ARISEN AHUBUDU
The eighth death anniversary of veteran Sinhala scholar, teacher and playwright Kalasuri Arisen Ahubudu falls on May 26. Ahubudu, born in 1920, had his early education at the Kataluwa government school and joined the Nittambuwa Teacher Training College later. He sharpened his linguistic skills following his close association with Hela Hawula stalwarts like Kumaratunga Munidasa and Vellala Jayamaha in the thirties and forties. The name change to Arisen Ahubudu was also the result of this association. Ahubudu served 42 years as a teacher. Having first taught at Holy Trinity College in Nuwara Eliya, he moved to Mahinda College, Galle and later to Maha Bodhi College, Maradana. His longest stint came later at S. Thomas’ College from 1952 until 1979 where he is still remembered for his significant contribution. He passed away on May 26, 2011 at the age of 91.