera, Dr. Hector Fernando also joined. All aspects of the Free Education scheme did not get off the grounds because Dr. Kannangara was beaten in the 1947 election in the Matugama electorate. However in the 1952 election, he was back in the parliament but did not get the post of Minister of Education. The author notes "It is said that the Catholic Church and the reactionary forces saw to it that he was not made the Minister of Education in the Dudley Senanayake government" (p.79).

It is strange that Mr. Dudley Senanayake being a Prime Minister of foresight failed to appoint Dr. Kannangara, despite this opposition for the post of Minister of Education in 1952. Hence education in Sri Lanka simply rocked and rolled. This fragility can be traced to this deficient decision. Slowly but gradually our education system has now arrived at a signboard less junction. A reductionism entwined with numerical or logical terms involving computer-literacy is indeed fascinating but is a false criterion because many versatile teachers are not in but are simply out from the scheme. In this inestimable area of thought what is needed is not budget increases from one percentage to a higher percentage but foresight orientation similar to that possessed by Dr. C.W.W. Kannangara, the true son of Sri Lanka in the 20th century.

Fr. Marcelline's wondrous lyrics

Fr. Marcelline Jayakody, the rebel priest, our author, Leslie reveres, not only is a well known Catholic cleric but is also the lyricist par excellence and a patriot, a household name in our country (p.47). Pertaining to church music in Sri Lanka, Fr. Marcelline dubbed Sinhala words to Latin hymns and western tunes in 1920s.

Nevertheless, by 1934, he began to compose hymns and Christmas carols to his own Sinhala tunes. These hymns and carols became so popular and are sung in churches today too. Some of the popular ones are listed as follows: "Sapiri sama asiri soma," "Raya tharu babalanawa."

In 1940s and 1950s Fr. Marcelline's creative activity blooms with an epoch-making admixture of Christian culture and national clamour for independence. "They are a striking example for culture adaptation in its true perspective. Most of the popular hymns sung today in churches and in Christian festivals are compositions of Fr. Marcelline" (p.50).

The glorious climax of this nationalism - oriented Catholic cleric is well expressed in the name given to a book about Fr. Marcelline by the veteran Buddhist monk, Ittapane Dhammalankara Thera.

The point is appropriately noted by our author as follows; "Rev. Ittapane Dhammalankara Thera released the biography of Fr. Marcelline titled Malpale Upan Pansale Piyatuma." This is the first book in the whole world written by a Buddhist Bhikku on a Catholic priest (P.53). This estimation by Leslie is historic. I appreciate this veteran Roman Catholic cleric's great thoughts by quoting just one line from his own admirable poem.

"Whenever 'vehera' comes to sight

Let virtuous ideas bloom in minds":

- Fr. Marcelline in his book titled "Muthu".

Finally, this epoch-making and monumental work of our author also touches on the views of such distinguished luminaries as Mr. W.A. Abeysinghe, Supreme Court Judge Mr. W.P.N. De Silva, Fr. Gregory, I. Fernando, Fr. Henri Rodrigo, Ven. Matale Dhammakusala Thera and Bro. Paul Nizier FMS.