Book review by Tara de Mel

An invitation to write a review for the new book by Rajiva is a reason for immense joy.

Seeing activity from Rajiva after nearly a decade, particularly on a topic so important and relevant in the context of English education, is actually a relief, since I had worried that he had decided to move into hibernation totally.

This book chronicles Rajiva’s experiences during much of his active career, particularly as a university academic, an official working in the Ministry of Education and the National Institute of Education, and that of a Minister and finally as a Parliamentarian. In all these roles as he describes, few things stand out: First, Rajiva’s commitment and passion to anything he undertook were exceptional and unwavering. Second, he was brutally honest when recording details of events. Hence his departure from public life in ….and stone-deaf silence since then, was worrying, given the dedication with which he undertook any responsibility.

My first-hand testimony to Rajiva’s work is related to the period during which he worked with us on English education at the Ministry. Those were heady days with huge expectations of land mark reforms in the pipe line. On English education, particularly on introducing English medium, Rajiva’s contribution was immense. The incredible speed with which he worked, the encouragement he gave me to set dead-lines which I felt were hard to meet, but then was pleasantly surprised when they were actually met, bring back very encouraging memories. He had a vision, understanding and the energy to develop methods to implement the vision. All within strict time frames, and in a pragmatic manner.

The role played by Rajiva in introducing English medium education in selected subjects, into junior secondary classes was of great significance. He describes details of this operation in the book. Together with the English medium option which had already been initiated in the primary, finally it appeared as though barriers were being broken and that all children, irrespective of social class or means, would have the option of an education in English. Coupled with all of this was the initiative President Kumaratunge was exceptionally passionate about , and that was to initiate a system where children of all communities and all religions studied in the same school, using the two national languages as well as English as a link language. These efforts did not go down very well with most political leaders at the time, and officials. It was the leadership and unwavering stand taken by the President that helped Rajiva and our team to steer through.

Rajiva worked hard to encourage reputed book publishers like Oxford University Press, Cambridge University Press and similar groups to join with the Ministry in partnership, when the multiple book option was proposed. This option would have enabled Principals and students to choose the most suitable books out of a few that was recommended, instead of being compelled to use only the book prescribed by the NIE. His relentless energy to facilitate preparation of world-class material for teachers and similarly lively and exciting books for students, was unmatched.

However since text book writing and publishing had always been (and still is) the monopoly of the NIE & the Education Publications Department, Rajiva ended up ruffling many feathers. Navigating these challenges whilst ensuring that the programs continued required skill, tact and some diplomacy.

At the NIE he headed the most important Academic Affairs Board – the nerve centre of that institution. He brought in a significant new dimension into an institution which had always held a conservative approach to any form of new initiative. His approach, new thinking and speed at getting things done were remarkable. But again, many feathers were ruffled.