Kings of Lanka by Kumari Udayakanthi. Reviewed by Kalyani Senerath Yapa

tire narration of this period is delivered in an exciting and adventurous form. Remembering that she is addressing young minds, the writer dwells less on the king’s motives and prowess in the battlefield and more on his love, friendships, and people’s loyalty and dedication. The omission of battles takes nothing away from the story; the historical subjects are enlivened and almost walk off the page.

The narrative of King Devanampiyatissa takes a different strain. There is no war or romance. The hunting expedition is just touched upon to describe the king’s meeting with Arahant Mahinda, preceded by an introduction to Emperor Asoka, and how Arahant Mahinda happened to visit Lanka. The meeting of the two is related in a stirring episode, and there follows a narrative of faith, devotion and liberation. Buddhism sinks into the hearts of Lankans.

The vague pictures both child and adult have of Arahant Mahinda and the royal personages like the princes Aritta, and Anula Devi who soon enter the order become defined and shaped as they spring to life.

More details of how Buddhism, Buddhist culture and architecture grew and spread in Lanka under the devoted and able services of King Devanampiyatissa, are in the section titled ‘More About the Kings’. Further narratives on King Dutugamunu, King Kavantissa, Vihara Maha Devi, and also the ‘Dasa Maha Yodas’ or the ten great soldiers, not to mention the noble beast of war – Kadol, the war elephant, are dealt with fondly and respectfully.

Information important to school-children is woven into interesting episodes and events with engaging conversations so that the historical figures emerge as familiar people they have grown to love and admire.

Shunning publicity, the writer has adopted the pseudonym Kumari Udayakanthi. In producing supplementary material to young readers, she stresses that the motive should be to disseminate fruitful ideas in addition to improving the reading habits of the young.

I appreciate her effort and hope she will continue the work she has started. (The book is available at the Buddhist Cultural Centre and

other leading bookshops)