Writings of Life

Wednesday, May 13, 2015

The joy of giving

Sunday, 4 January 2015

A children's short story:

by Husna Inayathullah

"As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands, one for helping yourself, the other for helping others." - Audrey Hepburn

It was new year at school. Sara was excited and happy to go to school. She was promoted to grade seven this year. She was in her new school uniform and a pair of new shoes which she got as a present for Christmas from her mother.

Sara was happy with her new school text and exercise books which were very colourful with different sizes and shapes of flowers and princesses on their covers. She always loved to use new books. Sara arranged her new books and stationery with the help of her elder brother and placed them into her new pink coloured school bag.

"Sara, it's already time up for school. Come quickly," said her dad. Sara was looking into the mirror for several times adjusting her new hairstyle. She thought of having a new hairstyle to school this year and had her haircut like the Hollywood Selena Gomez who is one of her favourites.

Sara waved goodbye to her mum and brother. She left for school with her dad by car. While she was on her way to school, she saw many other school children like her going at school. Sara was imagining how things would be in school. She was wondering about her new classroom, new class teacher and her new friends.

All of a sudden Sara saw a girl of her age walking to school but not in a new uniform and a new pair of shoes like hers. She was so disappointed and worried when she saw the plight of the girl. "Dad, dad! Can you please stop the car?" said Sara. "Why my dear? Can't you understand that it's already late to school and that it's late for me to office too?" her dad said.

"Dad, look at the girl on your right. She seems to be in a very pathetic situation. Can we help her dad?" asked Sara.

"Yes, of course my dear. We can help her," said dad. The girl outside seemed to be from a very poor family. Her uniform was pale yellow. She was wearing a torn pair of dirty shoes. Her hair was not neatly combed and plaited. She was carrying her books in a shopping bag. Sara was upset at once when she saw the poor girl. She felt like she wanted to help her. She got off the car and went towards the poor girl. "What is your name, dear?" asked Sara.

"I'm Maya," said the poor girl.

Sara asked for some money from her father and gave it to Maya. Sara said, "Maya, you can take this money and use it to buy a new uniform and a pair of new shoes." Maya was thinking for a moment without taking the money. She was wondering because it was given to her all of a sudden by a stranger. "But why should you give me money? If my parents knew they will blame me," said Maya.

"I am giving this as a present for you. You can make use of it. You can stitch a new uniform, buy a new pair of shoes and school bag. Take it. Please Maya," said Sara.

"Thank you so much for the help you did for me. God bless you," said Maya. Sara was so happy to help a girl of her own age like Maya. She was so happy and satisfied. Sara was happy to have helped someone in need.

Always tell the truth

Sunday, 6 July 2014

Short Story:

by Husna Inayathullah

There was a boy who always wished to get rid of bad habits. He was brought up in such an environment which made him adopt bad habits. His parents too were responsible for his behaviour. They always fought with each other. His father used to smoke and take intoxicants.

His mother too was in a depressed state. She always kept on worrying. She did not have the time or inclination to show affection or care for her son. She did not have the time to teach her son good manners.
Chamara, the boy was very worried. He wanted a change in his ways. He knew that his parents were wrong so he waited eagerly for someone to discipline him. Then he remembered his English teacher.
Chamara went to his teacher and said, "Sir, I have many bad habits. Which one of them should I give up first?" The teacher said, "Give up telling lies first and always tell the truth." The boy promised to do so and went home.

At night Chamara had the urge to go out and steal with his friends. Before setting out, he thought for a moment about the promise he made to the teacher. "If the teacher asks me tomorrow where I had been, what shall I say?"

"Shall I say that I went out stealing? No, I cannot say that, nor can I tell a lie. If I tell the truth, everyone will start calling me a thief. What is more, I would be punished for stealing." Chamara decided not to steal that night and gave up the bad habit.

The next day, he felt like smoking. When he was about to do so, he said to himself, "What shall I tell the teacher if she asks me what I did during the day? I cannot tell a lie, and if I tell the truth people will hate me, because a child is not supposed to smoke."

Then he gave up the idea of smoking. In this way, whenever Chamara thought of doing something bad, he remembered his promise to tell the truth at all times. One by one, he gave up all his bad habits and became a good boy.

Chamara's parents too saw this change in their child. Ultimately they too realised their fault. They felt guilty and tried to show affection and care for the child.

The boy who did a lot of bad things, reformed himself and his parents due to his promise to tell the truth. Telling the truth is a good habit. If you tell the truth others will always respect you.

An inspiring story for children

Sunday, 27 July 2014
Reviewed by Husna Inayathullah

Samaya, the story of the deaf baby elephant is written by Tineke de Silva Nijkamp with drawings of Ingrid Maters. It is a Sarvodaya Vishva Lekha publication.

