|
|
 |
 |
 |
| Wednesday, 14 July 2004 |
 |
|
 |
Artscope | |
| News Business Features Editorial Security Politics World Letters Sports Obituaries
|
Focus on books Creative thinking for a better life by Prof. Sunanda Mahendra Some years ago a certain young man who was moved by the reading of various books of the late scholar and thinker Dr. E.W. Adikaram came to see him at his residence. Just before the young man entered the premises of Dr. Adikaram he puffed the last few smokes of his cigarette and threw the butt away not knowing that Dr. Adikaram had seen it. When he met Dr. Adikaram closely and greeted him, there was a grave silence in the first instance. Then Dr. Adikaram had said. 'It looks as if you enjoy smoking'. 'Yes Sir,' the young man said rather ashamedly. 'But do you know the hazards of smoking?' 'Yes Sir, up to a point,' 'Smoking is not only a bad habit but also like other vices is harmful to your brain. You must try to understand that and try us much as possible to get rid of that habit.'
After some time the young man had been asking some questions relevant to his personal life and left the learned person. Since then he had given up smoking saying that 'it was a lesson in psychotherapy'. This kind of anecdotes are narrated by those who had associated the late scholar who was not only a thinker a sort of rationalist and an educationist, but also was an effective communicator with special relation to broadcasting and journalism. Two new books have appeared giving us more on the life and thoughts of Dr. E.W. Adikaram. Structure It looks as if the educationist Adikaram had left a whole series of written matter for posthumous publications. The flimsy booklet meant for children titled 'minis lovata giya vandura' (the monkey who had gone to the world of humans) is one in a series of supplementary Sinhala readers planned for children.
Rummaged from a bundle of papers by one of his close associates W.A. Jayawardena and published by Godage, this little book carries prose and verse aimed at creative thinking and creative activities. Perhaps the late scholar may have wanted to change the conventional structure of the supplementary readers and introduce a new vein to kindle the interest in an alternative manner. Planning readers for children at school level indeed needs time and experimentation. It looks as if the late scholar had devoted some time for this purpose while being a principal of a leading school. The second book titled 'Acharya Adikaramge mataka satahan' (memoirs of Dr. Adikaram) compiled by the writer Jayantha Wijewickrama and published by Godage, contains some of the hitherto unearthed memoirs of the late scholar. What is most significant is the area where he is shown as a pioneer in the Sri Lankan politics, with his close associates like 'Dr. N.M. Perera, Dr. Colvin R. De Silva, Philip Gunawardena and Dr. S.A. Wickramasinghe. The memoirs are short and sharp in insight and reveal a lot of about Adikaram the thinker and teacher. His main purpose of thinking and teaching had been to promote non-violence, vegetarianism, peace and harmony in all human groups. His loving kindness shown to children and animals is well depicted in these two booklets. To all children at home and abroad, his message seems the investigation and development of an awakening, vision within oneself. In this direction, he had had close association with the philosopher Krishnamoorty, about whom, he does not mention much though. But Dr. Adikaram had been instrumental in building a local centre for Krishnamoorty studies, with the award he got once for the promotion of peace. The compiler has collected material from various sources such as talks, articles in periodicals, and discussions. One more striking point is the great admiration and affection he had towards his mother. This maternal love is being shown in different points of view in both booklets. Today, we need more of these writings, and at a time when the family attachments are gradually waning off amidst other material turmoils, the booklets could help build a better understanding. As Margret Mead once pointed out 'children are newcomers as a subject of literature, newcomers in the study of human physiology and anatomy, new comers in the social sciences.' The life of Dr. Adikaram looks exemplary and full of altruistic motives. The selflessness in a person becomes the great brand name of that person. For the generation of youngsters who lives today with lots of new challenges, the life and thoughts of Dr. Adikaram ought to be a worthwhile gift, if not a spiritual exercise. I enjoyed reading these two new books, and I hope it is my fervent feeling that you too will feel the same. Sociological and scientific view of abortion Gabsava Samajeeya ha Vidyathmaka Drushti Konayen Author: H. D. Indira Vijayanthi Vijayanthi Publishers Telephone 0777-492648, 037-2278676 224 pp. Rs. 350 "By the end of 2003, there were more than 3,000 abortion clinics in Sri Lanka. of these in same major clinics 2-3 to 200-300 abortions took place per day ... In a survey which included 350 women, 48 women were found to have undergone abortions. This amounts to 37 abortions per thousand women. If these statistics are correct it reveals that the proportion of abortions in the country surpasses those of all the other countries in the world." The facts are from Gabsava (Abortion) from a sociological and scientific perspective by H. D. Indira Vijayanthi, a graduate specialized in social science from Ruhunu University. Theme A sensational theme. An issue a few would dare to probe, either because of the notion among the majority in society that abortion is somewhat a 'vulgar' subject to have an open dialogue or may be it is considered a non - issue in a society which is largely based on 'macho' values and ideologies. Nonetheless, this writer very courageously gets into the subject. She does a serious study on abortion, a painstaking task at that; a lot of research, reading, meeting people of various walks of life, and professionals in medical science, law and sociology. Moral Codes The writer takes out into the open a problem which the majority in society who are bound by rigid religious, legal and moral codes like to hush up and invites the readers to have a complete view of it, with their mind's eye fully open.
