Features
Striking gold in the yellowing pages of faded ink and dry dust
Second-hand bookshops of Maradana
By Tharishi Hewavithanagamage
Books quench our thirst for knowledge. Sir Francis Bacon’s famous quote ‘Reading maketh a full man,’ refers to the notion that by reading, one is able to fill the mind with knowledge relating to a variety of topics. Literature often enables a person to enter and explore territories which are difficult to explore in person, and it expands the imaginative capabilities of the mind by helping the reader perceive ideas they might find foreign. Through books, we learn about how things work, understand different cultures, and comprehend histories. We can learn new languages, how to improve ourselves and even how to build things. The right books are full of useful information that helps us become smarter, sharper, skilled and more open to new ideas.
The old-fashioned secondhand bookshops lining the D. R. Wijewardena Mawatha are hard to miss, but something that may not be instantly evident to the casual onlooker, is the sheer volume of literature and knowledge contained within the walls of each deceptively tiny shop.
The tale begins with one Premadasa Weerarathna who was the pioneer in the used book business in Maradana. He is credited with paving the way for other book shops to prop up on the same block. Premadasa Weerarathna was a soldier in the British Royal Navy and in the 1940s he was severely injured following a gas explosion. Unfortunately, he lost his left arm and right leg, putting an end to his military career. He was assisted by the British High Commission in Colombo, who regularly sent him prosthetic limbs, along with a pension. It was then that he decided to set up shop, at first on the pavement outside the Maradana railway station, selling and lending books acquired from various distributors. He began collecting English novels and Reader’s Digest from his old colleagues in the Navy, for which there was a big demand, as it was cheap, and there was a big demand for English readings at the time. They also received new books delivered by businessmen who would go around delivering and collecting books to and from rich households in Colombo for around 50 cents, at the time.
Reading was popular although the book trade wasn’t popular as it is nowadays. However, Premadasa being an ingenious man was able to gather a regular customer base and built an up-and-coming business. The shop’s collection began expanding to include rare novels and other highly sought-after books, which put them on the map. Leading up to the Non-Aligned Summit that was held in Colombo in 1976, a majority of the shops in Maradana were relocated and the Premadasa Bookshop was moved to its current location on D. R. Wijewardena Mawatha. Not long after, many others entered the book trade and set up shop in the vicinity.
In 1976, with Premadasa’s guidance, his former assistant, Peter Appuhamy established his own shop, ‘Peters Bookshop,’ which now stands two doors away from the old Premadasa Bookshop. In the same year, Premadasa encouraged Sarath S.T. Hannadige, his nephew to start his own book shop, and so the old ‘Premadasa Bookshop’ became ‘Sarath Books.’ Although the founders no longer work in these shops, their knowledge and skills have been passed down to the newer, younger generations.
The shops are home to books full of faded ink, dry dust, and many untouched chapters. They receive a majority of their books from their own customers who do not want to throw away their collections, so the little shops are crammed with a variety of tomes, from the latest in popular fiction and chic-lit in profusion, to novels (both Sinhala and English), textbooks of various subjects, self-help books, and magazines. It’s akin to digging through a gold mine, and one would strike gold if they happen to come across a book that is no longer in print, or is the last remaining copy of its kind. Everything available in these shops are sold at an affordable rate. The bookshops also have lending services (mostly for novels), for those unable or unwilling to purchase.
Reading today is very different, especially with technological advancements coming into play. People have become so busy that they can no longer spare time for leisure. It has become more efficient to carry a phone, laptop or a tablet around, with hundreds if not thousands of books, varying in genre, available at your fingertip, from anywhere around the world. The advent of audio books has also reduced the demand for the tangibility of actual books. The owners acknowledge that, as times changed, their customer base and sales have remained stagnant, but haven’t declined.
“It’s true that technology is advancing every day and we see a majority of the younger generation leaning towards things like e-books, audio books and so on. Some people are so occupied with their work that they cannot find time to read or enjoy other leisure activities. But there are people who still enjoy reading a book, flipping through the pages and simply enjoying the tangibility of it all. We also get a lot of parents coming this way, looking for foreign textbooks that are generally very expensive. We provide them with used books in good condition at an affordable rate,” the owners explained.
