ON THE BANK OF RIVER MAHAWELI
Journal Title: Social Affairs - Year 2017, Vol 1, Issue 7
Abstract
The following song was written by Wetara Mahinda, who frst produced the piece in Sinhala with the title ‘Mahaweli iwure pot gula weta pe…’ (music produced and sung by Sanath Nandasiri), and later himself translated it into English. It is presumably the only song about the University of Peradeniya published in English, outside of Sri Lanka’s borders. The editors’ have taken the liberty to also attach, at the end of the translation [document], a non-exhaustive list of songs written by others about the splendor of this University, as it was felt to be momentous at the “celebration of the Diamond Jubilee” of this seat of higher learning. The lyricist obtained his Bachelor’s degree in Archaeology from the University of Peradeniya with First Class honours in 1980, followed by a Master of Arts in 1995 from the same university. Having joined the University’s faculty even before his Bachelor’s convocation was held (in 1981), Wetara Mahinda continued his teaching duties up till 2011 when he resigned. He held the post of Head, Department of Archaeology for six years, having been appointed three times in 1997, 2000 and 2003. He played an active role in the administrative affairs of the University, as evidenced by the various posts he held such as serving as the Senior Students’ Counselor, Warden of Sangharamaya Hostel, Member of the Library Committee, Member of the Arts Faculty Higher Degrees Committee and Chairperson of the Arts Faculty Research Committee. Wetara Mahinda, while living in the United States, beautifully depicts in this song the moment of separation of a person who has long been associated with the picturesque University of Peradeniya, his alma mater and home.
Authors and Affiliations
Wetara Mahinda
Keywords
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