The book is a first hand experience of the writer. Tineke de Silva -Nijkamp who visited Sri Lanka for the first time in 1974 with her Sri Lankan born husband Susiri de Silva. At that time she was a teacher at a Deaf School in the Netherlands her home country.

She was shocked to see that most of the deaf children in the remote villages of Sri Lanka did not attend school. Tineke had a dream to help the underprivileged deaf children to get an education.
She settled down with her husband in Sri Lanka and started the Dr. Reijntjes School for Deaf in Moratuwa. Her husband started the Sarvodaya Vishva Lekha Printing Press in Ratmalana.
Deafness in infants and children is a major issue. In children it may affect the development of language and can cause work related difficulties for adults.

Handicap

The harmful effects of childhood deafness are given little thought by many people today as it is an invisible handicap.

The writer Tineke de Silva is the founder and principal of Dr. Reijntjes School for the Deaf. She has written this story to make children and adults aware of this invisible handicap in a creative manner.

She has used animals living in the forest as her characters to convey the message. She uses elephants as her main characters. The way a baby elephant suffers from deafness in an elephant family and the way the father and mother elephant are worried is beautifully portrayed.

It is a heart-breaking short story. It makes us feel for those with a hearing impairment. The book is not only meant for children but also for adults.

Through the character of a deaf baby elephant called Samaya, Tineke portrays the problems faced by a deaf child. A deaf child has communication problems and that is shown beautifully in the story when the baby elephant gets lost in the jungle and when the other animals kept on searching for him. All the other animals in the jungle scream and shout but nothing is heard by Samaya.

Speech therapy

As soon as the deafness is found out in Samaya, the other animals help him. They start doing a speech therapy for him. This shows us that a deaf child should get speech therapy at an early stage.
It is necessary to learn the sign language when a child is born deaf. All animals in the jungle learn the sign language to communicate with the deaf baby elephant.

They did not want to make Samaya feel lonely and isolated. They wanted to understand Samaya and make him understand them to express their thoughts and communicate with each other well.

The love shown to one another in the animal world is marvellous. They are like one big family. It shows us that a deaf child can develop its skills and can get educated if the people around are helpful.

Lonely

"If Samaya cannot talk to you and you cannot understand what he wants to tell, he will become very lonely." This is indeed the emotional words of the wise owl to the other animals in the jungle when he was explaining the importance of learning the sign language to communicate with the deaf Samaya.

This shows how friendly, lovable and helpful that they are to a handicapped. Even human beings should learn this particular quality. We should show extra care and love to a handicapped so that they will not feel different and lonely. We should make them feel as other human beings.

"And do you know who is the happiest of all? Yes of course our little Samaya... He thinks life is wonderful!" Making a handicapped feel happy is something great. Little Samaya does not feel that he is handicapped instead he feels that life is wonderful due to his friends in the jungle.

This story gives a message to both adults and children. It makes us pause and think a while about the handicapped. Good qualities such as kindness, caring and sharing are shown in the story.

"The handicap of deafness is not in the ear; it is in the mind," said Marlee Matlin.

Debate competition

Sunday, 15 June 2014

Organised by the The Interact Club of Al-Imran International School, Kandy

The Interact Club (2013-2014) of Al-Imran International School, Kandy organised an inter-school debating competition which was held at the school auditorium recently. Gampola International School, Gampola (G.I.S) and Al- Imran International School, Kandy (A.I.I.S) reached the finals.

Being the first international school in Kandy, this was the maiden endeavour of the school in this respect. There was overwhelming participation from schools in the Kandy district. The competition was held successfully over a period of time, before the finals was held. Al- Imran International School emerged winners at the finals which was held on June 8 at the G.I.S school auditorium.

-H.I.

Pioneer leaders of the Al-Imran Interact Club (2013-2014) Pic: Husna Inayathullah

Students who participated in the finals in brown colour uniform are from G.I.S flanked by A.I.I.S. Pic: Husna Inayathullah

Life unplugged

Sunday, 29 March 2015

Foundation stone laid for first ever Pirivena for Bhikkhunis:

By Husna Inayathullah

International Women’s Day had greater significance for the deeply spiritual this year, with the first concrete step being taken to set up a Pirivena for Bhikkhunis. The foundation stone for the monastic college was laid at the Dekanduwala Buddhist Monastery in Horana on March 8, marking it another new frontier in the tradition of Buddhist learning. This would be the first monastic college for Bhikkhuni ordination to be set up in the history of Buddhism in Sri Lanka.
The architect of this ground breaking development is the Director, Buddhist Cultural Centre, Ven. Kirama Wimalajothi Thera, who is also the key person in the development of Bhikkhuni ordination in the Theravada tradition.