Although times have changed, their most loyal customers have been coming to the bookshops for many years, sometimes bringing in the younger generations along with them. It’s not surprising that people want to re-visit the shops given that they receive the best customer care from the good-humored owners. “Our top priority are our customers. We have customers of all ages coming in, looking for books that you can’t normally find in popular bookstores. Besides, we have no use in hoarding books, so our goal is to pass on the invaluable knowledge stored in these pages. We want our customers to gain something by reading,” said one book seller. The rapport they maintain is vital to the longevity of the bookshops.
Conversely, there is also a silver lining to all these technological advancements. The existence of social media platforms has allowed people to reach a large audience, all in one space, and the ability to interact freely. A few owners have launched online platforms and websites, and even carryout delivery services, in order to expand, cater to and interact with a larger audience. “Not everyone knows that we exist on this tiny strip of land. We have a website and a social media platform to reach out, but I don’t plan to direct my business activities online. I’m not very tech-savvy,” said Sanjaya S.T. Hannadige, the current owner of Sarath Books.
However, they are not without complaints and they share their own set of challenges. When asked about how they were affected during the COVID-19 lockdown, many admitted that it was difficult and not good for business. But they understand the pros and cons of being in the book-trade. They hope that business will return to normal as lockdown initiatives have ended and the economy is almost back on track. The lack of sanitary facilities and space in the shops are just a few of the problems that aggravate the situation.
“We pay a monthly rent to the municipal council here, and yet, even basic facilities are not available to us or the customers. We’d also like to make our shops a little more spacious,” they explained. Furthermore, with urban development projects working their way through cities, the bookshops and their original location is threatened. “We’ve been here for a long time, and many of our loyal customers, have been visiting us here for many years. The structures still stand as a sign of authenticity and originality, while the environment surrounding the shops adds to the general ambiance as well.”
Regardless of the problems they face and the many improvements required to develop the area, both the customers and sellers continue their day with broad smiles on their faces. “The book trade isn’t what it used to be. But it isn’t all that bad. We’re happy to be working here. It gives me a sense of happiness,” one said. They are hopeful that someday someone, be it the municipal council or the government, will look into their problems and aid them in preserving their trade and location, as it is a part of Sri Lanka’s history. They are also well-known among tourists and serve as a tourist destination, which is important, considering Sri Lanka has a significant tourism sector. In their last remarks about their future prospects, some mentioned that they hope to establish branches at other locations, especially in the more rural areas, where it is difficult for people to get access to books and other texts freely. They are hopeful that their businesses will flourish and that people will take more interest in preserving the art of reading and gathering knowledge, as the country gets back on its feet.
For those avid readers, collectors, bookworms, or those simply looking to check these bookshops out, head to D. R. Wijewardena Mawatha and dive into their treasure trove. The owners will be more than happy to assist and help any and all customers find exactly what they are looking for. Some shops will take part at the Colombo International Book Fair in ‘Hall H’ at the BMICH. Book lovers can surf books of Priyankara Bookshop at www.2ndhandbooks.lk and Sarath Books at http://sarathbooks.lk/. They also have a Facebook page of the same name. The knowledge offered between the walls of the shops are infinite and priceless, and it is anyone’s for the taking, and at the end of the day it could be the best step taken forward to building a better individual, society, country and world.
Pics by Jude Denzil Pathiraja
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There’s an ill more dangerous and pervasive than the Coronavirus that’s currently sweeping Sri Lanka. That is the fear to express one’s convictions. Across the public sector of the country in particular many persons holding high office are stringently regulating and controlling the voices of their consciences and this bodes ill for all and the country.
The corrupting impact of fear was discussed in this column a couple of weeks ago when dealing with the military coup in Myanmar. It stands to the enduring credit of ousted Myanmarese Head of Government Aung San Suu Kyi that she, perhaps for the first time in the history of modern political thought, singled out fear, and not power, as the principal cause of corruption within the individual; powerful or otherwise.
To be sure, power corrupts but the corrupting impact of fear is graver and more devastating. For instance, the fear in a person holding ministerial office or in a senior public sector official, that he would lose position and power as a result of speaking out his convictions and sincere beliefs on matters of the first importance, would lead to a country’s ills going unaddressed and uncorrected.
