Enchanting anthology of articles

Reviewed by
Dr. Namel Weeramuni

It was a combination of pleasure and education for me to read the miscellany of articles that Dr. Punchihewa recently provided to the readers in his newest publication, a fine assemblage of articles published locally and abroad by him, put together as a whole.

What is interesting about it is the variety of the articles that range from history, archeology, administration, personalities, book reviews to miscellaneous. Dr Punchihewa’s leading article digs into a string of Archeological Sites on the East Coast. Among them are Sri Samudragiri Rajamaha Viharaya, in Mullaitivu, and Girihandu Chaitya in Tiriyaya. The latter, according to a Sanskrit inscription found near the, Chaitya, has been founded by two brother “merchants named Tapassu and Bhalluka.” The two brothers “are considered the first lay disciples who offered food to the Buddha immediately after his enlightenment.”

The book also deals with other historical and archeological sites in the East. Like Kuchchuaveli Rajamaha Viharaya, Velgamvehera, Gokanna Viharaya, Seruvila Rajamaha Viharaya, Lankapatuna, Pasana Pabbata Rajamaha Viharaya, Madu Maha Viharaya, Magul Mal Viharaya, Dighavapi, Rajagala, Buddhangala and Nilagiri Viharas. Almost all these sites date back to pre-Christian times and are of historical and archaeological interest. Punchihewa points out that “the time has come to draw the interests of the Buddhists to the numerous Buddhists/archeological sites in the East of which they were not aware and hence neglected, destroyed, encroached upon and eroded by the sea.” In the not too distant past, the pilgrims who risked the journey took days and weeks and, even months, to reach their destination, leaving all their movables and immovables to their survivors before setting off.

He also states that “there are places unexplored by many and located along some of the most beautiful beaches of the island in the east. An added bonus for the visitors would be the close proximity to archeological sites in Moneragala District, the Kumana Bird Sanctuary, Lahugala Kitulana National Park, hot springs at Maha Oya and Kinniya, Trincomalee Harbour, Passekudah and many more places of interest. A trip to the East could have a combination of religious, cultural, educational and leisure components, all in one package.”

The next set of articles relate more to historical events. They are of mixed origins. Primarily Saliya Asokamaala saga and King Dutugamunu’s magnanimity take prominence. Saliya was a prince, the heir to the throne. Author of Saddhammalankaraya described him as “handsome, fearless, generous, religious, intelligent and regal, and was to take over a prosperous, united country.” On the contrary Asokamala was an untouchable, or of the lowest caste of Chandala, but unbelievably beautiful as articulated by the Brahmins who were sent by King Dutugamunu to report on her looks. They reported that she was endowed with 64 feminine signs of beauty. They were so intoxicated by her beauty, and described her in glowing terms as follows.”

“O, Majesty, Asokamala possesses a golden hued body. Her two eyes, long and broad, are similar to two petals of blue lilies. She has a wide and full hip; a deep naval like a whirlpool in a golden sea; a waist very slim. Her two soles are soft and red like the two petals of ratambula flower. O, Majesty, if a woman’s head is round and blue, eyes long and wide similar to two petals of lilies, face beautiful like golden lotus, limbs full of flesh, she is certainly a very fortunate one. She has very lucky signs and is suitable even for a universal monarch.”

Besides this chapter there are a number of other articles which are very interesting, readable, educational and knowledge wise very useful. The chapter ‘Tulabhara: An age-old tradition revived for a worthy cause three years ago’ is a must read, to know what sort of tradition existed at the time of King Bhathiya followed by Kings Vijayabahu I, and Nissankamalla.

Rather than touch upon each article in the book, even slightly, I feel that all the articles are absolute essential reads. It’s because they are so interesting, qualitatively fact full, highly educational, and well composed for easy reading. I leave it to the readers to get accustomed to. Yet I must emphasize on very four salient chapters or articles that cannot and should not be missed by the readers. They are mainly (1) ‘The Ceylon Civil Service (C.C.S) and The University of Ceylon, A Symbiotic Relationship; (2) Current Trends in the Coconut Industry; (3) Eye Witnesses at Executions; (4) The Government Agent Remembers Colvin as M.P. for Agalawatte.

Colvin referred to here is the famous Dr. Colvin R. de Silva. He was hailed as a legal genius, an educationist, a brilliant debater and arguer and a breathtaking and convincing speaker. He had four or five styles, befitting the occasions and audiences. A wonderful, honou rable and honest Parliamentarian and later Minister. He was highly principled and a genuine Marxist. In 1937 he was made a King’s Counsel. He being a Marxist declined the title on principle and in 1975 resigned as a Minister, from the Srimavo Bandaranaike government on a disagreement with the Prime Minister. More importantly he was simple, decent, courteous and a deeply compassionate human being. These qualities are very well depicted in the article.

Finally, I must say that the three short stories – titled ‘To Kill or Not to Kill’, ‘Noble Co-existence’, and ‘Filial Affection’ – the author sets at the very end of the book, are quite interesting. Though they seem simple, they invoke a tremendous sense of empathy in the minds of the readers.