Archaeological Society of Sri Lanka honours distinguished linguist
Prof. Vini Vitharana, is one of the most distinguished linguists and scholars this country has produced. As a scholar of Sinhala, Pali, Sanskrit and English, he has for several decades made magnificent contributions to the studies and research of culture in Sinhala literature and our national heritage.
He was born on June 2, 1928 at Thangalla and had his primary education at Christ Church College Thangalla, and at Mahinda College of Galle for higher education. He obtained bachelors degree from two universities, Ceylon (Peradeniya) and London and also has the rare distinction of possessing two PhDs one from the University of Ceylon (Peradeniya) and the other from University of London.
He has also contributed much to the development of languages and literature by translating into English classical Sinhalese work such as Muvadevdavatha, Sasadavatha, Saddarmaratnawaliya and certain Sandesas. Prof. Vini Vitharana has also written many books such as the Encyclopedia of Geography, Oru and Yatra, Sun and Moon in Sinhala Culture, Maldivian Cultural Affinities (Study of History, archaeology, religion and languages).
The Archaeological Society of Sri Lanka (Sri Lankawe Pura Vidya Sangamaya) will in collaboration with the Central Cultural Fund present the award of Pranama and hold a seminar to felicitate Prof. Vini Vitharana for his services to the national heritage, language, culture and classical literature of Sri Lanka at a ceremony today at the auditorium of the National Museum, Colombo 7 at 2.30 p.m. Dr. Jagath Balasuriya,Minister of National Heritage and T.B. Ekanayaka Minister of Cultural Affairs and Art will be present at the occasion.
The writer is a former Assistant Director, Department of Archaeology
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