Besides, the individual concerned would be devaluing himself in the eyes of all irrevocably and revealing himself to be a person who would be willing to compromise his moral integrity for petty worldly gain or a ‘mess of pottage’. This happens all the while in Lankan public life. Some of those who have wielded and are wielding immense power in Sri Lanka leave very much to be desired from these standards.
It could be said that fear has prevented Sri Lanka from growing in every vital respect over the decades and has earned for itself the notoriety of being a directionless country.
All these ills and more are contained in the current controversy in Sri Lanka over the disposal of the bodies of Covid victims, for example. The Sri Lankan polity has no choice but to abide by scientific advice on this question. Since authorities of the standing of even the WHO have declared that the burial of the bodies of those dying of Covid could not prove to be injurious to the wider public, the Sri Lankan health authorities could go ahead and sanction the burying of the bodies concerned. What’s preventing the local authorities from taking this course since they claim to be on the side of science? Who or what are they fearing? This is the issue that’s crying out to be probed and answered.
Considering the need for absolute truthfulness and honesty on the part of all relevant persons and quarters in matters such as these, the latter have no choice but to resign from their positions if they are prevented from following the dictates of their consciences. If they are firmly convinced that burials could bring no harm, they are obliged to take up the position that burials should be allowed.
If any ‘higher authority’ is preventing them from allowing burials, our ministers and officials are conscience-bound to renounce their positions in protest, rather than behave compromisingly and engage in ‘double think’ and ‘double talk’. By adopting the latter course they are helping none but keeping the country in a state of chronic uncertainty, which is a handy recipe for social instabiliy and division.
In the Sri Lankan context, the failure on the part of the quarters that matter to follow scientific advice on the burials question could result in the aggravation of Islamophobia, or hatred of the practitioners of Islam, in the country. Sri Lanka could do without this latter phobia and hatred on account of its implications for national stability and development. The 30 year war against separatist forces was all about the prevention by military means of ‘nation-breaking’. The disastrous results for Sri Lanka from this war are continuing to weigh it down and are part of the international offensive against Sri Lanka in the UNHCR.
However, Islamophobia is an almost world wide phenomenon. It was greatly strengthened during Donald Trump’s presidential tenure in the US. While in office Trump resorted to the divisive ruling strategy of quite a few populist authoritarian rulers of the South. Essentially, the manoeuvre is to divide and rule by pandering to the racial prejudices of majority communities.
It has happened continually in Sri Lanka. In the initial post-independence years and for several decades after, it was a case of some populist politicians of the South whipping-up anti-Tamil sentiments. Some Tamil politicians did likewise in respect of the majority community. No doubt, both such quarters have done Sri Lanka immeasurable harm. By failing to follow scientific advice on the burial question and by not doing what is right, Sri Lanka’s current authorities are opening themselves to the charge that they are pandering to religious extremists among the majority community.
The murderous, destructive course of action adopted by some extremist sections among Muslim communities world wide, including of course Sri Lanka, has not earned the condemnation it deserves from moderate Muslims who make-up the preponderant majority in the Muslim community. It is up to moderate opinion in the latter collectivity to come out more strongly and persuasively against religious extremists in their midst. It will prove to have a cementing and unifying impact among communities.
It is not sufficiently appreciated by governments in the global South in particular that by voicing for religious and racial unity and by working consistently towards it, they would be strengthening democratic development, which is an essential condition for a country’s growth in all senses.
A ‘divided house’ is doomed to fall; this is the lesson of history. ‘National security’ cannot be had without human security and peaceful living among communities is central to the latter. There cannot be any ‘double talk’ or ‘politically correct’ opinions on this question. Truth and falsehood are the only valid categories of thought and speech.
Those in authority everywhere claiming to be democratic need to adopt a scientific outlook on this issue as well. Studies conducted on plural societies in South Asia, for example, reveal that the promotion of friendly, cordial ties among communities invariably brings about healing among estranged groups and produces social peace. This is the truth that is waiting to be acted upon.
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By Sanjeewa Jayaweera
It was on 3rd January 1972 that our family arrived in Karachi from Moscow. Our departure from Moscow had been delayed for a few weeks due to the military confrontation between Pakistan and India. It ended on 16th December 1971. After that, international flights were not permitted for some time.
