Evoking childhood memories

Punchi Kale Mang
Author: Sagarika Dissanayake
Publisher: Surasa

Some people hardly need the encouragement to revive their childhood memories. Often we hear them referring to their bygone era as ‘those were the days’.

Childhood reflects innocence, fresh discoveries and opens and whole new world before young eyes. It spares them of social issues and the turmoil in connection with the adult world. It is a time where an individual is free to enjoy the carefree lifestyle and express their views genuinely.

These are the facts that mould the personality of the child as he or she attains adulthood. Most of them still remember some incident or emblem from the past that have inspired or had a huge impact on their lives. Some of these memories have run as far as to change the course of their life and take them along a less traveled and diverse path. They helped them to make their mark in the world, the nation or their chosen field.

These inspiring stories have now been gathered and compiled into a book by Silumina Deputy Features Editor Sagarika Dissanayake. A renowned journalist working on a diverse range of topics, Dissanayake has picked some extraordinary and well known figures in society to reflect upon their wonder years and tell tales that will nurture the future generation.

Titled ‘Punchi Kale Mang’ the book chronicles some of the best times in the lives of individuals like Ven Pallegama Sirinivasa Maha Thera, Eminence Most Rev Dr. Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith, Jayalath Manoratne, Tony Ranasinghe, Vedda Chief Uru Varge Vannilaththo and many others. Each story is not only insightful but also includes some genuinely funny incidents. These stores have been carried out as a series in the Silumina newspaper during the past and had been widely red by its readers.

‘Punchi Kale Mang’ is not only a celebration of the happy and cheery times of one’s life but it is also a source of motivation for others who have idolized these figures who have reached the top notch rang in their field or have set an example to others by following their hearts.

- Ruwini Jayawardana