Scriptures

Bhikkhunis are mainly found in Mahayana countries such as Korea, Vietnam, China and Taiwan. According to Buddhist scriptures, the order of Bhikkhunis was first created by the Buddha at the specific request of his foster-mother Mahaprajapati Gotami, who became the first ordained Bhikkhuni. The Buddha’s chief attendant, Ananda Thera, was also instrumental in setting up the Bhikkhuni order, which spread to many other countries over the years.
Buddhism was formally introduced to Sri Lanka by Arahat Mahinda, a missionary sent by the Indian emperor Asoka during the reign of King Devanmpiya Tissa (306–266 BCE). The Bhikkhuni order was subsequently brought to the island from India by Arahat Sanghamitta Theri.

After a few centuries the Bhikkhuni order declined and it was never re-established. Although there have been several attempts to revive it due to opposition from a number of conservative senior Bhikkhus, there has been little progress to date.
Explains Ven. Kirama Wimalajothi Thera: “In accordance with the Buddhist culture, society consists of Bhikkhus, Bhikkhunis, Upasakas (male devotees) and Upasikas (female devotees) and is based on their inter-relationships. It is so constituted that it would at the end, may be after many births, facilitate and culminate in the attainment of Nirvana, the Summun Bonum for all who thus form a part of society.”

Structure

He claims the basic structure of society, mostly accepted as the foundation of the Buddhist society, has by now come to a terrible impasse. “It is rapidly degenerating and impaired in many ways. The family, which is the basic unit of society, is itself faced with the threat of being disintegrated. As a consequence we live in a society that is mostly warped and perverted,” he says.
Ven. Wimalajothi Thera, who spent 20 years overseas as a Buddhist missionary, started the Buddhist Cultural Centre in Dehiwala, with the assistance of his devotees in Malaysia. Initially the Centre, which was set up as a non-profit venture, promoted Buddhist publications alongside other publications such as short stories, fiction, novels, and cartoons. The Centre has up to now published more than 1,000 books in Sinhala and English.

Though the intellectual development of the Buddhist had gained ground, the development and welfare of Bhikkhunis had continued to remain a neglected area since colonial times, even though monastic educational centres for Bhikkus and schools and universities for Buddhists were available.

“Bhikkhunis can do a yeoman service to society provided they are given the requisite training in Buddhist scriptures, discipline and psychological counselling. In Sri Lanka today, a Bhikkhuni hardly enjoys the privileges taken for granted by women,” he says, pointing out that they are barred from getting a reasonable and sufficient education that befits their status. He is of the firm view that Bhikkhunis like Bhikkus can be made useful to society by imparting to them the same skills that are imparted to the Bhikkhus in monastic educational centres. “It is a dire need of our time to enable them to do so,” he adds.

Ven. Wimalajothi Thera says, with the establishment of the new Pirivena, Bhikkhunis would be given a thorough grounding in the knowledge of the Tripitaka, languages such as Pali and English, counselling skills and temple management. He elaborates: “Theory and practice of meditation is also going to be taught. The proposed centre will have residential facilities and classrooms with state of the art equipment. The courses are not job-oriented with examinations held at the end of training but they are intensely practical to meet real-life situations.

“Traditional education provided in colleges and universities are job-oriented with the result that Bhikkhus who pass out from such institutions disrobe and return to lay-life. We intend to deviate fundamentally from this attitude and give the Bhikkhunis real life training. Clad in saffron robes they will be trained to lead a monarchial life. The beneficiaries of this scheme of conferring ancient Buddhist monastic training are not only Sri Lankan Bhikkhunis but also those in the rest of the world.”

Pirivena

The new pirivena complex is estimated to cost around Rs.87.5 million. Wimalajothi Thera says running cost will be somewhat high as maintenance, payment of salaries for lectures, transport charges and sanitary facilities will have to be factored in.

According to Theravada tradition, the Bhikkhuni order came into existence five years after the Bick order. Buddhism is unique among Indian religions in that the Buddha as the founder of a spiritual tradition, explicitly states in the scriptures that a woman is as capable of nirvana (enlightenment) as a man and can fully attain all four stages of enlightenment in the Dhamma and Vinaya of the Buddha Sasana. There is no equivalent in other traditions of the Therigatha or Apadanas which record the high levels of spiritual attainment by women.
In a similar vein, major canonical Mahayana sutras such as the Lotus sutra, chapter 12 records 6000 Bhikkhuni Arahats as receiving predictions of Bodhisattvahood and future Buddhahood by the Buddha.

