Opinion

Golden Memories in a Golden Jubilee celebration

Published

1 year ago

2024/10/1

Sahan Weerasooriya

Memories of a student from the first batch of the University of Jaffna

K. Sivanandan

(Former Senior Lecturer at West London College and Kensington College of Business, UK )

As I attempt to capture the memories of my university days at the cherished University of Jaffna, a myriad of emotions envelop me. Recollections surge from every corner, making it challenging to translate the multitude of thoughts into words on paper. Reflecting on that golden era of carefree youth, I am reminded of the exceptionally brilliant and caring professors and lecturers who shaped our intellect, character and values. The transformative experiences that evolved us from naïve youths into conscientious adults, along with the academic and life lessons learned, all vie for recognition in my narrative. Amidst this, I grapple with the concern of whether I can adequately honour each of these facets in my recounting.

Founding of the Jaffna Campus:

Perhaps it might be beneficial for posterity to provide some historical background information of the founding of the University of Jaffna.

It was in 1973. The Advanced Level examinations were held in April. By December, the students were notified of their results and whether they had been selected for university admission or not.

At that time, there was only one University of Sri Lanka which comprised five campuses. As the selected students received information about their admissions to various campuses, a group of slightly more than hundred students selected for physical sciences were left in the dark without being assigned to any particular campus. As the five existing campuses lacked the necessary facilities to accommodate this group, the government decided to establish a new campus in the north. This goal was achieved by amalgamating Parameswara College with the Jaffna College Undergraduate Department, two venerable institutions with distinguished history. This solved the immediate problem of the admission of this group and helped easing the pressure on increasing demand for university places in the future.

Amidst numerous messages and rumours about potential campus placements over a prolonged period, these students were eventually informed that they would be assigned to the newly established Jaffna Campus of the University of Sri Lanka which was officially to be opened by the Prime Minister, Sirimavo Bandaranaike. We belonged to the inaugural batch of the Jaffna Campus but did not fully realise at the time that we were going to become the ‘’super-seniors’’, playing a crucial role in shaping the history of our beloved university.

Welcoming the students – the first day.

On the morning of Vijayadasami Day in October 1974, we arrived at the Thirunelveli Campus. At an auspicious time, we were led to a hall situated about a quarter of a mile from the campus in a lane, directly opposite it. This hall, founded by the ancient kings of Jaffna, had long served as a place for providing food and lodging to travellers and pilgrims bound for Jaffna. It was maintained in good condition throughout the ages.

All the students, accompanied by some parents and visitors, were served a traditional Sri Lankan-style ‘brunch.’ Rice and a variety of delicious vegetarian dishes graced banana leaves as the main course, followed by the sweet delicacy of payasam. After the meal, we marched in a procession to the campus, accompanied by the rhythmic beats of managala drums and nathaswaram. The president and two deans led the way, followed by students and Senior Assistant Registrars. As young students, we felt exhilarated at being treated like dignitaries.

The opening ceremony, conducted in all three languages, marked the historic moment. In their welcoming addresses, the president, deans, and officials from the Ministry of Education emphasised our duty and responsibility as the first batch of the university. I quote a few excerpts from their memorable speeches: ‘We are in this great and noble endeavour together. Let us build a successful institution for you and the future generations. Remember the chief ideal of the founders of the two great institutions—to enlighten society through education. Our university motto correctly reflects this ideal. We expect from you an army of thinkers, creative personalities, and men and women dedicated to serving mankind. Today, with one hundred and twelve students, we launch this small campus. Don’t forget: ‘Mighty oaks from little acorns grow.’ In time, it will evolve into a great seat of learning for generations to come.’ Reflecting on those grand masters’ foresight, I marvel at their vision today, fifty years later.

Our journey begins:

The Jaffna Campus was composed of two locations about 10 miles apart. The main building was at Parameswara College reserved for the offices of the President, Dean of Faculty of Humanities and all Administrative Registrars. It also had a library, a canteen of satisfactory standard, a large playground and a library suitable mainly for the arts faculty. The Vaddukkodai Campus boasted of a modern lecture hall, an exemplary library, a sportsground with a stadium and a pavilion and two separate hostel facilities for men and women.

Parameswara College had been founded by Sir P Ramanathan, one of the distinguished sons that Ceylon has ever produced, who had left an indelible mark in the modern history of Sri Lanka. Jaffna College and its predecessor, the Batticotta Seminary have a long-standing history of producing eminent and erudite scholars since 1823. The merger of these two outstanding institutions to create a seat of higher learning that will foster the flourishing proud literary tradition of Jaffna seems to be nothing short of the will of providence.

