Book review:

Wordsmith par excellence

Dr Lester James Peries presents: A collection of articles by Ajith Samaranayake

Compiler: Kathya de Silva
Publication: Lake House
Pages:143
Price: Rs 480

It is finally here! A collection of articles of the master wordsmith of yesteryear, Ajith Samaranayake, has been gathered, categorized by subject and woven into the pages of this slim-bound volume presented by Lake House publications.

Interestingly it is another master, the doyen of Sri Lankan cinema and former journalist, Dr Lester James Peries, who had taken on this much needed task of paying homage to Samaranayake. Locating Samaranayake’s finest pieces of writing from the archives is a time consuming task but one he had taken on with much dedication. And the final result is that the book speaks for itself.

It had added to the value of the late journalist’s work by proving that he is indeed among a few whose work should not go unnoticed beyond 24 hours after publication but needs to be reread and quoted over and over again. Samaranayake’s work has universal appeal. He was praised for his simple yet effective style which managed to touch the hearts and minds of individuals from all walks of life.

Penning on a variety of topics from politics to less serious matters connected with everyday life, the gifted writer drove home his message in a subtle yet effective manner. His Sunday Essay was one of the most looked forward to pieces of writing among the readership of the country during that period.

As Dr Peries rightly points out in his forward, Samaranayake had three qualities in his work: irony, witticism and the power to hold the readers in his grip clichés. Often one would read his articles a second or even a third time and maybe even more than that.

His work is an example not only to budding young journalists but also individuals from diverse fields because of its timeless nature and themes.

They also speak volumes about his character: his fearlessness to air his views and speak his mind as well as his ability to manipulate the English language in the most influential manner. Dr Lester James Peries presents: A collection of articles by Ajith Samaranayake comprises 40 articles written by the veteran journalist while he was attached to the Sunday Observer.

The collection has been categorized into four themes: whirlpool of politics, anecdotes, aesthetics and tribute to the mentors by the compiler, Kathya de Silva.

Samaranayake’s untimely death is a great loss to the nation but his work, now brought together within these pages is a fitting tribute to this extraordinarily humble being. As the great English writer William Shakespeare once wrote in his sonnet 18:

So long as men can breathe or eyes can see,

So long lives this and this gives life to thee.

- Ruwini Jayawardana