In Buddhism, women can openly aspire to and practice the highest level of spiritual attainment. The opinion has been expressed that for a country or nation to be considered as truly Buddhist, the majority of the nation must be Buddhist and include at least a fourfold assembly of Bhikkhus, Bhikkhunis, Upasakas and Upasikas.
Ven. Wimalajothi Thera says the setting up of the Pirivena would provide women with the opportunity to receive ordination as well as to study and teach the Dhamma. He laments the long neglect of women despite Sri Lanka producing the first queen and the first women Prime Minister in the world. He says his mission is to give equal status to Bhikkhus and Bhikkhunis.

About 1000 Bhikkhunis are to be trained in the span of 10 to 12 years.
Any woman who is above 16 years can join the college with the consent of her parents. Students will be selected after an interview. Those selected will have to stay one year at the college wearing white and observe the 10 percepts and then they will be tested as to whether they will be qualified to be ordained.

Setbacks fuel new dreams

Sunday, 15 June 2014

by Husna Inayathullah

Sanduni woke up one midnight and realised that her dream had been shattered. She was sporty and loved sports. She took part in all the events at her school sportsmeet.

Every year she was placed second in the race. This year she was determined to come first. She practised day and night. She read many books and browsed the Internet to find tips to become a good athlete and how to be placed first.

The next day was the day of the sportsmeet. As she was thinking about it, even in her dreams she saw her being placed second. This made her worried and anxious.

She called her mother who rushed from her bedroom. "Sandu, why are you screaming in the middle of the night? What's wrong with you baby?"

Sanduni told her what she had dreamt. She was so worried about it. Sanduni said, "I tried to close my eyes to sleep again and go back to the dream and beat her in the race but it was impossible."

"My dear child, you are good in sports but you should not be so much into it. Gaining victory is only a part of success. Participation and dedication are more important than winning. Sanduni, don't worry because you have dedication and determination, you have the opportunity to win," mother said.

Sanduni did not sleep well that night after she woke up from her dream. She was thoughtful.

Pamudi, a fast runner and her close competitor was a good friend. Now Sanduni started to develop a grudge against Pamudi. She was jealous of her and felt like doing something to injure her but the words which her mother said were reverberating in her mind.

It was the day of the school sportsmeet. Sanduni was nervous. She gobbled the food which her mother had prepared and went to the playground accompanied by her parents.

Sanduni's event was about to take place. Over the public address system athletes taking part in the 200 metres race were asked to come to the starting point.

Sanduni and her friends went to the pitch. "Wish you all the best Sanduni," said Pamudi. "Thank you and wish you all the best too," replied Sanduni.

The race started. " On your mark! Get set! Go!" said the starter. All the athletes were running at full speed.
As usual this time as well Pamudi got the first place and Sanduni got second.

Sanduni was not disappointed. She recalled the words of her mother. Sanduni realised that what her mother said was correct. She recalled that participation is more important than winning.

It was the end of the events. The awards ceremony was about to take place. All the students gathered in the grounds.

The winners were awarded and finally Sanduni's name was announced.

Sanduni helped the teachers a lot during the sportsmeet. To her surprise, she was praised and given a gift by the school sports teacher for her help and interest in sports. She was extra-ordinarily well known for sports in the school. "I always wanted to win everything I took part in since I was a child. Time doesn't change a person, it just helps you understand who you are.

I still hate losing. I'm just more gracious about it. I'm also aware that setbacks fuel new dreams," thought Sanduni to herself.

The story of the red shirt

Sunday, 12 April 2015

by Husna Inayathullah

Astrology plays a significant role in the Sinhala and Tamil New Year. Astrologers mark the auspicious time for every activity. There is a time to take the last bath of the old year, a time to stop work and a time to start work. There is a time to light the hearth, boil a pot of milk and to take the first meal of the New Year. There is a direction in which to face and an auspicious colour to wear.

This year's colour is said to be red.The dress colour code varies from year to year in keeping with the colour meant for the particular year. Following the rituals bringsabout peace and happiness to the people and country. It will also secure good fortune in the year ahead.

The new year began with joyous sounds of merriment. Kalana and Thilina were so excited and happy to celebrate the day. Their mother had made dishes of delicious kiribath with spicy onion and chillie sambol. The delicious aroma spread allover the house.

"Children get dressed with your new red shirts. We have to visit our neighbours and friends to greet and share the sweetmeats. Hurry up!, " said ammi.

"Alright Ammi, we will be ready in15 minutes time," said Kalana.

"Ammi, where is my red shirt? I kept it inside my cupboard. Where is it? I cannot find it,"cried Thilina.
"I don't know putha. I did not see or take it. You might have put it somewhere. Search for it. You will find it," said Ammi.

Thilina was so worried as he could not find his red shirt. He searched for it everywhere. He looked for it on his bed, under his bed, inside the cupboard, over the cupboard and all over the house but he could not find it anywhere.

"What shall I do now Ammi? I could not find my red shirt. I am so worried," Thilina told his mother.
"Now it is too late. I asked you to arrange your clothes yesterday but you did not do it. Now you wear the white shirt which thaththi bought for you," his mother said.