The writer has met and interviewed many women who have had their unborn babies killed in their wombs, women who found gruesome ways to destroy their 'unwanted' babies, and thereby inflicted upon themselves fatal injuries, or sometimes death. And, there were women who have never heard of family planning! In her search for facts, she has gone and witnessed for herself the inhuman and uncivilized treatments women were subjected to, in order that they be rid of their burdens. The merit of Indira's work lies in the fact that the disciplined or rather restrained way the research findings are put into shape, to present scholastic work. Social issue Why is abortion a social issue and yet, why is it not in dialogue at least among the parties that show concern so that the answers for problems arising from it could be found? This aspect is discussed in this book extensively. Criminal abortion is only an iota of the contemporary criminalized society. The process takes place in many ways. The process of individualization, postponement of marriages, unlimited wants (not needs) and desires of people and dehumanization, are some of the causes that the writer brings out as agents that pave the way for induced abortions. Each of these facts are elaborated on producing case studies as examples. For example, dehumanization in society; with the help of her research findings, she shows that the root cause for 80% of abortions is the merciless and inhuman thinking of the persons who get involved in an induced abortion. They see the pregnancy in question as a great barrier in their lives, and it is nothing but right getting rid of it. They do not consider that they kill a living being by getting involved in an abortion. Laws The nature and methods of implementation of abortion laws in many countries are detailed out with the most essential data to get an idea of the global situation of abortion today. Where does Sri Lanka stand against this backdrop? Our abortion law dates back to the 19th century. According to Chapter 343 of the Criminal Law of 1833 an abortion becomes legal only when the pregnancy is a danger to the mother's life. An abortion done outside this condition becomes a criminal offence. Reasons why is it important to ease the abortion law in Sri Lanka are followed by a detailed account of the existing law. Some 2000-3000 illegal abortions take place a day in the country; tightening, or bringing a total ban on abortion will cause more harm than good to society. Here, the writer raises a point worthy of consideration by those who oppose easing the existing law. Some decades ago, child births took place at home. At these instances. Some mothers and babies from impoverished and illiterate families or of remote rural areas died due to the use of unhygienic, blunt weapons to sever the umbilical code or, uncleanliness of the people or place involved in the post-natal stage. Many places that operate as 'clinics' for these clandestine surgeries are dirty, dark places without proper ventilation. So, what these women who visit these places undergo may be not much different from what those women who had had babies at home in the past. What are the writer's suggestions to reduce the number of illegal abortions; sex and reproductive education, knowledge on family planning and more importantly, help building a more civilized society where true human values are upheld. Religious She concludes stating that the existing abortion laws in the country should be changed; when doing so, the ministries concerned, leaders of all the religious sectors in the country and women's organizations inclusive of the Women's Ministry and family planning organizations should get together. Indira Vijayanthi has touched on a subject that is considered a taboo, by the Sri Lankan Society. And she lays bare many aspects of legal and medical fields and in society and asks for justice on behalf of all the women in the country. This is a good reference book for any registered medical practitioner, nurse, family health worker, or even a police officer or a lawyer. I consider it a must in the reading list for any female student pursuing higher studies. - Malini Govinnage The king-makers The Pilimatalavuvas in the last days of the Kandyan Kingdom Author: Ananda Pilimatalavuva This year commemorates the 194th year of the death of Adigar Plimatalavuva by execution on Royal command and it is appropriate that a scion of the clan sets out to correct wrong impressions that have been woven into the fabric of Kandyan history. The Pilimatalavuvas are of an ancient leneage and came into force with the advent of King Narendrasimha (1707 - 1739) popularly known as Kundasale Deviyo and fondly remembered as Sellan Nirindhu. The first resurgent member of the dynasty was Pilimatalavuva Arava Tikiri Banda alias Pilimatalavuvs Vijesundara Rajkaruna who was the Pallegampahe Maha Adikaram I who immersed himself in socio-economic activities by building several viharas and giving grants to the needy.