First year morning lectures would take place at Ottley Hall, Vaddukkoddai. At 12.30 the borders rush to the hostels to have their lunch. A bus service would shuttle the students back and forth between the campuses for the afternoon tutorial sessions which were held at Parameswara College, Thirunelveli campus.

In the second year, the first batch of Science Faculty students were moved to Thirunelveli. The second batch was taken into the Vaddukoddai Campus.

The Alumni – The Pioneers:

The President, Professor Kailasapathy, was a renowned critic of writings in the Tamil language and literature. His command of English and Tamil was exemplary. Despite hailing from an affluent family background, he was known for simplicity as a professor and had earned a reputation for his anti-establishment views. He was well known in the country, having served as the editor of a prominent and prestigious Tamil daily Thinakaran which was part of the Lakehouse Group of Newspapers. His editorials were popular and commanded the respect of the elite and the working classes. We have already heard about his versatility as a high level intellectual, skilled administrator and a gifted writer. Some of us have read many of his books. He cared for every student and his doors were open to the students at any time he was on campus.

Dean of the Science Faculty, Professor Kanagasabapathy was a distinguished and experienced Mathematician. During his long tenure as the Professor of Mathematics at Peradeniya Campus, he mentored a lineage of Mathematicians who later became professors, deans and vice-Chancellors as well as top level civil servants and scientists in Sri Lanka and abroad. Although he was not easily approachable, he was a disciplined and protective personality with an attention to details. We were fortunate to have him as our professor. He taught us every term of the first two years and his deep knowledge and vast experience were definite sources of immense inspiration for us. I must place it on record that it was the misfortune of our campus that he passed away in our third year leaving a vacuum, which was hard to fill. Many years later when I became acquainted with some professors in the UK, I was amazed to learn that he had been a widely known figure among the professors of mathematics of international repute.

Dean of the Faculty of Humanities, Professor Indrapala was the most friendly and caring type of person among all the academics. His office was the first port of call for many of the students from both the science and humanities faculties. No problem was too big or too small for him to address. He earned the trust and affection of the science students which no doubt would have been a source of envy for other staff members. It is with utmost sincerity I offer my gratitude to Professor Indrapala for guiding many of us through our turbulent transformation from naivety into adulthood and motivating us to remain focused on our goals and objectives.

Mr. Varatharajaperumal is another lecturer who deserves a special mention here. He was the grandson of the famous poet Navaly Somasundara Pulavar, one of the most distinguished Tamil poets of the late nineteenth century. Devoted to the intellectual development of his students and known as a keen disciplinarian, he earned a deep awe among students and staff. His lectures were methodical in the style of an army drill and his notes were precise. He would never tolerate even the slightest deviation of attention during his lectures.

The list will not be complete without mentioning the name of Dr. Balan Selliah. He joined us midway during our first year, after obtaining his doctorate in Statistics from a university in the United States. A true scholar, he possessed deep and profound knowledge of Mathematics and Statistics. He hailed from a family of renowned teachers and principals, who have upheld the high educational standard of Jaffna in the last two centuries. Few lecturers could match his artistry in teaching. We were indeed blessed that he became our lecturer; the quality of the Statistics syllabus transformed under his leadership as the head of the department. Under his guidance, the Jaffna Campus’s Department of Statistics soared to the academic preeminence among all the campuses of the University of Sri Lanka. An outstanding sportsman as well, he always emphasized the importance of proper technique and timing in sports. His students would undoubtedly remember him forever, for the impression he left on their hearts was incomparably unique.

The selfless and duty conscious services of many other lecturers in the alumni like Ginadasa, De Silva, Malhadeen, Miss Ponnudurai, Easwarathasdan, Jeyarajah and Mutuvel are recorded here with gratitude and affection. Mr. Ganesalingam, who was following a doctoral programme in a foreign university, used to take lectures whenever he was visiting Sri Lanka.

One cannot forget the valuable services rendered by the staff of the library, administrative department and the canteen in making our student lives smooth and comfortable.

Facing initial challenges:

Many of us felt a twinge of disappointment when we learnt that the Science Faculty would implement a modular system. This new approach required the students to study three modules per term and sit for exams at the end of each term. It seemed that we would be perpetually engrossed in our studies, with scant time left for leisure activities. By contrast, students from other campuses prepared for exams only at the end of their first and final years.

