The Ceylon Journal: A treasure trove of information

The Ceylon Journal, a new publication for anyone interested in the little-known lore of our island was launched on August 2, at the Sri Lanka Medical Association (SLMA) auditorium.

Prof. C. R. de Silva, formerly of the University of Peradeniya,
Sri Lanka and Old Dominion University, USA writes: “The inauguration of the Ceylon Journal should be a cause for celebration. As I understand it, it is a publication designed to offer a wide perspective on Sri Lanka to the substantial group of English speakers in Sri Lanka, as well as to those living in other parts of the world who are interested in the country. The objective is to periodically publish issues of the journal with articles providing new information on a variety of subjects including archaeology, art, architecture, culinary arts, folklore, history, language and literature, law, music, natural history, social and economic conditions, sports and wildlife.

“The first issue of the journal has more than satisfied these objectives. It is a collection of articles of excellent quality covering issues ranging from art and cartography to banknotes, court cases and cricket. The authors included some who started out as writers but there were also others who are well known in their fields. This combination should give us the hope that the journal will emerge as a publication that will attract the attention of a wide group of readers and make a valued contribution to reasoned inquiry and discussion on the legacy of Sri Lanka’s past and possible directions for its future.”