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Book Review:
Christian contribution in Sri Lanka
Title: Some Christian Contributions in Sri
Lanka
Author: Archbishop Oswald Gomis
Publisher: Catholic Publication Centre – Colombo 8
Page count: 90
A concerted effort is been made by those opposed to Sri Lanka
Catholics, to push them to the wall, seal them with Portuguese stamp and
treat them like some alien species. But they forget or overlook the fact
that the Catholic / Christians are legitimate citizens, a part and
parcel of the legacy of Sri Lanka history.
The book Some Christian Contributions in Sri Lanka is authored by
former Archbishop Oswald Gomis MA PhD and Chancellor, Colombo
University.
His Lordship has also authored a Sinhala book dealing with the same
subject titled Sri Lankaway Kithunu Dayakathwaya for the wider
circulation and readership among the Catholics and those who are keen to
know the historical truth.
The book is an effort to answer the widely spreading falsehood
against the Catholics. It is meant both to enlighten those who are blind
to the truth and also enhance the knowledge over the contribution made
by the Catholic community, which is “often belittled by many.”
In his preface to the book, His Lordship Oswald Gomis states that
“the time has now come to place facts and educate primarily our own
Catholics and other Christian communities about our history and our
contribution to the welfare of our mother -land, Sri Lanka.”
The author says: “these are some …ignorance of facts; and believe in
fiction maliciously propagated; others “well-intentioned but
ill-informed;” and yet there are others “who are quite aware of facts
but they prefer to believe in fiction…..they often fabricate themselves
and give credence to achieve their own ends”.
Citing historical facts the author impress on the reader that the
presence of Catholics in Sri Lankan soil was not from the times of the
Portuguese as some like to believe, but it goes back to the times of St
Thomas in the very first century and that is long before the arrival of
the Portuguese.
“The Catholics at that time were refereed to, as “St Thomas
Christians” and the “Christian history began with St Thomas……They were
present both in Mannar (Mantai) and Trincomalee (Gokannna) during early
periods of the Sinhala Kings. The Christians were also present in the
royal palace in Sigiriya.
In this regard the author draws the attention of the reader to the
“Story of Sigiriya” a book written by the eminent Commissioner of
Archeology Prof Senerath Paranavithana. That book speaks about the
presence of “Christian community in Sigiriya”, at that time.
His Lordship also underscores the contribution made by the eminent
Catholic personalities in the independent struggle working hand in hand
with the rest of the community. When the riots broke between the
Buddhists and the Muslims of this country in the year1915, the role
played by the Catholics and Christians were appreciated by the Buddhist
clergy.
Buddhist leaders were put behind bars by the British administration
over the Buddhist-Muslim riots. Sir James Peiris, a Catholic, took the
leadership to protest over the issue and get the Buddhist leaders
released. This was a shocking experience to the British administrators.
Most Ven Aggamaha Panditha Polwatte Buddhadhatta Nayaka Thera, the
Head of the Kalyaniwansa Nikaya writing to the biography of Sir James
Peiris, paid tribute to him in glowing terms: “Sir James Peiris, a
pioneer contemporary politician…. A sincere dedicated statesman,,, a
great exemplary person”.
When the Muslim community came under attack at Beruwala, it was the
Catholic community that protected them and saved many lives.
The book also deals sufficiently to convince the reader over the role
played by the Catholics in the struggle to win independence to the
country.
Special mentioned is made to the role played by Rev Fr D J Nicholas
Perera OMI, a member of the delegation that visited the Britain
Secretary of State demanding independence. Another Christian E.W. Perera,
is mentioned.
The author should be congratulated for making efforts to include the
significant roles played by the Catholics and Christians in several
vital areas of social, religious and cultural life of the polity,
manifesting their patriotism.
- WIRUMA |