Furthermore, we were informed that English would be the medium of instruction. Main lectures catering to both Tamil and Sinhalese students were delivered in English. However, the tutorial sessions in the afternoons were conducted separately in Sinhala and Tamil.

We voiced our concerns about this policy to Professor Kanagasabapathy. He reassured us that during the evaluation of our answer scripts only the mathematical content would be considered. No student would suffer for grammatical or semantic errors in language usage. He looked us squarely in the eye and asserted ‘Believe me, you will never regret studying in English medium. The true value of this will become apparent once you step into the real world.’ Reflecting on the words of that great man now, I realise the profound wisdom in his words.

A memorable incident in the second year:

One late evening, what started as a clash between two student groups quickly degenerated into a full-blown brawl. The scene turned chaotic as chairs, desks and books began to fly in the air, resulting in injuries. The marshal and his team intervened, managing to separate the combatants. Yet, despite our best efforts, tension continued to linger in the air. Upon hearing of the incident, the president, fresh from a wearying journey from Colombo and still in his bathroom slippers hurried to the campus. His mere presence shifted the mood towards reconciliation.

He ushered us all to the canteen and we all were treated with tea and snacks at his expense. His actions quickly diffused the tension reinstating a jovial and friendly atmosphere. At the end of the evening, he shared words that resonated deeply with every one of us: He said ‘I may not be old enough to be your father. But I regard all of you as my own children. And now speaking as a father, remember that your parents have sent you here with high expectations. Do not disappoint them. Do not disappoint me’. When he finished, there wasn’t a single eye that was not filled with moisture. His sincere words spoken from a kind heart had a profound effect. Our respect and affection for him grew even stronger after that night.

We voiced our concerns about this policy to Professor Kanagasabapathy. He reassured us that during the evaluation of our answer scripts only the mathematical content would be considered. No student would suffer for grammatical or semantical errors in language usage. He looked us squarely in the eye and asserted ‘Believe me, you will never regret studying in English medium. The true value of this will become apparent once you step into the real world.’ Reflecting on the words of that great man now, I realise the profound wisdom in his words.

A memorable incident

in the second year:

He ushered us all to the canteen and we all were treated with tea and snacks at his expense. His actions quickly diffused the tension reinstating a jovial and friendly atmosphere. At the end of the evening, he shared words that resonated deeply with every one of us: He said ‘I may be not old enough to be your father. But I regard all of you as my own children. And now speaking as a father, remember that your parents have sent you here with high expectations. Do not disappoint them. Do not disappoint me’. When he finished, there wasn’t a single eye that was not filled with moist. His sincere words spoken from a kind hard had a profound effect. Our respect and affection for him for him grew even stronger after that night.

Some memories:

We were honoured to host several distinguished guests during our social nights and hostel parties. Among them was Professor Karunathilaka, Dean of Science Faculty, Colombo Campus, who graced one of our events as the chief guest. He had been a student under Professor Kanagasabapathy in Peradeniya Campus. Additionally, Vasu Theva Nanayakara, an MP, visited our hostel and shared a meal with us. There were many other notable visitors, though their names escape me as time has dimmed those memories.

Dr. Manickcka Idaikadar, a statistician with the World Bank, delivered special lectures on advanced statistical topics during his visit to Sri Lanka.

Upon his return from the U.K. after earning his Ph.D., Dr. Gamini Seniviratne imparted his knowledge on various topics including Eigen Spaces before taking up a permanent position at Peradeniya Campus. His exceptional teaching quickly garnered the admiration and respect of all students.

During our journey, we welcomed two junior batches into our fold. The student numbers were rising rapidly.

New professors joined our faculty, bringing fresh perspectives and knowledge.

The campus landscape transformed with the construction of new buildings and laboratories. Sports facilities saw gradual enhancements.

We took a significant step by enacting the constitution for the Science Students’ Union.

In 1977, the political landscape of our country was reshaped by the winds of change. The general election ushered in a new government under the UNP, which secured a substantial majority and embarked on implementing sweeping economic and political reforms. Amidst this transformative period, July witnessed a communal riot fuelled by unfounded rumours that Sinhalese students had been assaulted at the Jaffna Campus. Unrest spread nationwide. It is imperative to set the record straight: we, the university community, safeguarded our Sinhalese friends and orchestrated their secure evacuation from Jaffna. Regrettably, due to security concerns, the authorities decided to relocate our Sinhalese friends to Vidyalankara Campus for the remainder of their studies.

