A useful reference to the field of Education

Educating the Sri Lankan for the new Era- C. Kariyawasam

Book Review

A book written in 2020 by well known author and former Professor in Education C. Kariyawasam, yet published in 2021, due to the pandemic situation in the country is now available at Sarasaviya book shops, countrywide.

Educating the Sri Lankan for the new era is unique due to several reasons. It is the first book published on such a theme which is very relevant to be considered in the present changes envisaged in the context of Education in Sri Lanka.

It relates directly to Sri Lanka’s first National Goal to be achieved through Education.

“Nation building and the establishment of a Sri Lankan identity though the promotion of national cohesion, national integrity, national unity, harmony, and peace, and recognising cultural diversity in Sri Lanka’s plural society within a concept of respect for human dignity” (NEC, 2003, p.71)

The book brings together information which the reader would not have been able to gather even after reading hundreds of books. Truly an encyclopaedia!

Søren Kierkegaard, 19th century Danish theologian, author, poet and existentialist philosopher said

“Life must be understood backward. But it must be lived forward.”

Professor Kariyawasam also exemplifies this idea when he states in the introduction “there is a shift in our mind set to overlook the fundamentals of life – not seeing the wood for the trees in education”p.3. Therefore, the author goes on to explain what is philosophy, Educational Philosophy, what is Education and its aims and finally ends the introduction with the importance of a philosophy for a teacher. I am certain that the reader will come to the ” frightening conclusion that s/he is the decisive element in the classroom” (p.31)

In Chapter 2 the author asks a pertinent question “what education is of most worth for Nation- building? Acknowledging the fact that “there is no consensus about education in any society he goes on to discuss twentytwo aspects to be considered for a development-oriented- futuristic education. Professor Kariyawasam stresses that education must produce “a smarter, faster, brighter and a great breed of Sri Lankans for the greatness of Sri Lanka for the futures” (p.38)

Therefore, Chapter 3 which comprises the bulk of the book discusses the multi facets of an educated Sri Lankan. Socrates claimed that “unexamined life is not worth living”. Thus, fittingly the first characteristic the author advocates is “understanding oneself”. He elaborates on facets that Sri Lankan could be proud of in the past such as possessing a simple life style and gratitude. Unfortunately, such values are declining today and the author warns of the dangers of this decline. Further, he also illustrates need for facets such as multiculturalism, ICT competency and entrepreneurship which are needed to survive in a fast growing complex society in the future.

The author’s last dictum is quite correct when he says that “Sri Lanka’s future is now being shaped in our school classrooms” and education should be able to produce “a better human being equipped with multi-faceted competencies” (p.120)

Professor Kariyawasam has a unique writing style which could be seen in all his publications. He writes in simple language but using local idiom yet maintains an academic genre. He draws inspiration both from western, eastern as well as traditional knowledge.

I would recommend this book especially to Undergraduate and Post Graduate students in the field of Education who are unable to access quality reference material written in simple but academic language in English. However, it is a book that should be read not only by students, but teachers, parents, policy-makers and politicians as well.

Marie Perera

(The reviewer is Emeritus Professor of Humanities Education, University of Colombo)