The launch ceremony of two books, the research-based scholarly compilation “Polonnaruwa – Narapathi Yugaye Sita Janapathi Yugaya Dakwa” and the pictorial volume “Moragahakanda Dream Reservior”, was held at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH) yesterday evening under the patronage of President Maithripala Sirisena.
Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, Speaker of the Parliament Karu Jayasuriya, members of Parliament, Vice Chancellors of government universities and other distinguished guests were present at the ceremony.
The book “Polonnaruwa – Narapathi Yugaye Sita Janapathi Yugaya Dakwa” was simultaneously launched as an electronic book powered by Sri Lanka Telecom, under the instructions of Telecom Chairman P.G. Kumarasinghe Sirisena. The income from the books will be donated to the National Kidney Fund. “Moragahakanda Dream Reservior” comprises selected photographs of the Moragahakanda irrigation development project.
Making a special statement by video at the ceremony, President Sirisena said that having a proper understanding of one’s history is helps people to stand strong together as a progressive nation in a rapidly developing world.
“I have closely associated with the young school children of this country for a long time. When I ask them about the great kings of our nation, most of them don’t know the details of those kings’ ruling times. We live in a technology driven world. In a world like this, we should have a good understanding of our history and our heritage. Our children cannot develop pride and self-worth only by passing exams. I would like to offer this book to the young children of this country,” President Sirisena said.
The book is compilation of research-based articles written by Emeritus Professor Daya Edirisinghe, Retired Senior Professor K.A.P. Siddhasena, Retired Senior Professor A.A.D. Amarasekara, Senior Professor Lakshman Seneviratne, Retired Professor Rohana Lakshman Piyadasa, late Professor Ranitha Rathnayake, Professor Yamuna Kumarihami Herath, Emeritus Professor Ukku Banda Karunananda, Retired Professor Ajitha Thennakoon, Dr. Ajith Dissanayake and H.M. Gunarathna Banda. The academics received certificates and awards from President Maithripala Sirisena at the ceremony.
Delivering the keynote speech of the ceremony Emeritus Professor Ukku Banda Karunananda requested the government to launch a special programme under the guidance of the Department of National Archives to preserve the history of the post-independence era of Sri Lanka. Professor Karunananda also pointed out that President Maithripala Sirisena encouraged them to work on the research compilation six years ago when President Sirisena was holding the Minister of Health portfolio.
(Daily News)