The saga of the Pilimatalavuvas takes in chunks of the country's relatively recent history in a book copiously researched and written with a facile pen which makes history an absorbing subject. The enormous reservoir of research is distilled into a slim book of 162 pages with bibliography, illustrations of ancient flags and courts of arms, glossary and, most importantly, the Kandyan Convention Proclamation of 2nd March 1815. The secret manoeuvres of the king whereby Malabars were brought in on the sly at the rate of 70 per month to be trained as soldiers, the jealousies, intrigues, the exploiting of trust and innocence, the jockeying for position, the sex and the lust, designs, ambition, craft and manipulations all have the ingredients for an epic film. But, first, read it. Even the typographical font of 14 points makes for easy reading and the cover design is by Garret Jayawardena who was the first to introduce to Sri Lanka typography within the realms of creative artistry. - Sharm de Alwis An 'insider's' story -brilliantly constructed Rendering unto Caesar Author: Bradman Weerakoon Printed in India Vijitha Yapa Bookshop, Colombo Born under the sign of Libra (like me), Bradman Weerakoon is an old Kingswoodian, then a product of Holy Cross College, Kalutara and S. Thomas', Mt. Lavinia. He was named after Donald Bradman, and did become a fiery batsman himself. In one Royal-Thomian big match he chased a target of 116 in 65 minutes, receiving a standing ovation when he returned to the pavilion. Today, this quintessential civil servant gives us another half-century of totally different strokes - a unique first-person account of 50 years of public service as a senior advisor to nine of Sri Lanka's Prime Ministers and Presidents; nine of our most historic figures. The narrative is intimate, penetrating and of anecdotal richness. The time span: April 1, 1954 to April 2, 2004. Neat figures indeed, and yet, as he says in his Epilogue: "...when the dust of the (2004) elections settled, I see an instability that disturbs... the present composition of parliament carries its own pyrotechnic quality - a formidable JVP; a strengthened Tamil Alliance, the ITAK; and the unexpected (and somewhat disconcerting to some) entry into active political life of nine monks of the Jatika Hela Urumaya. These parliamentary 'body parts' have introduced elements of 'fundamentalism' that create a new and rather uneven pitch to bat on." What delights the reader - so immersed in politics today - is the author's record feat of working and dealing with such a multitude of personalities. "Rendering Unto Caesar" tells of the distinctive mark, often memorable, made by the nine leaders he personally served. And, as he says: "Life at the top in Sri Lanka has generally been perilous, not only politically, but in a physical sense as well." To meet with Bradman is to consider a mild-mannered, wry-humoured, gentlemen who immediately shows interest in you. Within a few moments of conversation, you begin to feel that he lives for you and your interests, forging bonds of sympathy and empathy. His eyes are full of sincerity and friendly understanding. This is a man who believes that no one is inherently bad." There is an essential quality of good in all people which - if correctly motivated - can be used for the good of all." It is this that makes him an affectionate friend, an inspiring motivator, a true man for all seasons. Immense faith Yet, the steel is unmalleable inside him. There is iron beneath the velvet and it could be seen as will, courage, immense faith in his beliefs, heroism even, for he had functioned in the best and worst of worlds with forthrightness and fearlessness. Bradman took the 'time-honoured route' in the Civil Service: to Anuradhapura and Jaffna, then to the Badulla Kachcheri as AGA - a transfer that was abruptly changed, thrusting him into the PM's office. It was the beginning of a saga. First, it was Sir John Kotelawala, our 'Bandung Booruwa' who upset China's Chou El-lai so much that it called for the mollifying efforts of Jawaharlal Nehru. I will not regale readers with all Bradman has to say about each of the leaders he worked for. That would be unfair. After all, it is all in the book that simply begs to be read. However, to whet appetites, some nuggets should do. Sir John Kotelawala - his coterie of pretty women were the 'purple brigade' as the press dubbed it. He was part of the 'dynastic democracy' disparagingly referred to as the 'Uncle-Nephew Party.' When he was shelved by a majority of the parliamentary group who made Dudley Senanayake the PM, he sulked and