Kelaniya University felicitates Prof. Tilakasiri

The Department of Sanskrit of the University of Kelaniya held a function on March 24 to honour and express their appreciation of the service rendered by Professor Emeritus Jayadeva Tilakasiri for the development of Sanskrit language and literature.

He is the author of several books in Sinhala and English during his university career, a service rendered to students who were not proficient in English, which are still used by students reading for teaching and writing in Sinhala, essentially.

Dr. Tilakasiri's former students, colleagues and academic scholars, including student monks and staff of the university participated at the meeting.

The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Sarath Amunugama, presided the meeting and expressed the appreciation of the University in conferring him this honour following an earlier conferment of Hon. D. Litt. at the University Convocation by the same university a few years ago.

Dr. Tilakasiri presented a few copies of his Sinhala publications at the end of the function where a scroll and a plaque were presented to him in recognition of his service for the advancement of Sanskrit studies in Sri Lanka.

Although the University was closed it was possible to allow the function to be organised by the staff of the Sanskrit Dept. with the cooperation of the authorities.

The Kelaniya University had organised similar functions in honour of the former University Professors in Sanskrit, the late Samson Weeratunga and Hiran Jayasuriya.

Prof. Tilakasiri is also known for his consultation and contribution to the development of traditional and contemporary puppetry.

It included the presentation of puppet drama through local artistes in India, Taiwan, Japan and Pakistan as a member of UNIMA, the world body of puppetry, drama and art.

A few years ago he was conferred an honorary membership of UNIMA in recognition of his services for the promotion of the art as an author, amateur artiste and director of puppet drama.