Book Review: A Road Travelled Far by Lucian Appuhamy

Source:Daehaena – Monthly Newsletter – May 2021 – Radio 4EB Sri Lankan Group

“A ROAD TRAVELLED FAR” is the autobiography of Mr Lucian Appuhamy, who resides is Brisbane. It narrates the story of a boy who was born in a rural village in Sri Lanka, became a Civil Engineer and travelled the world,
working on Engineering projects in developed and developing countries. It contains anecdotes and memories of his experiences at the university and at work as he navigated through politics, culture and work.

It is a story that speaks of the history of Sri Lanka, specially in the field of engineering and also the frustration in the government service due to the interference of the politicians. Lucian was one who never wanted to bow his head to the politicians.

The book that unfolds his work life, from Chapter 5 to Chapter 12 and his overseas work in Nigeria, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Laos and Australia are interestingly discussed.. The opening four chapters discuss the family with parents, school and the university education. I read with interest the Peradeniya University atmosphere prevalent at that time and how the ragging was done and how clashes with army took place.
The hundred and twenty five page book is interesting and readable with an excellent flow. Had there been some mention of other aspects of his life it would have made a complete autobiography. It is the life of a contended person you read in “A ROAD TRAVELLED
FAR’..
Nimal Sedera