Thilina was not satisfied with what his mother told him. His face became pale and tear drops started to roll down his cheeks.

"Knock! Knock! The front door banged. Thilina went to open the door and it was none other than his his Sudu Maama from the village.

"Happy new year Thilina! How areyou? Why do you look so pale and worried? I have bought a small present for you. Hope you will like it," said Sudu maama.

"Happy new year to you Sudu Maame.I am fine," said Thilina.

Thilina unwrapped the gift and to his surprise it was a red coloured shirt from his Sudu Maama. "Thankyou so much Maame. I was so worried because I lost my red shirt. Now you have bought one for me. Thank you so much," said Thilina.

Thilina felt so happy and great. He quickly ran into his room and got dressed to visit his neighbours and friends with sweetmeats.

Renaissance in art and culture

Sunday, 13 April 2014

By Husna Inayathullah

D.C.R.A. Goonetilleke is Emeritus Professor of English at the University of Kelaniya. He is a well-established and recognised critic of the 20th century and post-colonial literature, and a leading authority on Sri Lankan English literature. He is an authority on British literature of the Empire and the Commonwealth in general, and Sri Lankan writing in particular.

He was elected World Chairperson, Association for Commonwealth Literature and Language Studies (ACLALS) and organised its conference of 1995 which brought honour to the country.
He was Foundation Visiting Fellow at Clare Hall, University of Cambridge, a Fellow Commoner of Churchill College, University of Cambridge and a Henry Charles Chapman Visiting Fellow, University of London and Guest Professor of English at the University of Tubingen, Germany. He holds a unique record in Sri Lanka as a distinguished scholar.

His major works in English literature include Developing Countries in British Fiction, acknowledged by international academia as a pioneering step in post-colonial studies, Images of the Raj, South Asia in the Literature of the Empire. Joseph Conrad:Beyond Culture and Background and Salman Rushdie.

He has served his own country by introducing the work of many Sri Lankan writers to readers and scholars worldwide through six anthologies. In “Sri Lankan English Literature and the Sri Lankan People 1917-2003” he has provided a comprehensive contemporary history of Lanka with an evaluation of Sri Lanka creative writing from its origins to the present day.

The impressive achievements were attained parallel to 44 years of imparting knowledge to students and serving on numerous national committees on cultural activities and the teaching of English.
In an interview with the Sunday Observer’s Montage, D.C.R.A. Goonetilleke speaks about literary criticism and related subjects.

Excerpts

Question: Literary criticism is your forte. What are your special interests in this field?

Answer: Over the years I have lectured on literature from Chaucer to the present in the university. I have actually published a book on literature from Shakespeare to the present and I find that even my work on Chaucer has come in useful on and off. Yet my full length studies of British writers have been from 1880 to the present.

That is, Rudyard Kipling, E.M. Foster, Leonard Woolf, D.H. Lawrence, Joyce Cary, Joseph Conrad and Salman Rushdie. However, at the moment I am best known for my work on Conrad and Rushdie. My recent book Joseph Conrad’s Heart of Darkness (Rouledge London and New York) has been highly acclaimed.

My edition of Joseph Conrad’s Heart of Darkness (Canada:Broad View Literary Texts) has been reprinted several times. My study of Salman Rushdie originally published in 1998 went into a second edition in 2010 where I take into account Rushdie’s novels published after the first edition of my book.

It has been a pleasure to me that both non-Muslim and Muslim critics have found my Rushdie book acceptable. My longest chapter is of course on the Satanic Verses, which earned Rushdie the fatwa. I have published 21 books in all. My book “Images of the Raj” was published by Macmillan, London, in 1988 and because experts had praised it, the publishers have kept the book in print till today.

Of special interest to Sri Lankan readers is that this book contains the most thorough account of Leonard Woolf’s Sri Lankan works especially Village in the jungle. I have also published short contributions on American, British, Norwegian, Indian and New Zealand literature in Reference books and Encyclopaedias. In sum, I am interested, and have published literary criticism, in a variety of fields.

Complete history

Q: Your Sri Lankan literature and the Sri Lankan people 1917-2013 is a complete history of Sri Lanka’s English literature from its beginnings to 2003. Do you wish to update it?

A: As a Sri Lankan, I naturally respond to the literature around me. I have anthologised Sri Lankan literature in English several times for publishers in India, notably Penguin Books, and for Vijithah Yapa in Sri Lanka. The latest books are Kaleidoscope Volumes I and II published by Vijitha Yapa.

My most valuable contribution in this field is my book Sri Lankan literature and the Sri Lankan people 1917-2013 published by Vijitha Yapa.