The government responded by convening an inquiry commission led by the esteemed retired Justice Mr. Sansoni to investigate the origins of the riot. Notably, one of our Sinhalese classmates, Sumanapala, testified before the Sansoni Commission, affirming that the Sinhalese students were indeed protected by both students and staff at Jaffna Campus and were safely returned to Colombo.

In a strategic shift, the government dismantled the unified structure of the Sri Lankan University comprising six campuses and elevated each of the six campuses to fully fledged autonomous university status.

Consequently, as we sat for our final examinations in 1978, we did so as students of the newly established University of Jaffna.

Final Parting and farewell:

The convocation ceremony was held in the Veerasingham Hall, Jaffna. Instead of the customary black attire, we wore vibrant yellow robes- a departure from convention. The certificates, printed in all three languages, stood as grand testaments of our achievements and were notably larger than those awarded by other Sri Lankan Universities. For our batch mates, the ‘super seniors’ it marked the most painful farewell – an unspoken understanding that our paths might not cross again – a sad realisation that a pleasant dream was coming to an end. As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting its golden embrace upon the magnificent library of Jaffna and the Clock Tower, we exchanged bittersweet glances – a silent acknowledgement of a final parting and farewell to a cherished land of memories.

After our graduation, we ventured into the real world to pursue our destinies. While some of us sought opportunities in foreign lands, others remained in Sri Lanka. Despite being dispersed across various corners of the globe, separated by distance and obligations, the spirit instilled in us by our cherished university continued to unite us—the ‘super-seniors’—in our shared memories. As we navigated the highs and lows of life, the recollections of our university days provided a profound source of courage and solace. In retrospect, the experiences we gained are invaluable treasures, and we would never agree to exchange our unique journey as the inaugural batch of a new-born university for anything else.

Conclusion and Greetings:

The motto of our university – ‘Discernment Is Wisdom’ – aptly encapsulates the essence of true learning. Our alumni and students carry forward the torch of knowledge, upholding our long-established traditions to foster enlightenment. From its humble beginnings with just two faculties, about one hundred students and limited resources, our campus has blossomed into a fully-fledged university. Today it boasts of numerous faculties, serving over three thousand students across a diverse array of courses. The Science Faculty, in particular, has overcome formidable challenges to reach its current stature, with each obstacle fortifying its commitment to delivering exceptional science education. The dedication of the Dean of Science Faculty, Dr. Ravi Rajan is particularly commendable. I felt reassured that the Science Faculty is in safe hands when I spoke to him. As a ‘super-senior’, I take pride – in the most positive sense- in having participated in taking the unrivalled first step of the remarkable, historic and wonderful journey of our beloved university fifty years ago. I extend my best wishes for the Faculty of Science to thrive further and to joyfully mark its diamond and centenary milestones in time. On this note, I convey my heartfelt greetings for the golden jubilee celebration to be a resounding success.

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Opinion

A 6th Year Accolade: The eternal opulence of my fair lady

Published

4 hours ago

2025/12/8

Thilina Walpola

The 6^th of December marked the sixth solar cycle since my adored life partner, Dr Malwattage Josephine Sarojini Perera (née Peeris), left this mortal world. Six years have elapsed; a period characterised by a searingly perpetual heartache. However, her inspiring influence is not diminished by the passage of time, and her memory has become more burnished and sublimely potent. It has transformed from a painful void into a sparkling, indestructible legacy that fortifies the hearts of all who were privileged to share her path.

The abyss left by her departure is multitudinous for all of us, including those who benefited from her professional dedication. Nevertheless, the consciousness of her magnificent journey, a spectacular 72 years, 2 months, and 11 days on this planet Earth, remains as a seamless record of a unique chronicle. It was the radiance of her inner spirit that rendered her truly peerless. She epitomised the beautiful words of one of my favourite Sri Lankan lady singers, “Beauty is how you feel inside; you glow from within.” Sarojini was a woman of monumental dignity and benevolence, whose serene, consistent luminosity brought a radiance into every room she entered. Her smile was a glorious spectacle of her lovely inner human nature; a pure expression of her soul’s integrity. That spectacularly radiant smile epitomised the immortal words of the beautiful song by Nat King Cole, “Smile though your heart is aching, smile even though it is breaking, when there are clouds in the sky, you will get by.“

Throughout her tenure on earth, she embodied the highest form of selfless service, dedicating her energies wholly to our family unit, her relatives, and all her acquaintances. She served her patients with an unreserved commitment, functioning as the very milieu of abiding reassurance for them. Her chosen field in medicine was one of profound challenges and pressing needs. She primarily worked ever so tirelessly with individuals afflicted and affected by Sexually transmitted Diseases, HIV and AIDS. They were a cohort frequently marginalised, ostracised, and terribly wounded by societal judgment. Yet, this extraordinary woman approached her work with limitless compassion and an intrinsic, deep-seated sense of humanitarian duty. She held an irrefutable conviction that beyond the stark finality of any medical diagnosis, there was a human being whose entitlement to honour, consideration, respect and warmth was absolute.

