A journey with the Buddha

Title: Budun Samanga Giya Gamanak
Author: Denagama Siriwardane
Published by Herbert Parakrama Wijethunga

by Deepal Warnakulasuriya

Veteran journalist Denagama Siriwardane who is well known for his poetic and interesting writing style among his readers, brings his latest book; "Budun Samanga Giya Gamanak". The book has a sub-title the "story of a devotee who went on a pilgrimage to Jambudeepa."

At a glance, the book seems like a collection of experiences of a pilgrim who worshipped the holy places where Lord Buddha lived. But, the first paragraph of the book will give you a description changing your first thoughts.

In one aspect this is a Dhamma book which brings you a lot of spiritual issues by the Lord Buddha. In another way it is a nicely written biography of the Lord Buddha.

Although this is not the first work on the subject, he has done it in a new way. I think it should be left for the reader to decide and define the book.

Retired lecturer most Ven. Harispattuwe Ariyawanshalankara Nayaka Thera writing about the book says that the book is an effort at seeing Buddhism instead of seeing the places of the Lord-Buddha's Life for the sake of seeing. The Thera also suggests that the book is a guide book for the ones who wish to visit Jambudeepa.

Siriwardane's free and simple style of presentation inspires us to study deep , complex issues which he explains in the book. Throughout the book you will be forced to keep reading as he explains numerous incidents related to the Lord-Buddha's life as in a novel.

The cover page depicts a rare picture from the Buddhagaya Temple and the back cover depicts a small picture of the Kusinara Chethiya. While presenting the past incidents, he also explains to us the present situation of the places. He uses short sentences, which leads the reader to think about the incident which the author explains.

The book teaches you how to be patient and how to practice patience, when the whole world is full of aggression and is running an unending race. I feel this is the message and the main concern of the experienced journalist Siriwardane.

The book is a must read for all Buddhists and Non-Buddhists too.

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The Singapore story

Lee Kuan Yew's "The Singapore Story" has been translated into Sinhala by Ranjith Gunaratne; a senior foreign service officer.

The book reveals the secrets of the journey of Singapore to a politically stable and trouble free country. In precise and clear language, the translator describes Lee's childhood, life under colonial rule, life in England, the struggle to gain independence, his determination to bring the nation together and many interesting issues.

The book also helps us to understand Singapore's political culture at large and many government policies in detail. Simple language, short sentences hold the attention of the readers of the book and Gunaratne's presentative style does not us that we are reading a translation.

The book is also undoubtedly a handbook for young politicians.

(DW)

Accolades for Palinda

The book tilled 19th Century Photographs of Ceylon by Palinda de Silva was selected as the winner of three awards at the Printing and Imaging Association (PIA) Mid America annual reception held on the 19th of April in Dallas, Texas.

PIA Mid America is one of the largest regional affiliates of the Graphic Arts Technical Foundation and Printing Industries of America in the United States.

The book was the winner of the following three awards: Best of Austin, Best of Category (Books; Case Bound) Mid-West Division III Gold Picture shows Palinda de Silva with his awards.

Chatoyancy for the Tiger

A novel by Nihal de Silva

In Chatoyancy for the Tiger his first published novel, Nihal de Silva makes liberal use of his knowledge of gemstones to weave an absorbing tale about the launch of an extraordinary Cat's Eye.

The story, a clever mix of fact and fiction, is set in contemporary ties with the LTTE and Al Qaeda featuring prominently in the plot. Sri Lanka's biodiversity and scenic splendour is vividly brought out as Nihal de Silva takes the reader on an absorbing journey through the island's lush jungles and beyond.

The fast-paced action sequences continue across Africa and Europe before reaching an unexpected climax in the battlefields of northern Sri Lanka.

Nihal de Silva currently holds the position of Director and Country Manager at Sri Lanka Market Research Bureau. He has also been very active in teaching statistics and market research at various universities and professional institutions.

Attracted by the launch of Write Clique by the British Council, Nihal de Silva's talent desire for creative writing saw him submitting a host of contributions on various topics.

His creative spark thus re-kindled, Nihal began his first serious work in August last year, using the midnight hours to conjure-up an intriguing tale. Despite a busy schedule at work, by mid-December he had finished the book.