denounced all the 'plotters'. Even SWRD, watching from the wings, said it was "the culmination of a long, shabby and discreditable intrigue." His publication, "The Premier Stakes" made Dudley see red. He demanded Sir John's resignation and Sir John suggested that Dudley thrust his demand in a rather unseemly place. It took a lot of patching up to get the two together again. Succeeding Dudley, Sir John worked like a beaver for the Queen's visit. When a playful breeze lifted the Queen's skirt at Sigiriya, Sir John yelled to the official photographer, Rienzie Wijeratne, "Ganing, yako, ganing!" He also threatened to tar-brush the monks who took part in politics. The Bandaranaike family - Bradman makes some homely observations: "Chandrika, coming home after her ballet lessons, and the father introducing her to some visitors with the words: 'and here comes my Pavlova'. The girls, Sunethra and Chandrika went to St. Bridget's ... and the morning departure always seemed very rushed. Chandrika was usually the late one." Brown sahib SWRD Bandaranaike - "The era of the brown sahib... was coming to an end." At the opening of parliament, "the people... invaded the sanctum - the floor of the House itself - and some of them disported themselves in the Speaker's chair." Bradman also says that "the death of my father... built a special bond of appreciation and obligation to the Bandaranaike family... The Prime Minister, who had been out of Colombo at a swearing-in parade at Diyatalawa... cut short his weekend stay in the hills... took an overnight train to be in Colombo on time. I have never forgotten this extreme act of caring... and the personal inconvenience he must have accepted to be on time at the funeral." Other remarks come fast and furious: (SWRD Bandaranaike) "was kept at home in the country estate at Horagolla and tutored by English teachers until he was 15. The private tuition was not a success as Henry Young, the first master, had a fondness for the bottle and was soon got rid of." As PM, "Mr. Bandaranaike's public speeches were pure gems, with sonorous cadences studded with classical allusions." Bradman also tells of the doing and undoing of the B-C pact, the 1958 violence, labour unrest and Cabinet crises and finally, the assassination. He has to also refer to the then Gampaha MP, S. D. Bandaranayake who was referred to as the "unguided missile". W. Dahanayake - The PM who believed that walking barefoot in the lawns of Temple Trees at dawn helped "clear his brain", and who kept his weight down with a diet of raw vatakolu, rice bran and aggala spiced with pol-kudu. We have details of his defeat, departure by Humber Hawk to Galle, the regaining of the Galle seat, his political somersaults, his death at 95. Dudley Senanayake - the Short parliament - "A sticky wicket I have to bat on," he said. Defeated at the Throne Speech. Fighting qualities Sirimavo Bandaranaike - "Once reported to have said she 'would not take the Prime Ministership even if it were handed.... on a platter' but her fighting qualities took over... She was formidable enough - personal magnetism to draw the masses." Bradman details the state take-over of assisted schools; arrest of FP members; the abortive coup; the appointment of William Gopallawa as Governor-General. Bradman himself took the letter from Mrs. B to London in this regard. Also the visit of the West Indies cricket team to Temple Trees: "Walcott, Weekes and Worrell were distinctly uncomfortable in the Prime Minister's presence." We have the state visit to China: "equipped with heavy fur overcoats and headgear, so that we all looked, as Felix remarked, 'like cuddlesome teddy bears', and how Sirimavo was rendered speechless by the cold. Then the 1965 elections and Sirimavo's delay in resigning. "I was being given a difficult time by the Left members. They resented my advice to Sirimavo that she resign... That night.. my car was stoned..." Then the return to power in 1970, her ouster in 1977, the Weeraratne Commission and the deprivation of her civic rights; her return to parliament as Leader of the Opposition in 1988, then Prime Minister under her daughter's Presidentship and her death on October 10, 2000. Dudley Senanayake - back in the saddle with his 'hath havula'. "I found him pugnacious and more confident," and Wimala Kannangara's remark to Bradman: "What are you doing here? Aren't you Mrs. B's Blue-eyed boy?" He records the food/rice production drive, Dudley's New Year greeting card with a cartoon of himself wearing a paddy farmer's amude and shouldering a mammoty. "I do not think any other leader in the world would