Sophocles wisely said: “One word frees us of all the weight and pain of life: That word is love.” Sarojini’s approach to life was built upon this very word ‘love’ as its foundation. She remained steadfastly true to her ethical moorings, never wavering in her commitment to assuage suffering and nurture genuine understanding. Her patients were not mere cases receiving clinical attention; they were embraced into a circle of care that extended beyond the confines of the clinic. Sarojini’s gentle disposition and empathetic spirit captivated all those who came seeking relief and comfort in her ministrations.

She extended not only medical expertise but also essential emotional ballast, serving as a critical beacon of optimism in times of the most profound darkness and utter despair. Her engagement was holistic; she saw the complete person, not just the disease. The philosopher Kahlil Gibran expressed a sentiment that describes the core values of her life: “You give but little when you give of your possessions. It is when you give of yourself that you truly give.” Her affection emanated as a gentle, regenerative anodyne, calming the distressed spirits of those sighing in overwhelming heartache. Her bequest in this vital domain of medicine is not merely a record of treatments, but a register of hearts healed and spirits uplifted by unconditional acceptance and love.

Beyond her professional life, Sarojini was the gravitational centre of our existence; a loving spouse, an undaunted mother, and a precious confidante. The habitat and the canvas of love we built together were a haven of affection and composure, a place where joy thrived, and the air was often vibrant with shared merriment. She cultivated her family with boundless tenderness, sowing and nurturing the essential precepts of benevolence, rectitude, and resilience within us. In return, we never made her cry, but sometimes she cried for others, and some made her cry too.

Her capacity for quiet strength was remarkable; she could maintain perfect equilibrium even when confronted with severe setbacks, always taking deliberate, measured steps to restore serenity and balance. Her affection is a vibrant force that persists in the deepest recesses of our hearts, a covenant that triumphantly surpasses the limitations of physical existence and the transience of life. The deep impact of her role as a matriarch cannot be overstated; she was the silent architect of our moral framework and emotional stability, and the queen of our hearts.

As we reflect on her exceptional life and the vast bounty of goodness she left behind, our determination is not to be subdued by the grief of her physical absence, but rather, to eulogise the radiant splendour of her time amongst us. It is a legacy beyond epithets and the true portrayal of the lilting music of remembrance. We feel the unremitting pain of missing her absolutely and profoundly. She may have transitioned from this worldly realm, but her vital essence remains inextricably bound to ours, steering us with her quiet wisdom and inspiring us with her incomparable dignity. Sarojini’s life stands as an eternal affidavit to the transformative power of enduring love, deep empathy, and sacrificial duty. It remains a boon that richly augments our present and illuminates our future. True beauty, as she demonstrated, is not simply what the eyes can witness, but, more crucially, what the soul can permanently safeguard. What we perceive visually is destined to fade, but the treasures we store within our hearts will remain eternally.

Many, including myself, our daughter Maneesha and our grandchildren, Joshua, Malaika and Jaydon, have endeavoured with every available adjective and hyperbolic utterance to paint a faithful portrait of the superlative person that was Sarojini. Yet, even if we were to compile tomes detailing her excellence, the effort would still fall short of creating a realistic depiction that truly captures her profile. It is simply impossible to confine a description of her magnificence to even a substantial plethora of words.

For my part, I had the wonderful pleasure of the company of that stunning lady for all those blessed years, from the dawn of our courtship in 1973 until her fateful day of final rest. Despite the finality of that separation, memories remain the ultimate constant. I will forever recall her life as an exquisite and enduring strand, a beautiful composition, that will never diminish and will reverberate throughout the balance of my time on this planet Earth.

Sarojini, your loved ones strive daily to revere your memory by actively embodying the virtues you demonstrated so effortlessly: boundless compassion, humane benevolence, unbridled affection, and an unwavering commitment to the welfare of others. This is a matter of seminal importance to us, as it is a pledge towards the continuity of the very matrix of your tapestry of life on Mother Earth.

Darling Sara, I will end with a couple of lines from the 1996 Quadruple Chart Topper, “Because You Loved Me” by Celine Dion, which very concisely sums up what you were to me: –

“You’ve been my inspiration.