This is a complete one-volume history on Sri Lankan English literature seen in the context on the history of the Sri Lankan people. It provides not only a literary history but also a cultural and social history of the modern age.

At the time I wrote the book, Sri Lanka was grappling with terrorism. I found after writing the book that my longest chapter was on this subject, running into 54 pages. The book went into a second edition in two years and I then added my revised view of Leonard Woolf’s Village in the jungle as an appendix.

I hope to update the book once the second edition is sold out. Actually, I have written on Sri Lankan literature in English after 2003 for Encyclopaedias published abroad.

Q: You are the co-author of Learning English-Books I and II. These are very useful books for students. How did you include these in your repertoire?

A: It is a little known fact of my career that I followed a Diploma course in English Language Teaching in a prestigious foreign institution. Even though we were taught a course on the English Language at the University of Peradeniya as a part of B.A Honours program, I felt I needed this extra knowledge when I was put in charge of the Intensive Course in English in all Sri Lankan universities in the 1980s.

I studied Language Planning abroad and wrote an essay on the subject for a Sri Lankan journal in 1983. In that essay I have put down in writing an idea that I had expressed verbally earlier at meetings--that English language should be taught to all students at the Advanced Level and a paper on English language should be included in the Advanced Level examination; a pass in it would not be compulsory for university admission but would serve as a useful qualification.

This was meant to empower both urban and rural students. I was unable to get this idea implemented because of opposition. The country lost approximately two decades. Two colleagues and I published Learning English I and later book II.

Language teaching

Q: When it comes to language teaching, should we teach Sri Lankan English or British English?

A: In our books we have taught English as spoken and written by educated Sri Lankans. We have not divorced speech from writing. We think that students should write in the same way they speak but we have not taught Sri Lankan English as is presently conceived and we have not created this kind of artificial issue.

There is no definitive book on Sri Lankan English and though my books have been published abroad, it has never occurred to me that I am writing International Standard English. I think these labels would impede rather than assist English education in Sri Lanka.

Q: What do you think of the cultural scene in Sri Lanka?

A: After terrorism ended, I see a remarkable liberation of creative impulses in Sri Lanka. I find that there are now more plays being written and staged in Sri Lanka in English and Sinhala, and this is partly because audiences are now not afraid to go to the theatre. Drama especially requires a live audience.

I also find that there is a great deal of music being produced in Sinhala and the most striking feature of it is that there is an enormous number of happy and lively songs being sung, for more than I have heard in the past. I have also been struck by Tamil pop music and dancing which do not accord with traditional Tamil culture.

It also gives me pleasure to see on television the open air pop concerts which include Sinhala, Tamil and Hindi music, and people dancing in a way we did not see for 30 years. Altogether there is a great renaissance in the arts and a great sense of freedom.

Q: A few decades ago literary criticism was a serious subject at universities. Do you think that the present generation takes literary criticism seriously?

A: A part of my pleasure in being published by reputed publishers abroad stemmed from the belief that I was blazing a trail for younger academics to follow, and I do hope they will. When I was halfway through my career, the late Ian Goonetilleke (incidentally, he is not a relative of mine), Sri Lanka’s greatest bibliographer, said that “I was on a lonely eminence.” This should not be the case.

'Join us and feel how well we live’

Sunday, 10 May 2015

by Husna Inayathullah

Five leopards with their rusty yellow coats, dark spots and close-set rosettes on their bodies could be seen walking about in the Pinnawela zoo. These were the only animals that caught our fancy. They are also known as Panthera pardus kotiya. Their enigmatic expressions were a draw.

The theme ‘Join us and feel how well we live’ is a reality when one sees the huge leopards moving freely and hiding behind trees. Their skin with rosettes were similar to those of the jaguar.

It was really amazing to watch them running within their boundary. Their eyes were enormous but they never got fully round like a big cat's pupils do.They were looking at the visitors in a shrewd manner making funny sounds.

We were rather surprised at the growls made by a female leopard as she was trying to climb a tree.
The zoo follows International trend in specialised zoos that rare animals in environments stimulating their natural ecological habitats.

The zoo is adjoining the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage. Anyone who makes a visit to the zoo, could visit the Elephant Orphanage as well.

we think it is little too early anyway to visit the zoo because most of the animals are still to come. Once the animals are transferred here , then it will be a worthwhile visit.

The Pinnawala zoo is still under construction. They are planning to bring in more and more animals in the near future. The crocodile and sloth bear ranges are also still under construction.

Mom's the world!

Sunday, 10 May 2015

Sri Lankan mothers ranked the healthiest in South Asia:

by Husna Inayathullah

Sri Lankan mothers are among the region's healthiest, ahead of other South Asian neighbours and on par with the Maldives, according to a recent global assessment.

