The launch of the fourth issue of The Ceylon Journal and the accompanying public lecture titled When Ceylon Found Its Voice was held on January 17 at the auditorium of the Sri Lanka Medical Association, Wijerama Mawatha, Colombo.
The event drew an audience of over 135, comprising medical practitioners, academics, legal professionals, clergy, journalists, corporate leaders, and members of the wider intellectual community. The primary sponsor of the evening was Sampath Bank Private Banking, whose support contributed significantly to the success of the programme.
The proceedings commenced with an introduction delivered by Dr. Kanchanakesi Warnapala, who also paid a moving tribute to the memory of the late Ainslie Joseph, to whom the event was dedicated. Her remarks set a reflective and scholarly tone for the evening.
A complimentary review address on the fourth issue of The Ceylon Journal was presented by Prof. Rajiva Wijesinha, who offered an incisive appreciation of the journal’s intellectual scope and editorial ambition. The event was moderated by Dr. Praveen Weeratunga, ensuring a seamless progression of proceedings.
The principal lecture was delivered by Avishka Mario Senewiratne, Editor of The Ceylon Journal, who spoke for 35 minutes on the evolution of English newspapers and journals and the birth of the press in Ceylon. His address traced the emergence of print culture with precision, contextual depth, and rhetorical assurance, engaging both specialists and lay listeners alike.
An animated open discussion followed, during which numerous members of the audience raised perceptive questions relating to journalism, intellectual history, and the responsibilities of the press. The quality of the exchange reflected the keen interest and scholarly seriousness of those present.
The vote of thanks was proposed by Dr. Shane Halpe, after which a raffle was conducted. The prize, a second edition print of Coins and Currency of Ceylon by H. W. Codrington, was won by Mr. Nisal Pathiraja.
The event was widely regarded as a resounding success. Commenting on the occasion, Prof. Asoka de Zoysa observed : “Four journals published in such a short span of time, is astonishing. I was genuinely impressed by the professionalism of the team and the clarity of their vision. The outcome fills a long standing gap in Sri Lankan studies.
“Too often, our academics eager for international readership reach for high flown language and ritual name dropping Foucault here, Bourdieu there, Derrida everywhere. In contrast, these four volumes invite the reader to actually read. One grasps the author’s intention quickly and without intimidation.
“Long neglected areas of art writing are addressed, with themes flowing effortlessly from the pre modern to the modern and postmodern, mercifully without jargon that not even the writer fully understands. Avishka’s own presentation at the launch set a benchmark for scholarship and rhetorical command. Thank you for a truly delightful evening.
“Wishing The Ceylon Journal a long, strong, and intellectually healthy life.”
The launch reaffirmed The Ceylon Journal as a significant and growing presence within Sri Lanka’s intellectual and academic landscape.