Through the lies, you were the truth.

My world is a better place because of you.”

by Dr B. J. C. Perera
(This appreciation appeared in The Island online edition on 06 Dec. 2025)

Opinion

Ditwah disaster to recovery

Published

4 hours ago

2025/12/8

Thilina Walpola

Relief operations underway. (Image courtesy Sri Lanka Red Cross)

Sri Lanka is facing one of its worst simultaneous flood and landslide disasters in many decades, with nearly two million people affected and more than 820 reported dead or missing after Cyclone Ditwah unleashed catastrophic flooding and landslides across the island. After 2004 Tsunami tidal wave disaster, this disaster has brought havoc in the life of Sri Lankans.

The human toll of Cyclone Ditwah continues to mount in Sri Lanka, with 481 confirmed deaths and 345 people still missing, according to the latest situation report issued by the Disaster Management Center.

The cyclone has left a trail of devastation across all 25 districts of the country, affecting 509,680 families and 1,814,534 individuals. Matara, Galle, and Hambantota have been less affected by recent heavy rains and flooding in Sri Lanka, with warnings issued and some minor flooding reported in Matara, and landslide risks in all three areas due to heavy downpours from the current monsoon, though some reports suggest they were less severely hit than districts like Kandy, Gampaha and Colombo.

The hardest-hit districts include Kandy, reporting the highest fatalities at 118 deaths and 171 missing, followed by Badulla (83 deaths), Nuwara Eliya (89 deaths), and Kurunegala (56 deaths). Other districts such as Kegalle (30 deaths) and Puttalam (29 deaths) have also suffered significant losses. Beyond the tragic loss of life, the cyclone has caused 1,967 homes to be completely destroyed and 50,173 partially damaged, leaving thousands displaced. Relief efforts are underway, with 1,236 safety centers currently sheltering 48,559 families (171,492 persons).

Infrastructure damage is extensive, with roads, bridges, irrigation systems, and transport networks severely affected or rendered inoperable.

Emergency teams are working tirelessly to restore essential services and prevent secondary crises, such as disease outbreaks.

The people of Sri Lanka have suffered widespread losses and damages in different parts of the country due to the wind and rain associated with Cyclone Ditwah. Stormy winds caused trees to fall and inflicted damage on houses and shops. Hundreds of homes have been partially or completely destroyed due to landslides.

Floodwaters have entered houses, shops, school buildings, hospitals, public buildings, roads, gardens, and agricultural fields, causing extensive damage. Most fatalities resulted from drowning or suffocation caused by injuries sustained in the floods and related landslides. Many people are experiencing trauma and other health impacts.

In addition, floodwaters have rendered mattresses, pillows, and clothing unusable, while electrical appliances and household items, including cooking utensils, have been damaged or destroyed. Thousands of bicycles, motorcycles, cars, vans, trucks, and buses have broken down due to water and mud infiltration, with some vehicles completely lost or missing.

Losses caused by these storms, floods, and landslides are extensive. Accurate information about the affected population and material losses must be collected from reliable local sources, such as mosques, temples, village offices, and community leaders. In many areas, this information is currently unavailable. Data collection must be conducted in such a way assess the immediate requirements and follow up actions and each village wise data collection should include details such as the number of people affected, the extent of material losses, Urgent needs of the affected population, immediate rescue actions to save life.

It is essential to identify measures required to restore communities to their normal state as quickly as possible. The immediate needs of the people must be properly assessed, because rescue and relief operations are the highest priority after a disaster.

Key emergency actions include:

· Saving lives: Injured individuals must receive prompt medical treatment. Survivors trapped in broken houses or collapsed buildings must be rescued.

· Handling the deceased

: The bodies of those who have died should be recovered and cremated according to their respective customs.

· Medical and food support

: Those rescued from rubble should be provided with immediate medical attention and appropriate food and water.

· Rescue operations

: Priority must be given to rescuing people trapped alive inside collapsed or buried buildings.

· Support for the displaced

: Food and water should be provided to individuals displaced by the disaster, whether they are staying in temporary shelters or with friends and relatives. In the early days after the disaster, cooked meals should be prioritised for large numbers of people, continuing as long as they remain in temporary accommodations.

The immediate needs of the people must be properly assessed, because rescue is the priority in the aftermath of a disaster. Saving lives is essential. Providing medical treatment to the injured, rescuing affected individuals, and guiding them to safe areas or shelters must be carried out without delay.