The State of the World's Mothers Report 2015, ranked Sri Lanka, the Maldives and Jamaica 92nd - an assessment which measures how much a country's mothers have their needs as moms met and produce the healthiest babies.

As opposed to this, Nepal and Bangladesh have remained the same as last year being placed 114 and 130, respectively.

India has dropped three points since last year and is ranked at 140. Pakistan and Afghanistan - both countries previously known to have the worst conditions for mothers and children - have dropped even further.
Afghanistan was ranked at 152, falling from last year's 146, and Pakistan was ranked at 149, falling from last year's 147.

Urbanization

To celebrate Mother's Day this year, 'Save the Children' published its 16th annual State of the World's Mothers Report focusing on the urbanizing world and the pathetic situation mothers and children face to survive as towns grow and villages shrink.

According to research, among 179 countries, Sri Lanka ranks 92 in maternal health.

According to the country report in 2014, Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) which is the fifth goal of the Millennium Developing Goals (MDG) launched recently, Sri Lanka has achieved considerable success in reducing MMR since the 1940s.
Based on an overall study, the Ministry of Health has estimated the MMR as 39.3 per 100,000 live births in 2006.

This is considered to be the lowest in South Asia with near universal access to health care and 98 percent institutional deliveries.

Sri Lanka is on track to meet MDG standards in improving maternal health but the MMR rates in certain districts in the war- affected areas and in the Nuwara Eliya districts were still low.

A political commitment to reducing maternal mortality has led to the expansion of hospitals and clinics in the country, which women were encouraged to visit for pregnancy care and delivery.

Midwives

Sri Lankan mothers with their babies.

Each district in Sri Lanka also has a group of midwives responsible for providing basic home care for pregnant women and new mothers.

The maternal mortality rate in Sri Lanka fell from 340 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births in 1960 to just 43 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births in 2005. 98 percent of all births take place in hospital in Sri Lanka, and 99 percent of women have at least one antenatal care visit and skilled attendance at delivery.

Norway, Finland and Iceland top the rankings this year. The top 10 countries are Norway, Finland, Iceland, Denmark, Sweden, Netherlands, Spain, Germany and Australia. In general, these countries attain very high scores for mothers' and children's health, educational, economic and political status.

The US ranks 33rd. Niger, Congo, Central African Republic and Mali are some of the countries in the bottom 10 countries. Somalia scores last among the countries surveyed.

The worst ranked countries are conflict-affected and considered to be fragile states, which mean they are failing fundamentally to perform functions necessary to meet their citizens' basic needs.

Every day, all around the world 17,000 children die before reaching their fifth birthday. Most of these deaths occur in city slums where overcrowding and poor sanitation exist.

The poorest mothers and children cannot get the care they need. Urbanization has a positive and negative impact on health. Better access to health services, education, sanitation and safe water supply which accompanies urbanization can improve health conditions.

When urbanization is rapid it results in poor sanitary conditions and overcrowding.
All of which can accelerate the spread of disease and lead to poor health conditions.
In most developing countries, the poorest urban children are at least twice as likely to die as the richest urban children. In some countries, they are three to five or even more times as likely to die.

Reason to be elated

Chandrani Bandara, Minister

of Women’s Affairs.

"The maternal death rate has reduced, thus giving us reason to be elated," said Minister of Women's Affairs, Chandrani Bandara attributes it to the successful health programs being carried out by the Government.

"Sri Lanka has shown remarkable improvement in reducing the maternal death rate since 1940 due to the national health programs conducted by the Ministry of Health", she said.

Maternal care has been the focus of the Ministry of Health. Offering a free health service for sometime now has minimized unequal access to health care services, specially for women, she said"

"We are happy according to the report, Sri Lanka has achieved a top slot among 179 countries and is the best place for mothers to be in the South Asian region', she said.

A healthy Sri Lankan mother with her baby

Health care

In sharp contrast, Sri Lanka and the Maldives were ranked 92nd in the World's Mothers' Index.

She further said that the midwife was the frontline health worker, providing health care to mothers and children within the community. Maternal and child health is an important component of the national health policy in Sri Lanka, she said. Sri Lanka has a well-developed health system with a qualified health workforce.

The under five mortality rate per 1000 live births is 9.6 The government provides pre and post natal care for mothers through family health workers attached to all Grama Niladari Divisions. Awareness has been created because of the programs conducted by the government and mothers were now aware of a child's nutrition.
Breastfeeding in Sri Lanka has increased to 76% in 2007.Sri Lanka'spoverty has come down and the earning capacity has increased which has enabled parents to provide a better life for children.

Photo: State of the World’s mother’s report (2015)

When the Vedda young fall in love... ...and get married:

Sunday, 10 May 2015

by Husna Inayathullah

Dating, courting, falling in love... getting married... Heady stuff that turns romance novels into bestsellers and movies into box office hits, is an intriguing ritual in the jungles of Dambana, when the Vedda young fall in love.

