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| Friday, 14 February 2003 |
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Lucid work on philosophy Philosophy: An Introduction Prof. Kalansuriya who won 3 State's literary awards for outstanding works on philosophy in Sinhala, has now succeeded in getting one of these works published for the 3rd time. This is a very rare occasion because of narrowing down of reading public in Sri Lanka. The author's present publication is entitled "Philosophy: An Introduction." Its Original version appeared in 1978 contained only 114 pages whereas the present version in 2002 has 31 pages inclusive of a new reading list. The in pages shows that the author has undertaken a serious revision. The book contains 6 chapters. All were lucidly written and well argued. The book which runs to 151 pages, according to the author is a introduction to Philosophy. Any one who wishes go get a comprehensive idea as to what philosophy is all about, Prof. Kalansuriya's present work is well recommended. The chapter one to the book starts with several conceptions of philosophy as held by the classical philosophers of ancient Greece and ancient India. Prof. Kalansuriya begins chapter two with Thales the first philosopher and ends up with Aristotle, The foremost philosophers of the classical west. It is a fine nut-shell presentation of early Greek philosophical thinking, and very correctly the author points out the birth of conceptual analysis which reached its climax in Analytical Philosophy in contemporary era. What is conceived as Philosophy in the middle ages was briefly dealt with in the third chapter. Here, the author shows the change of nature, function and aim of philosophy in comparison with Greek philosophy. Chapter four introduces the beginning of Modern Philosophy with a general introduction of the sceptical attitude. It contains the key philosophical concepts of such renowned philosophers as Descartes, Spionza, Leibniz, John Locke, David Hume, Kant and George Hegal. Prof. Kalansuriya narrates how epistemology and conceptual analysis, the foremost corner stones of Contemporary Philosophy take shape in this period. He seems to give key emphasis to David Hume and Kant. On the whole, the present work is a timely contribution to Sinhala literature by Prof. Kalansuriya. If one wishes to have an introduction to "Philosophy", this book is well recommended. The author should be commended for revising and republishing this lucid work. - Prof. Daya Edirisinghe, Senior professor of philosophy An effort to bridge the gap between two religions Nibbana or the Kingdom - (Nirvana or Paradise) Similarity of the basic teachings of Buddhism and Catholicism is not so familiar to Sri Lankan Buddhists and Catholics so far. But one veteran had made a silent effort to bridge this apparent gap but in some sort of radical nature first in November 1951. It seems indeed a strange and peculiar work when we consider that the author was at one time a Roman Catholic and descendent of a foreign race. Author has made his frank penetration to the facts to be unveiled in the cause of Buddha Sasana. Unreliable sources as well as reliable sources too disclose Mr. Baptist was a derobed catholic priest born of a foreigner to a Sinhala Mother. He reveals his researches of Truth after his mother's death where his destination accomplished covering at least ten Books on Buddhism. "... Jesus will be born again. He was unable to accomplish his almighty father's assignment from the Heaven..." as Mr. Baptist explains and emphasizes. Adversity definitely purifies a being. Can you remember the story of Kisa Gotami. In his search of "Truth and Light" he could discover that Rebirth and Karma are universal teachings. When confronted with two opposite goals namely an Eternal Heaven and Nibbana the author has delved deep into the scriptures he could find and separate all three doctrines into two channels aptly styled the path of Gods and the path of Elders. Same thing Buddha enumerates in the "Brahma Jala Sutta" where Buddha explained that there can never be a peace and destination in a Heaven... This former catholic monk (If I am too not wrong) points out that emancipation from stress or distress is to be found only in "Nibbana". Solitary - hidden or hilly environment that Jesus resorted eventually teaches even the devoted, educated catholic on the miracles of Meditation followed by Gauthama Buddha. Disciples of Jesus frequently questioned of these resorts for loneliness to the tune of Jesus. "... Yes.. You wait my dear disciples I am going for a change. To be with the union of my almighty Father in Heaven. You wait. I will accompany you...." Mode of spoken language and teachings of Jesus only were peculiar and not so familiar and understandable to common man. ".... I must go and someday I will come again from Heaven..." Westerners believe only of a single life here on earth. Hence, the all importance of the carnal body. But when this body is analyzed it soon becomes apparent that there is nothing worth clinging to our "Thanha or Asha" (Attachment). Even today our strong catholics unintentionally follow the teachings of Buddha. - Cecil Rodrigo Commendable work 'Sinhala Cinema Vishvakoshaya' authored by Dr. Anil Samaranaike consists of short profiles of 144 famous personalities related to Sinhala cinema. This is the first ever book of its type published in Sri Lanka. The book launched on January 21 at the John de Silva Theatre, Colombo coincides with the 56th anniversary of Sinhala Cinema. Joe Abeywickrema, Dr. Pandith W.D. Amaradeva, Sriyani Amarasena, Punya Heendeniya, Iranganee Serasinghe, Freddy Silva, Latha Walpola, Anoja Weerasinghe, Nihal Silva, M.K. Rocksami, Ravindra Randeniya, Swarna Mallawarachchi, Malini Fonseka, G.S.B. Rani Perera, H.R. Jothipala, Eddy Jayamanne and Vijaya Kumaratunga are among the famous personalities featured in this creation. A profile consist of the birth and death anniversaries of the person, significant events of his or her life, a summary of the contribution made by him/her towards Sinhala cinema, unique performances of artist and the awards won by him/her. According to the author there is no collection of data on Sinhala cinema and it is a main hazard for the scholars and other persons who study cinema. The lack of collected information on Sinhala cinema has become a problem even for the fans. Dr. Anil Samaranaike is the author of 'Jana Adhipati' and 'Bindena Hadawath'. He has also written articles to several periodicals such as 'Kalpana', 'Ravaya' and 'Vinivida'. He is a well-known television program presenter involved in health education programs and studying community medical science. - Nadira Gunatilleke Eliminating child labour The Elimination of Child Labour Whose Responsibility? It is unfortunate that even today the problem of child labour is prevalent to a great extent in our country and in the world. The latest statistics shows that about 250 million child workers exist in the age group 5 to 14. A recent survey conducted by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) states that out of these 61 percent are in Asia, 32 per cent in Africa and 7 per cent in Latin America. India has the largest number of child labourers. As it is widely acknowledged, the undesirable practice of child labour robs children of their childhood, denies them access to education and stunts the growth and development of future citizens. The book "The Elimination of Child Labour Whose Responsibility", reports a successful program to tackle the social evil of child labour which was implemented by the author Premila Bhargava in a rural area of Andhra Pradesh, India. Without going into the pros and cons of child labour, the book is premised on the belief that it should be eliminated and emphasises that the only way this can be achieved is through education. Analysing the reasons that led to the success of the program, the author identifies four major factors: bringing about co-ordination between the various government departments and agencies dealing with children so that they can act in unison, setting up residential camps for child labourers where they are imparted elementary education, providing formal training in vocational skills and involving the community in tackling the problem. In her account Pramila Bhargava brings in the voices of parents, teachers, farmers, and the children themselves. She has compiled her field notes and experiences and written this book which gives an honest picture of the child labour problem. The book also focuses on the need for the convergence of various departments and ministries as a prerequisite for the elimination of child labour. One strength of the book is that the author has supplemented it with a work book, which describes the process adopted by her. It can serve as a guide for people who want to work in this field. Pramila H. Bhargava, a civil servant, is a member of the Indian Railways Personnel Services. She is currently working as the Deputy Chief Personnel Officer, Northern Railways, New Delhi. - Kushani Ratnayake |
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