In addition, information must be quickly collected regarding areas where flood levels are dangerously high or above head level, locations affected by landslides, missing persons, the number of houses buried, and the number of people involved. These details should be obtained promptly through places of worship, knowledgeable community members, village officers, and other reliable sources, and then reported to the relevant authorities.

It is the people in the neighbourhood who are the first to be involved in disaster rescue operations. Therefore, essential information must be shared with them so they can act quickly and effectively.

Individuals who are trapped alive in collapsed houses or buildings must be rescued without delay. The bodies of those who have died should be handled and cremated in accordance with their respective religious customs and traditions.

Those rescued from the debris should receive immediate medical attention. While providing food, it is important to avoid giving solid meals to individuals with suspected fractures or injuries that may require urgent surgery. In such cases, only liquids may be given, and even that should be based on medical advice. A qualified doctor must assess the nature of the injury and confirm whether the person can be fed.

Meanwhile, rescue operations must be given top priority during avalanches, with immediate efforts focused on saving people who are trapped alive inside collapsed or buried buildings.

At the same time, food and water should be provided to those who have been displaced by these disasters and are staying in temporary shelters, as well as in the homes of friends and relatives. In the initial days, it is advisable to provide cooked meals, as this is the most practical and efficient way to support large numbers of affected people. Cooked food should continue to be supplied as long as they remain in temporary accommodations.

Once the disaster subsides and the floodwaters begin to recede, people will gradually return to their homes. At this stage too, their health and well-being must be considered. If floodwater has entered their houses, it may take at least three days to clean and restore them. Providing cooked food during these three days will be a considerable relief for the affected families.

If water has entered the homes of returning families, their food supplies, clothing, mattresses, and other items kept at floor level will have become wet and unusable. Therefore mats, pillows, two sets of clothing and adequate dry rations should be provided to those in need. Dry rations should be distributed in quantities sufficient to meet a family’s weekly requirements. If clothing is to be provided, it is best to supply new clothes.

At the same time, houses, schools, and places of worship in disaster-affected areas must be cleaned. Youth groups should take the initiative in assisting with the cleaning of homes. Working in organized teams to clean houses, compounds, and public buildings will help complete the work quickly and efficiently.

Those who participate in cleaning operations must carry proper safety gear such as boots, gloves, soap, adequate drinking water, food items, and adequate number of clothes for their own protection. They should also bring essential tools and equipment, including shovels, pickaxes, hammers, wrenches, garbage pickers, and single-wheel pushcarts. In addition, the use of larger equipment such as small and large backhoe machines, water pumps, wood-cutting tools, knives, garbage collection bags, buckets, and other necessary items will significantly improve the speed and effectiveness of recovery and cleaning efforts.

Carrying a gas cylinder and a portable gas cooker will also be useful for preparing meals during cleaning and recovery operations.

APPRECIATE SUPPORT OF ALL NATIONS

We express our sincere gratitude to all the countries that extended a helping hand during this calamity. India’s immediate relief and rescue assistance is especially commendable. Likewise, on behalf of all Sri Lankans, we convey our heartfelt appreciation to China, the United States of America, Japan, the Maldives, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bangladesh, the Netherlands, and all other nations that stood with us at this critical moment.

We also gratefully acknowledge the contributions of local citizens, volunteers, and foreign nationals who took part in the rescue and recovery operations.

by M. S. M. Jansin
Management Consultant

Opinion

Thoughts for Unduvap Poya

Published

4 days ago

2025/12/4

Sahan Weerasooriya

Arrival of Arahant Bhikkuni Sangamitta

Unduvap Poya, which falls today, has great historical significance for Sri Lanka, as several important events occurred on that day but before looking into these, as the occasion demands, our first thought should be about impermanence. One of the cornerstones of Buddha’s teachings is impermanence and there is no better time to ponder over it than now, as the unfolding events of the unprecedented natural disaster exemplify it. Who would have imagined, even a few days ago, the scenes of total devastation we are witnessing now; vast swathes of the country under floodwaters due to torrential rain, multitudes of earth slips burying alive entire families with their hard-built properties and closing multiple trunk roads bringing the country to a virtual standstill. The best of human kindness is also amply demonstrated as many risk their own lives to help those in distress.

In the struggle of life, we are attached and accumulate many things, wanted and unwanted, including wealth overlooking the fact that all this could disappear in a flash, as happened to an unfortunate few during this calamitous time. Even the survivors, though they are happy that they survived, are left with anxiety, apprehension, and sorrow, all of which is due to attachment. We are attached to things because we fail to realise the importance of impermanence. If we do, we would be less attached and less affected. Realisation of the impermanent nature of everything is the first step towards ultimate detachment.