Courting is a dance of subterfuge with the Kekula and Kekuli (Vedda boy and girl) creating opportunities for their rendezvous in the jungle. Kekula while on his way to hunting or gathering wild honey, Kekuli while going for a bath in the river, collect firewood or while plucking fruits from trees.

Love is a beautiful feeling, an action, an experience, no matter who you are or where you are. And it is no different for this young Vedda couple in Kotabakkiniya, deep in the jungles in Dambana.

The Kekula and Kekuli who fell in love on a jungle footpath, had been meeting each other deep in the forest for about a year, before the Kekuli decided to share their secret with her Thathilai Aththo (father).

The affair

Thathilai Aththo, advises the Kekula to apprise to his parents about the affair and get their permission to be away from home for three months. This is part of the Vedda courtship ritual where the Kekula has to stay with the Kekuli's father for three months, proving himself man enough to take on the responsibilities of being husband and father. He is given a range of activities to perform, testing his skills, talents and intelligence.

The three-month period, while literally a probation period to check the Kekula's suitability as a husband, with many trials and tests to overcome, is also a testing tightrope walk on future father-in-law - son-in-law relationship.

Thathilai Aththo tests the Kekula with many skills, including hunting, gathering honey, knowledge about the way of the jungle, skills with the bow and arrow and how he handles the varied dangers of forest life.
In this three months if the Thathilai Aththo finds the Kekula suitable to marry his daughter and if he is happy with his skills and talents, he approves for the marriage to go ahead takes the necessary steps to make discuss it with the Kekula's family.

Livelihood skills

The Vedda community has a caste system, but it is usually brushed aside when it comes to marriages, with priority being given to livelihood skills.

According to the traditions of the Vedda community, all young Vedda couples need the permission of the Vedda's leader, Vishvakeerthi Wanaspathi Uru Walige Wannila Aththo to get married. In this instance the Kekula and the Kekuli when to meet the tribal leader in the company of their parents and elders, taking a huge gift basket for the leader in order to get a warm welcome.

The basket contained bee honey, kurakkan rotty, kurakkan flour, sweetmeats such as kokis, kevum, maize and dried hunted meat, all wrapped beautifully in traditional style. Such goods are considered very valuable gifts to receive the leader's blessing and permission.

The parents tell the leader about the couple. In Vedda's language they say, ''Me ettho mangachchawa me eththange kekula me etthige kakulita mana pojja thibenawa. Nayka etthoge manapa pojje thibeynawanam me eththo dekama wiwana pojjata manapa pajja thibbenawa,'' meaning they like to give their daughter and son in marriage. Thereafter the leader asks the couple whether they like each other.

A family life

After the leader's permission for the marriage is obtained, the bride's parents present a winnowing fan, an axe, bow and arrows, a puppy and a mat to the couple. They consider those to be the major necessities to start a family life.

The wedding present from the Kekula's family is essential items that would enable the new couple to live comfortably for about three weeks. Thereafter it becomes the duty of the Kekula to make his own living. He is told by the father-in-law to find a suitable place inside the forest and build a hut of their liking.

The Kekula has to make a home from leaves and barks for him and his love to live together after marriage.

After Wannila Aththo grants permission for the marriage but the marriage takes place and the couple start living under one roof, they are taken to the Danu Muttak who is considered the wise and intelligent person in the forest. The Danu Muttak advices the couple on how to start a fresh and beautiful life and how to plan for a happy future. He is given a tray of sweetmeats, a gesture of happiness by the couple's parents.

They go back to Wannila Aththo for the second time with a Kadak Kachchuwa, which is gift pack with sweetmeats. The whole village is given sweetmeats as part of the celebrations. There are no ceremonies, grand functions and pretty dresses. The wedding, as in the life of the Veddas is a very simple affair.

The marriage and family life of the Veddas is simple and uncomplicated. There is no lavish spending, and the suitability of a boy to be a husband is not determined by the wealth he owns, but his strength as a hunter gatherer. Soon after a marriage if the village is able to hunt well, they believe it is due to the luck of the newly wedded couple.

The blessings and the happiness of the kale ponja which means the forest, suwande ponj, a which means the sweet fragrance from the flowers and the chappi, which is the beautiful songs of the birds surround the new couple. They bless them to live a healthy and a long life.

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Sunday, 10 May 2015

Mom's the world!

Urbanization

Midwives

Reason to be elated

Health care

In sharp contrast, Sri Lanka and the Maldives were ranked 92nd in the World's Mothers' Index.

When the Vedda young fall in love... ...and get married:

Sunday, 10 May 2015

by Husna Inayathullah

The affair

Livelihood skills

A family life