Academic approach to traditions

Nipuni Wimalapala

Asoka Dissanayake addressing the gathering

Tradition and culture are two different concepts which always remain related to each other. Everywhere in the world there are traditions within every culture which are unique and different.

When it comes to culture and its traditions, Sri Lanka possesses a lot which are based on ancient sources. Traditional Sri Lankan dancing is the best example for it in which there are a lot of traditional features are appeared and all of them are respected much by the ones who follow it.

Refreshing the significance of one of the most historical and traditional features of traditional dancing, a book is written by the name of 'Punkalasa'. It is authored by Senior Professor Asoka Dissanayake of Visual and Performing Arts University. The book launch took place recently at the university with the participation of a lot of senior academics.

Academic research

The book is titled as 'Shanthikarmawaladi Bhawitha Punkalasa' which is an academic research and an excellent source to be used as an education tool. Along with the book, a trilogy of CDs named, 'Pahatharata Shanthikarma Narthanaga ha Bandi Gayana', 'Pahatharata Sindu Wannam' and 'Pahatharata Sampradayika Gayana' was launched. The CDs too are produced following research.

Performing traditional dance item

"I was originally a Kandyan dancer. But once I entered the university I started learning low country dancing from the first year. I grasped it well and excelled in it. Throughout my academic career I have done many researches and identified certain difficulties in learning low country dancing. To help the students who follow Low Country dancing, I wrote this book and produced the CDs which will give them a better understanding. I always try to contribute something worth to the students.

This is one of efforts to make students equipped with proper academic sources," Prof. Asoka mentioned.

Reviewing the book, Prof. Ariyaratne Kaluarachchi stressed the significance of the book as an academic source and its usage in studies for the students who learn the subject as well as who are interested in the subject.

"Throughout the book, she has emphasized the significance of Punkalasa in our traditional arts in different aspects. It has been a very prominent symbol of Sri Lankan culture and has been used in a lot of important traditional occasions to represent something. Even in our ancient Sandesha Kawya, Punkalasa is mentioned as an essential item. In today's society it is obvious that it is used as a precious symbol in many aspects," he said.

Practical aspects

This book on Punkalasa is a perfect one which is written after a lot of academic researches. "Today these type of books are rare and a very few people are interested in contributing their knowledge to the upcoming generation.

But she has done it ideally. This is a huge support for the students who follow the subject and CDs would also help them out in practical aspects," he noted.

Pancha nari Gata on stage

Handing over the book to the guests. Picture by Wasitha Patabandige

The Visual and Performing Arts University Vice Chancellor Senior Professor Jayasena Kottagoda addressing the gathering said every academic should contribute something to the next generation and it should be an standard one with a perfect approach.

"The book and the CDs are a perfect collection of academic resources. Through this type of things the particular subjects could be enriched with new areas.

The author is one of my best students those days and now we are colleagues in the same university. She is originally from Kandy though she ideally excelled in Low Country dancing.

It is a rare achievement. When I first met her as a student, she was a genuine Kandyan dancer. But today she even writes on Low Country dancing is amazing," said Prof. Kottagoda.

Illustrating the significance of the CDs, Prof. Mudiyanse Dissanayake expressed that it is highly valuable for students to be used in their practical examinations. "These CDs are quite applicable for the practical studies of students and the content is very clear and easily understandable. The audio tracts would give a better impression to students than the written sources. They can carefully listen to them and grasp well without confusions," he noted.

Creativity and elegance

Apart from the book and the CDs Prof. Asoka has created a novel creative dance based on a traditional painting called Pancha Nari Gata. This is a highly admirable and eye catchy dance which is full of tradition, creativity and elegance. Creating a dance based on a painting is something quite challenging. Pancha Nari Gata is a painting of five women who are bound to each other. The dance brings out their story.