have wanted to show himself publicly in this manner." We have the Kachativu debate and the Mackie Ratwatte case that caused a souring of relationships between Bradman and Sirimavo. Then to negotiations abroad: "... the Ceylon delegation was pontificating at the World Bank in Washington on the serious state of malnutrition in the country an in Asia generally. The delegation comprised Raju Coomaraswamy, 6'4" in height and weighing 210 lbs; Gamini Corea, 6'1" and 190 lbs; and Dudley himself who was no chicken at 5'10" and close to 200 lbs at the time. After the impassioned presentation, the three of them just managed to squeeze into a lift on the way down... A World Bank staffer... pushed against the back of the lift (muttered softly to himself) 'Asia's starving millions my foot!" Resignation 1970 elections. UNP defeated. Dudley drives up to the porch of Temple Trees, "grinned broadly and said, 'hell of a thing, no?' and rushed up the stairs, shouting out... 'I must empty my bladder.' He then signed the resignation letter. "When the umpire rules you out, you walk." This is but a small sampling of what this delightful and yet serious book is all about. I am tempted to go on and on, but space forbids it. You will get a wonderfully sincere picture of the author's tenure under J.R., Premadasa, D. B. Wijetunga and Ranil. When in 2004, Ranil stepped down, He says: "I decided it was time to make my final bow." Brilliantly constructed, holding back little, studded with anecdotes and an unsparing approach to detail, this book will be eagerly read by everybody in high places and low, by the man in the street, by every community, and, I hope it will bring true realization to many. So much popular thought has been spawned by political rhetoric and even slanted reportage. Bradman writes as an insider and as a man who has observed, assessed, yet never been moved to condemn. As he may well say, "There can be no life without mistakes." He still seeks and finds the good in every man. Remarkably, too, he has taken a carriage-load of memories and put them down with a facility that is truly remarkable. I can well imagine a conversation in the street, in a drawing room, even in a canteen: "What do you know about Dudley?" - Carl Muller Liberalism, cinema and censorship Cinemava Saha Varanaya Author: Chandana Silva Sooriya Publishers, Colombo 10 143 pp Rs. 200 Do parents have a right to protect their children from seeing advertisements on the streets for pornographic movies? Many Sri Lankans would answer 'yes'. The most emotional issue at present is pornography and films showing young children engaged in explicit sexual acts with adults and with each other. Public pressure has prompted the government to bring in regulation to censor such films. In Cinamava Saha Varanaya (Cinema and Censorship) Chandana Silva has focussed his attention on government censorship of films and the liberal views that go against such laws. Liberals, including Dr. Lester James Peries, often argue that the government should not try to regulate the moral behaviour of its citizens as long as the people involved are consenting adults. However, people who hold conservative views are inclined to see censorship of obscenity as a proper duty of the government. They say that a safe society can be maintained only through government regulations of such matters as sexual behaviour. Classification Censorship of films is not confined to Sri Lanka. The Kinematograph Manufacturers' Association was instrumental in setting up the British Board of Film Censors way back in 1912. When people started criticising films screened in the United States of America, the Motion Picture Producers and Distributors of America (MPPDA) was launched to censor films. Instead of censoring films completely, the Motion Picture Association of American System of Classification came into being to issue certificates to various types of films. After tracing the history of censorship in developed countries, the author has discussed how the Public Performance Board was set up in 1912. In recent times the Interim Committee of the Public Performance Board came into existence. It censored Traffic an Oscar winning English film. Thereafter many parts of Sinhala films came to be censored by the board. Sometimes film classification deprived schoolchildren from seeing Maya and Beddegama. It is debatable whether we should censor erotic and violent scenes in a film. A filmmaker would argue that such scenes are essential for his film. However, censors would find them disgusting for public consumption. Chandana Silva places the arguments both for and