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Strictly
a law journal In recognition of this fact the Moot Society of Sri Lanka Law College will be launching the 'Law College Law Review' which, although a student initiative, is not a student publication which vacillates between a student society magazine and a publication with legal content. This is strictly a law journal aimed at benefiting the legal practitioner and being of academic value to the law student. The inaugural issue contains a variety of articles covering different areas of the law ranging from labour law to international law, contributed by eminent legal academics and practitioners who have recognised the journal as an ideal forum for comment, criticism and analysis of their respective subjects. The articles which are contemporary and incisive however, remain neither too academic nor legalese. The journal also carries book reviews and one student contribution in addition to a section devoted to case notes of recent judicial decisions compiled by law students. In addition, it contains a special tribute to a giant of the legal community, Dr. J.A.L.Cooray, whose demise has left a void that cannot be filled. The journal has had the assistance of an eminent panel of consultant editors comprising academics and practitioners foremost in their respective fields of law, headed by Dr. A.R.B.Amerasinghe, retired Judge of the Supreme Court. The Law College Law Review is a significant attempt at expanding the horizons of knowledge within the legal profession on legal issues which are current, relevant and sometimes even controversial. The launch of this annual publication is certainly a giant leap towards achieving that ultimate purpose. A key
to kingdoms past These are the influences of India on the ancient civilization as borne out in the introduction of Buddhism, the relations between the two civilizations and the mutual impact despite their physical disparity. The unique feature of this relationship was that India refrained from asserting its physical might while Sri Lanka excelled in expressing its own individuality through the spread of Buddhism and the development of its own civilization while maintaining the most enlightened relations with its great neighbour. This is a tribute to the exalted statesmanship of India on the one hand and the enlightened spirit of the rulers of Sri Lanka. This was presumably the political and cultural climate which saw the flowering of the art of the ancient Sinhalese. This text however, while reflecting the mind of a master is only a brief introduction as the real scholarship is contained in the introductory notes on the plates. This publication can be described as a pictorial guide and its appearance, enhances its appeal. The plates highlight Sinhala art and focus on its character, which have made it internationally famous. They comprise a range of artistic creations which are a tribute to the skill and craftsmanship of their creators. What is remarkable is the range of artistic creations representing those forms for which the ancient civilizations were famous. It is clear that the main thrust and purpose of this book is its fabulous gallery of art works which are rendered even more memorable by the scholarly notes accompanying each plate. These notes embody the legendary scholarship of the author and his unsurpassed knowledge of Sinhala works of art, many of which were the products of his own excavations. To take an example, his notes on plates 37 to 42 are virtually a treatise on the moonstone which is a unique feature of Sinhala art and they describe the deep symbolism of the moonstones which focuses on the nature of existence. The notes on the Buddha images are likewise classic descriptions of their artistic skills as well as of their symbolism. Of special interest are his comments on the two well known colossal Buddha images at Avukana and Sasseruwa both of which are unique for their size and their artistry. Of similar interest are his comments on sculpture. Two instances being the Kushtarajagala at Weligama and the Potgulvehera. Suffice it to say that these footnotes constitute an authoritative encyclopedia on the masterpieces of Sinhala art and are unsurpassed for their artistic appraisal and insights. A word of praise is in place about the qualities of the plates itself apart from their content. The plates are kaleidoscopic presentations of the art treasures of the early civilization and their own photographic quality and artistic focus enhances their appeal. Their unique quality as masterpieces of art are vividly brought out. The book can veritably be described as an art gallery in its own right. The credit for this is due to the publisher for a publication which can itself be described as a work of art with its striking cover, the sketches on the cover, the high quality of the paper and the superb graphic portrayals on the plates itself. The publication fully measures up to the description given of it by another literary giant as a key treasury of the art of the ancient Sinhalese which the student and the connoisseur have long been waiting for. We trust that this is a forerunner of many more to come which illuminate the minds of our people who are the heirs to this art treasures as well as the world which needs to be reminded of the art heritage of our resplendent isle. Visidunu
Prakashakayo |
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