APPRECIATION
E M C Amunugama
I knew E M C Amunugama when he was Principal of Vijaya College,
Matale where I studied in the 1960s. When I think of him, several
adjectives come to my mind in describing him. He was very sympathetic
teacher who always tried to instil in his students not only the need for
good conduct but also the need to take what was best in tradition and
convention. I remember that when he became Principal, he wanted the male
students to wear either the national dress or trousers and shirts, and
the female students to wear school uniform or the lama saree. He also
initiated many cultural pageants and dramas in the school. I remember
the Sirikalakanni, which was entitled by him as Govi Palen Raja Madurata,
which was staged at the Lumbini Theatre, Colombo. I had the opportunity
to act in that play which won an all island award.
Amunugama was always concerned about his students. He made
arrangements to coach students weak in various subjects and there were
times personally known to me when he accommodated students who could
ill-afford hostel facilities free of charge. He believed that knowledge
was a commodity that should have free access by all irrespective of
their wealth and social status.
Amunugama was also a scholar particularly in the field of history. He
read widely on the subject and there were many occasions that I remember
when he talked to us enthusiastically about his research into social and
anthropological history and encouraged us to pursue such studies.
Although he stuck to tradition and cultural values, he was
nevertheless liberal in his outlook. He did not want us to follow
whatever was taught to us like parrots but always insisted that we
should think for ourselves and read more and more and study more and
more. In fact, this is a cogent feature in his life because unlike the
typical schoolteacher he was always searching for new knowledge with the
ulterior aim of widening the horizons of learning.
Among many books written by Amunugama, I would consider The History
of Ancient Aryan Tribes in Sri Lanka as a classic. It is a study into
our ancient civilization in Pre-Buddhist times. It dwells deep into the
fascinating study of tribes like yakshas, nagas, devas and shakyas who
inhabited this island long before Vijaya set foot on it. Comparatively,
the book still remains a serious study into the remote areas of our
civilization where scant attention has been made. Writing a foreword to
this book former President J R Jayewardene says, “The History of Ancient
Aryan Tribes in Sri Lanka by E M C Amunugama, whom I have known for many
years, is a very interesting publication. Amunugama’s book is an
interesting dissertation on a very fascinating subject. It should evoke
special interest among the people of Sri Lanka, particularly the
Sinhalese, and also among the students.”
Looking back to the time I studied under Amunugama in the Vijaya
College Matale, I have very fond of recollections of a teacher who
moulded generations of students. He was kind, liberal and sympathetic
and he always wanted his students to do well in life and be a shining
example to the nation. I can honestly say most of the good things I have
in my own life owe their existence to teachers like Amunugama who stood
as a beacon light among the teachers.
On the 10th anniversary of his death, which falls on 11th February
2013, I pay my humble respects to an illustrious teacher who opened our
eyes to look at the best and mould our characters accordingly.
- Ariyaratna Hettiarachchi
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