The contrast between Moscow and Karachi was unbelievable. First and foremost, Moscow’s temperature was near minus 40 degrees centigrade, while in Karachi, it was sunny and a warm 28 degrees centigrade. However, what struck us most was the extreme warmth with which the airport authorities greeted our family. As my father was a diplomat, we were quickly ushered to the airport’s VIP Lounge. We were in transit on our way to Rawalpindi, the airport serving the capital of Islamabad.
We quickly realized that the word “we are from Sri Lanka” opened all doors just as saying “open sesame” gained entry to Aladdin’s cave! The broad smile, extreme courtesy, and genuine warmth we received from the Pakistani people were unbelievable.
This was all to do with Mrs Sirima Bandaranaike’s decision to allow Pakistani aircraft to land in Colombo to refuel on the way to Dhaka in East Pakistan during the military confrontation between Pakistan and India. It was a brave decision by Mrs Bandaranaike (Mrs B), and the successive governments and Sri Lanka people are still enjoying the fruits of it. Pakistan has been a steadfast and loyal supporter of our country. They have come to our assistance time and again in times of great need when many have turned their back on us. They have indeed been an “all-weather” friend of our country.
Getting back to 1972, I was an early beneficiary of Pakistani people’s love for Sri Lankans. I failed the entrance exam to gain entry to the only English medium school in Islamabad! However, when I met the Principal, along with my father, he said, “Sanjeewa, although you failed the entrance exam, I will this time make an exception as Sri Lankans are our dear friends.” After that, the joke around the family dinner table was that I owed my education in Pakistan to Mrs B!
At school, my brother and I were extended a warm welcome and always greeted “our good friends from Sri Lanka.” I felt when playing cricket for our college; our runs were cheered more loudly than of others.
One particular incident that I remember well was when the Embassy received a telex from the Foreign inistry. It requested that our High Commissioner seek an immediate meeting with the Prime Minister of Pakistan, Mr Zulifikar Ali Bhutto (ZB), and convey a message from Mrs B. The message requested that an urgent shipment of rice be dispatched to Sri Lanka as there would be an imminent rice shortage. As the Ambassador was not in the station, the responsibility devolved on my father.
It usually takes about a week or more to get an audience with the Prime Minister (PM) of a foreign country due to their busy schedule. However, given the urgency, my father spoke to the Foreign Ministry’s Permanent Sectary, who fortunately was our neighbour and sought an urgent appointment. My father received a call from the PM’s secretary around 10 P.M asking him to come over to the PM’s residence. My father met ZB around midnight. ZB was about to retire to bed and, as such, was in his pyjamas and gown enjoying a cigar! He had greeted my father and had asked, “Mr Jayaweera, what can we do for great friend Madam Bandaranaike?. My father conveyed the message from Colombo and quietly mentioned that there would be riots in the country if there is no rice!
ZB had immediately got the Food Commissioner of Pakistan on the line and said, “I want a shipload of rice to be in Colombo within the next 72 hours!” The Food Commissioner reverted within a few minutes, saying that nothing was available and the last export shipment had left the port only a few hours ago to another country. ZB had instructed to turn the ship around and send it to Colombo. This despite protests from the Food Commissioner about terms and conditions of the Letter of Credit prohibiting non-delivery. Sri Lanka got its delivery of rice!
The next was the visit of Mrs B to Pakistan. On arrival in Rawalpindi airport, she was given a hero’s welcome, which Pakistan had previously only offered to President Gaddafi of Libya, who financially backed Pakistan with his oil money. That day, I missed school and accompanied my parents to the airport. On our way, we witnessed thousands of people had gathered by the roadside to welcome Mrs B.
When we walked to the airport’s tarmac, thousands of people were standing in temporary stands waving Sri Lanka and Pakistan flags and chanting “Sri Lanka Pakistan Zindabad.” The noise emanating from the crowd was as loud and passionate as the cheering that the Pakistani cricket team received during a test match. It was electric!
I believe she was only the second head of state given the privilege of addressing both assemblies of Parliament. The other being Gaddafi. There was genuine affection from Mrs B amongst the people of Pakistan.
I always remember the indefatigable efforts of Mr Abdul Haffez Kardar, a cabinet minister and the President of the Pakistan Cricket Board. From around 1973 onwards, he passionately championed Sri Lanka’s cause to be admitted as a full member of the International Cricket Council (ICC) and granted test status. Every year, he would propose at the ICC’s annual meeting, but England and Australia’s veto kept us out until 1981.
