Essential read for history students

Reviewed by Piyadasa PITIGALA

Philip Gunawardena nicknamed 'The Lion of Boralugoda' was also well known as the 'father of socialism' in our country. However, only a few know that he has been an accomplished writer as well. When he was a member of the British Communist Party he served as a sub-editor of the journal 'Daily Worker' in England.

When his elder brother Harry Gunawardena contested Avissawella seat at the 1931 State Council elections Philip Gunawardena sent stirring pamphlets in Sinhala from England in support of his election campaign. In the 1940s while in prison Philip Gunawardena translated 'The State and the Revolution' by V. I. Lenin into Sinhala.

Philip Gunawardena has done extensive research on the Seethawaka regime. He made use of local and foreign historical references, local beliefs, folklore and practices coming down to his day for the purpose. Before his death Philip Gunawardena had handed over all his research material to Ven. Horathapola Palitha Thera to edit them and publish as a book. Ven. Horathapola Palitha Thera, fulfilling his request, published the book 'Seethawaka Urumaya' posthumously in 1973 in Sinhala based on research and instructions of Philip Gunawardena.

'Seethawaka Urumaya' has been translated into English as 'The Heritage of Seethawaka' by former High Court Judge and Writer W. T. A. Leslie Fernando.

In his preface Philip Gunawardena emphasizes that it is the bounden duty of historians to interpret history based on factual data and sources. He confesses that he is not a historian and he has only tried to present a critical analysis of the Seethawaka period. He adds that the Seethawaka period should be treated as a separate era in Sri Lanka.

Philip Gunawardena explains that in time of stress and great need when the necessity for a redeemer is felt in a country unique men are born to meet the situation. He adds that is how Napoleon appeared in France and Subash Chandrabose in India. He illustrates that similarly in the 16th century Seethawaka emerged as a separate Kingdom with two formidable rulers Mayadunne and Rajasinghe I to save the country at a crucial period (Chapter 1). Like Kings Dutugemunu, Wijayabahu I and Parakaramabahu the Great saved the country in the past, Philip Gunawardena affirms that Mayadunne and Rajasinghe redeemed the country in the Seethawaka Period.

Philip Gunawardena highlights that King Rajasinghe I got down Sikh generals and engineers from Punjab to create a well-trained and disciplined army and build fortresses to meet the challenge of the Portuguese.

It is timely that the Seethawaka Urumaya Foundation has taken steps to translate the book "Seethawaka Urumaya" in Sinhala into English. That would illuminate and bring international fame to a significant period in our history that was earlier considered as a dark period. W. T. A. Leslie Fernando - former High Court Judge who has been entrusted the translation has fulfilled the task well. Indrani Meegama has edited the work giving a new colour to the book and illustrating it with pictures relevant to the Seethawaka period.

At a time when some politicians expound false theories about our history like stories about Pasdun Korale, a politician of the recent past Philip Gunawardena has expounded true facts on the Seethawaka period based on his research. The book is neatly printed in glossy paper by Visidunu Prakashakayo and is reasonably priced at Rs. 200. The book would be appreciated not only by the students of history but also all the patriotic people in Sri Lanka.

Comprehensive monthly guide for tourists

By Chelvatamby MANICCAVASAGAR.

Sri Lanka is a paradise for sightseeing and it captivates with not only green scenery but also with ancient cities with stupendous monuments, sculpture, carvings and huge man-made lakes, landscaped gardens. Besides, one finds a grand list of fauna and flora, gem mines yielding precious and semi-precious gems including spectacular blue sapphire.

Furthermore, the people of Sri Lanka are multi-cultural, multi-religious and multi-racial and the majority are Sinhalese who are Buddhists. The minorities include the Tamils who are mainly Hindus.

In fact, Sri Lanka was the first in South Asia to move away from a state-centred economic structure and embrace a private sector led market oriented economy. Free Trade Zones, repatriation of profit, widespread education and a newly emerging capital market have all made Sri Lanka most attractive to foreign investors.

Further the beauty and diversity of scenery and the warmth, hospitality and friendship of the people attract visitors from abroad. But, there is no proper book to guide and give information for tourists in Sri Lanka. Tourists find it extremely difficult to get an up-to-date information book in Sri Lanka pertaining to places to visit, hotels, guest houses, airline schedules and the current tourist attractions such as cultural events and festivals.

Travel Lanka, is a monthly guide which gives up-to-date information to tourists coming to Sri Lanka.

In fact, the publication commenced in 1993 has almost completed 16 years. In spite of several set-backs such as terrorism and tsunami the guide was published continuously.

Travel Lanka is a handy, comprehensive, colourful, easy to read guide and a ready reckoner.

Travel Lanka includes an introduction to Sri Lanka, visitor attractions in the tourist regions, list of all approved travel agents, special transport services catering to tourists airlines serving Sri Lanka, a monthly airline schedule, monthly events, listing of approved hotels, guest houses and rest houses, a list of restaurants, articles of tourist interest, banking facilities and currency rates and foreign missions and representations.

This is the only information booklet issued free of charge to tourists. It is distributed by the Sri Lanka Tourist Board's information offices in Colombo, Kandy, and the international airport and Anuradhapura.

Children's book with a difference

by Ranga CHANDRARATHNE

The children's book '2 rhymes to Think a while' by Maati Dharaa, from the 'big aiya & little nangi' series, is a children's book with a Sri Lankan appeal. It is a timely publication by ANCL since the story is based on Sri Lankan setting.

The book is illustrated using colours that appeal to children. In the book Maati who is the author and illustrator of the book, has explained elementary concepts such as 'tall' and 'thin' with apt illustrations. The book which comes with a handy print offers the children in plain English a story culturally appropriate to Sri Lanka. Since the setting is entirely Sri Lankan, children would find it easy to understand and appreciate the booklet.