Sanskrti Journal, March 2009, Richly rewarding reading round

The March 2009 issue (Volume 20:I) was presented to the public on March 28. It presages the new shape of Sanskrti that was announced in this newspaper a few weeks ago.

There are thirteen pieces of writing, one, unusually, in English. Five of them evaluate or appreciate works of creative writing. The two novels are Siri Gunesinghe’s miringuva allema reviewed by Amaradasa Virasinha and Pushparani Wickremaratne’s sayuru tera inda, reviewed by Bobbie Boteju; the poet is G. H. Perera of Boralesgamuwa, appreciated by H. A. P. Abhayavardhena; and the movie, machang, that has been much talked about, reviewed by E. M. G. Edirisinghe.

The fifth is an endearing essay in English written by M. B. Mathmaluwe, assessing the contribution made in the Sanskrti Journal from 1953 to the cultivation of the Sinhala language. Sanskrti will continue with this effort to foster a critical literature and welcomes contributions in that genre.

Two essays are on economic questions, both responding to currently prominent concerns. Yasasiri (Y.W) Gunewardena writes on risks in investment drawing attention, in easily understood manner, to varying degrees of risk in markets in Sri Lanka today.

Usvattearatchi writes on the state in the economy, under a deceptive title, a theme subject to much controversy in the world today. C.A. Lenin Divakara questions the wisdom of introducing English as the medium of instruction in second and third levels of education in our country. This is likely to raise much controversy and Sanskrti welcomes all shades of opinion, well expressed.

Senevi Epitavatta presents an all too brief recount of interactions between man and the rest of his environment in Sri Lanka over a long period of time. Sanskrti remains open for comments on this subject.

Amaradasa Virasinha is back with one of his main academic interests, when he interprets national symbols (for example, the national flag) as mechanisms of integration and coins a new word sangataya for integration. Virasinha also pays a touching tribute to one of his colleagues, Piyadasa Mahindasiri, who contributed richly to the growth of Sanskrti and died in February 2009.

There are four short pieces reporting the work of Sanskrti during the last few months and giving the reader detailed information on forthcoming meetings and issues of Sanskrti.

There you have a wealth of enriching reading material and information useful for your further participation in Sanskrti activities. The April monthly meeting of Sanskrti will be at 10 in the morning on April 25 at 490/5 Havelock Road, Colombo 06.