Archeology, heart of a nation

Nipuni WIMALAPALA

He is dedicated to the work of protecting the remaining archaeological sites of the country by educating people. His service has stood for many years. What he believes is that there should be a sense within people towards ancient remains. Educating the young would do much to help preserve the archaeology of the country.

Sirisaman Wijethunga is undoubtedly a familiar name among those interested in ancient values, archeology and history of Sri Lanka. He has written a number of books on the subject. Being the former Assistant Director of Archaeology Department, tourist guide and a lecturer at Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority, former Coordinating Secretary of National Heritage Ministry, former Media Consultant of Central Cultural Fund and the Secretary to the Senarath Paranavithana Foundation, he had rendered an impressive service to educate and assist people on the country's archeological value.

His latest book 'Sri Lankave Purana Urumaya - 1' was launched recently with the presence of many academic figures and schoolchildren at the auditorium of Urban Council, Kurunegala.

"This would definitely be a valuable book for both children and adults. I wanted to educate people by writing this book. Today people are not much aware of the value of archeology and our own history. That is why there are many who rob and dig artifacts. So my expectation is to educate the young generation and give them a sense about our own history. I believe that the school syllabuses must consist history through which children could be educated. I try my best to enrich children to make them determine that they are the owners and guardians of the remaining artifacts and archaeological sites. Then they will be responsible to protect them," noted the author Wijethunga.

The book is quite valuable since it carries our historical heritage from ancient times to the kingdom of Sri Jayawardenepura in a very simple and readable language. Especially the things written about the recent archaeological research would be valuable not only for the children but even for the adults.

The author had emphasized the way of uniting the country by ancient kings such as King Dutugemunu, King Walagamba, King Wasabha, King Dhathusena, King Mahavijayabahu, King Mahaparakramabahu, King Parakramabahu 6. Through the descriptions of those patriotic conflicts, the writer has given an approach to the current peace situation in Sri Lanka as well. Wijethunga has done many researches regarding the history and archeology of ancient Sri Lanka during his working period. The book is a result of those successful researches. His long-term involvement in the archeology field has sharpened his knowledge.

Author thanked Samudrika de Silva and Ajith Dharmasiri the Chief Editor of Mihira newspaper for assistance.