Indelible Professor in Sinhala and Sociology
Prof Nandasena Rathnapala's third death anniversary
today:
Professor Nandasena Rathnapala was born at Kurukude, a remote village
in Bandarawela. He will be remembered, as a scholar who has rendered a
great service in the fields of Sinhala literature, Sociology, Folklore,
Anthropology and Criminology.
Rathnapala had his primary education at Kurukude Primary School. He
was selected to St. John College, Panadura after he passed the Year Five
Scholarship examination.
Professor Nandasena Rathnapala |
He was later admitted to Royal College, Colombo. At that time, Norman
Weerasooriya, Singaruwele and Lalith Athulathmudali were his
contemporaries.
In 1955, young Rathnapala entered Peradeniya University. There, he
showed his inborn talents. He became the Buddhist Brotherhood
Association Chairman. In addition, Rathnapala became very popular among
students, as the Leader of Sinhala Bhasha Peramuna. Therefore, he was
recognized, as the hero of Sinhala Bhasha. In the first year, he won the
Best Speaker's prize and the Best Short Story writer's prize at
Peradeniya University.
In 1959, Rathnapala obtained his Special Degree with a Second-Class
Upper Division. Therefore, he was recruited to Peradeniya University, as
a Sinhala Lecturer.
In 1960, he joined the Vidyodaya University, as a permanent lecturer.
Rathnapala displayed his talents in various fields. He was a poet,
short-story writer, novelist, literary critic, sociologist and a
criminologist. He wrote three collections of poetry. They are Maranin
Eha Anthrawai and Kalawane Sita Liyoo Kawi. However, Kalawane Sita Liyoo
Kawi has not been published yet. He had written three short-story
collections named Noliyoo Potha, Ridee Po-oru and Aids Saha Thawath
Katha. Noliyoo Potha was published, when he was a University student.
However, this collection shows his maturation. In addition, he had
composed several novels Nodanimi Kage Dosa was his first novel.
His other fictions were Uda Hiru, Ahasa Kada Wettei, Jaya Sri
Emathithumani, Simon Bas Saha Birindewaru and Evilena Gini Del.
Rathnapala was recognized among scholars and readers in the decades
of 1960, as a revolutionary critic. His literary criticisms were popular
among many readers.
They loved his revolutionary opinions and new ideas.
In 1972, this young lecturer was attached to Sociology and
Anthropology Section in the University. Thereafter, he was famous as a
recognized sociologist all over the island. He had composed many books
in related to the field of sociology too. In 1976, he did researches on
beggars in Sri Lanka.
He wrote the book Beggars in Sri Lanka after tiring research. This
book was famous internationally. This scholar laid the foundation to
start a local sociology. He introduced Buddhist Sociology into our
country.
Professor Rathnapala had written nearly 120 books, when his death
occurred. He won four doctorates. Sudden death of Professor is an
irreparable loss to the nation.
His value will be felt tomorrow than today.
- Rohana Wansatilaka |