It was on a day like this that Arahant Bhikkhuni Sanghamitta arrived in Lanka Deepa bringing with her a sapling of the Sri Maha Bodhi tree under which Prince Siddhartha attained Enlightenment. She was sent by her father Emperor Ashoka, at the request of Arahant Mahinda who had arrived earlier and established Buddhism formally under the royal patronage of King Devanampiyatissa. With the very successful establishment of Bhikkhu Sasana, as there was a strong clamour for the establishment of Bhikkhuni Sasana as well, Arahant Mahinda requested his father to send his sister which was agreed to by Emperor Ashoka, though reluctantly as he would be losing two of his children. In fact, both served Lanka Deepa till their death, never returning to the country of their birth. Though Arahant Sanghamitta’s main mission was otherwise, her bringing a sapling of the Bo tree has left an indelible imprint in the annals of our history.

According to chronicles, King Devanampiyatissa planted the Bo sapling in Mahamevnawa Park in Anuradhapura in 288 BCE, which continues to thrive, making it the oldest living human planted tree in the world with a known planting date. It is a treasure that needs to be respected and protected at all costs. However, not so long ago it was nearly destroyed by the idiocy of worshippers who poured milk on the roots. Devotion clouding reality, they overlooked the fact that a tree needs water, not milk!

A monk developed a new practice of Bodhi Puja, which even today attracts droves of devotees and has become a ritual. This would have been the last thing the Buddha wanted! He expressed gratitude by gazing at the tree, which gave him shelter during the most crucial of times, for a week but did not want his followers to go around worshipping similar trees growing all over. Instead of following the path the Buddha laid for us, we seem keen on inventing new rituals to indulge in!

Arahant Sanghamitta achieved her prime objective by establishing the Bhikkhuni Sasana which thrived for nearly 1200 years till it fell into decline with the fall of the Anuradhapura kingdom. Unfortunately, during the Polonnaruwa period that followed the influence of Hinduism over Buddhism increased and some of the Buddhist values like equality of sexes and anti-casteism were lost. Subsequently, even the Bhikkhu Sasana went into decline. Higher ordination for Bhikkhus was re-established in 1753 CE with the visit of Upali Maha Thera from Siam which formed the basis of Siam Maha Nikaya. Upali Maha Thero is also credited with reorganising Kandy Esala Perahera to be the annual Procession of the Temple of Tooth, which was previously centred around the worship of deities, by getting a royal decree: “Henceforth Gods and men are to follow the Buddha”

In 1764 CE, Siyam Nikaya imposed a ‘Govigama and Radala’ exclusivity, disregarding a fundamental tenet of the Buddha, apparently in response to an order from the King! Fortunately, Buddhism was saved from the idiocy of Siyam Nikaya by the formation of Amarapura Nikaya in 1800 CE and Ramanna Nikaya in 1864 CE, higher ordination for both obtained from Burma. None of these Niakya’s showed any interest in the re-establishment of Bhikkhuni Sasana which was left to a band of interested and determined ladies.

My thoughts and admiration, on the day Bhikkhuni Sasana was originally established, go to these pioneers whose determination knew no bounds. They overcame enormous difficulties and obtained higher ordination from South Korea initially. Fortunately, Ven. Inamaluwe Sri Sumangala Thero, Maha Nayaka of Rangiri Dambulla Chapter of Siyam Maha Nikaya started offering higher ordination to Bhikkhunis in 1998 but state recognition became a sore point. When Venerable Welimada Dhammadinna Bhikkhuni was denied official recognition as a Bhikkhuni on her national identity card she filed action, with the support of Ven. Inamaluwe Sri Sumangala Thero. In a landmark majority judgement delivered on 16 June, the Supreme Court ruled that the fundamental rights of Ven. Dhammadinna were breached and also Bhikkhuni Sasana was re-established in Sri Lanka. As this judgement did not receive wide publicity, I wrote a piece titled “Buddhism, Bhikkhus and Bhikkhunis” (The Island, 10 July 2025) and my wish for this Unduvap Poya is what I stated therein:

“The landmark legal battle won by Bhikkhunis is a victory for common sense more than anything else. I hope it will help Bhikkhuni Sasana flourish in Sri Lanka. The number of devotees inviting Bhikkhunis to religious functions is increasing. May Bhikkhunis receive the recognition they richly deserve.” May there be a rapid return to normalcy from the current tragic situation.”

by Dr Upul Wijayawardhana