against censorship. Although there is a demand for films that show explicit sex scenes, nude bodies and violent acts, cinema halls find it difficult to attract members of the whole family to see them. These films cater to the needs of a cross section of society. This shows that there is a certain degree of resistance to such films from the general audience. A sensible censor board should understand this fact more than anybody else. Sexuality Since sexuality is part of human nature, some filmmakers have argued that there is nothing to worry about sex films. Veteran film director Tissa Abeysekara has said that even India has produced some controversial films, such as, Bandit Queen, Kamasutra and Fire for her conservative society. The last word on censorship has not been spoken. Therefore, Chandana Silva's Cinemava Saha Varanaya gives us a lot of food for thought to weigh the pros and cons of this issue. - R. S. Karunaratne Feelings and moods of human life by Prasad Abu Bakr The current exhibition of artist Yamuna Kumari Munasinghe shows how strong inter-relation between drawing, form and colour composition play a major role in creative-visual arts. The exhibition at Paradise Road Galleries will end on July 17. Born in Godakawela a village in the Ratnapura district, which is considered the gem city of the country Yamuna Kumari Munasinghe has managed to surface as a strong force, especially in her field of work where very few are making it to the top. The artist who followed a certificate course at Vibhavi Academy of Fine Arts eventually wrapped it up by attending classes at the famous Chitrakala Parishad in Bangalore, India. She has been deeply involved in producing and exhibiting a series of work since 1987, the year that she was presented with a Bronze Medal at the 17th International Children's All island Art Competition at the tender age of thirteen. It was in 1997 that Yamuna first went public by having her work included in the Annual Exhibition of Vibhavi Academy of Fine Arts at the National Art Gallery. Since then she has participated in this show almost annually over the years which opened up an opportunity for Yamuna to show her work at the first solo exhibition in Colombo in 1999. At the VAFA Gallery which is operated as an exhibition centre for artists by the Vibhavi Academy of Fine Arts. The number of exhibitions that she participated in and showed her work since then are many. Her work which was shown at the group exhibition to commemorate the International Women's Day in Colombo in 1999 along with a group of women artists was a total success and made many critics sit-up and take notice of her work, mainly for their freshness and composition. Another noticeable event that she shared with her other fellow artists was the flag painting project which was a concentrated effort by artistes at painting flags depicting peace. Selected works were later exhibited with Anoma's work amongst them. She has been a regular participant at various events organised by The George Keyt Foundation as the International Artists Camp, Nawa Kalakarowo and Young Contemporaries and also the many 'Kala Polas' [Art Bazaars] that the foundation was responsible in organising over the years. It was in 2001 that Yamuna achieved the best results for her hard work put in over the past few years as a full time artist, which is not the easiest career to indulge in here. Besides winning the first place for her entry submitted to the National Certificate show that year Yamuna was selected to participate in the 10th Asia Art bienniel exhibition held in Dhaka, Bangladesh the same year. **** Back **** |
|
News | Business | Features
| Editorial | Security
Produced by Lake House |
Once again there ensued a silence. The young man had virtually
forgotten what his mission had been. Dr. Adikaram too had not asked any
question as to why he had come or what he wanted to know or any other
question.
In her research, she explores a world which is exclusively of women; a
world which is ugly and gory; pathetic and depressing, a world which
exudes the smell of blood, the sound of desperate sighs and heart-rending
cries of women of every age; daughters, sisters and mothers, an atmosphere
breathing anger, and helplessness.
Those noble concepts were given furtherance by his successors and the
Pilimatalavuvas wielded immense power that they were king-makers. Rajadhi
Rajasimha and Sri Vickrama Rajasimha were two such kings enthroned by
Pilimatalavuva. These, however, were makeshift arrangements as the Adigar
was biding his time to install on the throne, a bhoomiputra with the
proper credentials.
