Professor Ediriweera Sarachchandra:

Legacy lives on

Rupa BANDUWARDENA

University of Peradeniya the one and only university of world standing at its beginnings was located in a site of great natural beauty. Set among the salubrious hills and mountain ranges with Mahaweli winding its way through, it was without a rival in its scenic splendour. The most renowned and well equipped in the Asian region to achieve academic excellence.

The pioneer, founder vice chancellor made it a magnificent seat of learning, in its true sense – a perfect one Sir Ivor Jennings the key to the great success made a meaningful contribution to university education. The quality and the reliability of services and facilities offered were marvellous.

It was against this backdrop that there emerged the legendary dramatist, eminent author, literary critic, among the galaxy of men who adorned the university at that time. He was none other than Professor Ediriweera Sarachchandra the Drama colossus of the era.

Dramatist like no other

He was undoubtedly a towering future in the world of drama in which he and he alone did much research for its forward march. After returning from his research work in Japan he would talk of Kabuki. His interests were centred round drama, being the first to introduce a new type of Lankan society. Maname was a remarkable achievement and a historic victory for him. It came to be ranked as the first ever best drama written and produced at the time.

Among his other dramas, Maname was a superb drama – par-excellence. Due to his gifted interest young talent was explored to its fullest. Edmond, Shyamon, Pastor, Lionel, Trilicia, Hemamali, Indrani, Trixie and Swarna were the lucky ones to be his choice.

He produced them to be the most talented actors at the time. It is so sad that some members of the original caste are not among the living. The much talked about Maname the greatest show was launched in late 1956 in the Open Air Stadium also a creation of this intellectual genius. The rousing reception accorded to them in every town where Maname went was an indication of its significance.

All drama loving people seemed to be in love with him. Subsequently the whole university and the entire island. Leave aside his other numerous drama creations with Maname his name has gone down the annals of history. The result was the creation of a new generation of dramatists with correct guidance needed to keep up the true spirit of drama.

The impact of his drama was so great that it paved the way for subsequent dramas to be produced by his pupils and close associates. Mention should also be made of the Drama Circle formed by him and Sinhabahu that followed immediately.

Reputed literati

Beginnings of literary criticism at Peradeniya also could be attributed to Prof. Sarachchandra. He had read widely in the course of which he had grasped the western and oriental tradition in criticism.

While motivating a dramatic era giving the opportunity for the talented lot his spirit reawakened the interest in the literary arena. He contributed much towards the Buddhist revival. He linked drama with Buddhism with his selection of Jataka stories for the theme with stylised and rhythmic walk throughout.

The song Premayen Manaranjithawe... had become the hot favourite of Lankans still holding fond memories of the illustrious master. The creative critical resurgence associated with the university at the time commenced with him, with his close colleagues like, Prof Siri Gunasinghe and Gunadasa Amerasekera. Nisandas – the novel literary verse form came to the fore with them, is admired to date.

Among his other books Sahithya Vidyawa dealt with his new theories of criticism. Consequently many literary critics emerged from among the undergraduates. Sinhala Navakatha Ithihasaya is another great creation supposed to be a well-known literary work of his. These books which he authored after much research was an asset to the students of the subject.

The wealth of experience he had gained from his research work abroad and the foreign exposure was a contributing factor. It was a joyful era for those who were at the university during his time.

His pupils and his own family are keeping him alive by following in his foot steps, carrying on his values and principles.

He has left a memory so beautiful as a shrining example of university educationist, then as the most versatile drama patriot with his superior performance to the entire student community.

He marked a significant milestone in aesthetic history of the island. The service thus rendered to his motherland and Sinhala culture will linger on.