I always felt that our Cricket Board made a mistake by not inviting Pakistan to play our inaugural test match. We should have appreciated Mr Kardar and Pakistan’s efforts. In 1974 the Pakistan board invited our team for a tour involving three test matches and a few first-class games. Most of those who played in our first test match was part of that tour, and no doubt gained significant exposure playing against a highly talented Pakistani team.
Several Pakistani greats were part of the Pakistan and India team that played a match soon after the Central Bank bomb in Colombo to prove that it was safe to play cricket in Colombo. It was a magnificent gesture by both Pakistan and India. Our greatest cricket triumph was in Pakistan when we won the World Cup in 1996. I am sure the players and those who watched the match on TV will remember the passionate support our team received that night from the Pakistani crowd. It was like playing at home!
I also recall reading about how the Pakistani government air freighted several Multi Barrell artillery guns and ammunition to Sri Lanka when the A rmy camp in Jaffna was under severe threat from the LTTE. This was even more important than the shipload of rice that ZB sent. This was crucial as most other countries refused to sell arms to our country during the war.
Time and again, Pakistan has steadfastly supported our country’s cause at the UNHCR. No doubt this year, too, their diplomats will work tirelessly to assist our country.
We extend a warm welcome to Mr Imran Khan, the Prime Minister of Pakistan. He is a truly inspirational individual who was undoubtedly an excellent cricketer. Since retirement from cricket, he has decided to get involved in politics, and after several years of patiently building up his support base, he won the last parliamentary elections. I hope that just as much as he galvanized Sri Lankan cricketers, his political journey would act as a catalyst for people like Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene to get involved in politics. Cricket has been called a “gentleman’s game.” Whilst politics is far from it!.
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Believe me, seeing certain videos, on social media, depicting action, on the dance floor, at some of these entertainment venues, got me wondering whether this Coronavirus pandemic is REAL!
To those having a good time, at these particular venues, and, I guess, the management, as well, what the world is experiencing now doesn’t seem to be their concerned.
Obviously, such irresponsible behaviour could create more problems for those who are battling to halt the spread of Covid-19, and the new viriant of Covid, in our part of the world.
The videos, on display, on social media, show certain venues, packed to capacity – with hardly anyone wearing a mask, and social distancing…only a dream..
How can one think of social distancing while gyrating, on a dance floor, that is over crowded!
If this trend continues, it wouldn’t be a surprise if Coronavirus makes its presence felt…at such venues.
And, then, what happens to the entertainment scene, and those involved in this field, especially the musicians? No work, whatsoever!
Lots of countries have closed nightclubs, and venues, where people gather, in order to curtail the spread of this deadly virus that has already claimed the lives of thousands.
Thailand did it and the country is still having lots of restrictions, where entertainment is concerned, and that is probably the reason why Thailand has been able to control the spread of the Coronavirus.
With a population of over 69 million, they have had (so far), a little over 25,000 cases, and 83 deaths, while we, with a population of around 21 million, have over 80,000 cases, and more than 450 deaths.
I’m not saying we should do away with entertainment – totally – but we need to follow a format, connected with the ‘new normal,’ where masks and social distancing are mandatory requirements at these venues. And, dancing, I believe, should be banned, at least temporarily, as one can’t maintain the required social distance, while on the dance floor, especially after drinks.
Police spokesman DIG Ajith Rohana keeps emphasising, on TV, radio, and in the newspapers, the need to adhere to the health regulations, now in force, and that those who fail to do so would be penalised.
He has also stated that plainclothes officers would move around to apprehend such offenders.
Perhaps, he should instruct his officers to pay surprise visits to some of these entertainment venues.
He would certainly have more than a bus load of offenders to be whisked off for PCR/Rapid Antigen tests!
I need to quote what Dr. H.T. Wickremasinghe said in his article, published in The Island of Tuesday, February 16th, 2021:
“…let me conclude, while emphasising the need to continue our general public health measures, such as wearing masks, social distancing, and avoiding crowded gatherings, to reduce the risk of contact with an infected person.
“There is no science to beat common sense.”
But…do some of our folks have this thing called COMMON SENSE!
