by M.A. Ranawansa
Former Librarian, University of Ceylon, Peradeniya
This tribute is to a prominent scholar, man of letters, art critic, educationist, intellectual and internationally famed bibliographer who rendered a monumental service to uplift the standard of the Library of University of Ceylon, Peradeniya and to the University Education, especially to post graduate studies, Dr. Henry Alfred Ian Gunatilaka. Above all he was a humanitarian, sincere and intimate friend, peace loving citizen and person. Who expected an egalitarian society to live without being discrimination to anyone. He was born and January 1922 to very respectable parents and he obtained his early education from Richmond College in Galle, in late 1930’s, a brilliant student of Prof. Ludowyke, Professor of English of the University of Ceylon in late 40’s. Lyn Ludowyke was his preceptor.
He passed away a decade ago on 22nd May 2003 at the General Hospital, Colombo while he was being treated for a heart condition at the age of 81.The funeral arrangements were scheduled to be held on the following day on the advice given to his family members for a private funeral without being informed even to his close friends. The vacuum that was created in the arena of university education, Library Science and the field of art criticism and the sincerity of an affectionate friend after his departure cannot easily be filled because a person of his caliber would not be produced even after many generations under the present system of education. The intellectuals who want to quench their thirst of knowledge will not meet such a person of eminence easily.
His close friends, University Dons and learned persons came to know his death only after about two weeks when a series of Letters of Appreciation appeared in the English news papers for weeks; these letters of Appreciation have been written by eminent scholars. Among the writers were Prof. Bertram Basthianpillai, Dr. Mirando Obeysekera, Sydney Night, Mr. N.T.S.A. Senaratna, Retired Librarian of University of Ceylon, Peradeniya; late Ajith Samaranayaka, Editor, Sunday Observer; Tilak A Gunawardane, Mr. Gopala Krishna Ghandi, for mar Deputy Indian High Commissioner; Prof. Wishwawarnapala, Prof. Ashley Halpe and Prof. K.N.O. Dharmadasa.
Librarian
Dr. Gunatilaka assumed duty as the Assistant Librarian at the Library of University of Ceylon, Peradeniya, in April 1953 subsequent to the retirement of Mr. P. Kandiah, his predecessor as the Librarian, a Cambridge University Graduate in 1947 then University of Ceylon, Colombo. His application for the post of Assistant Librarian was forwarded in October 1952 while he was reading for his post graduate degree in Library Science under the supervision of the internationally renowned Don on Library Science, Prof. S.R. Ranganathan at the University of Madras. On the very same day he arrived from Madras to Colombo to appear for the Interview. His eligibility was counted several folds as he had accomplished more qualifications than any other candidates.
During the span of his service in the library he held the positions of Assistant Librarian, Deputy Librarian and the Librarian which ended after 27 years on a resignation from the post; it was an immature self-made retirement, despite the fact that his service would have been extended for a number of years in future. Dr. Ian Gunatilaka, who had a persistent determination to dedicate his service to the Library of University of Ceylon abruptly decided to forward his letter of resignation due to a reason which was un acceptable for him as he disagreed with the Authorities of the University Grant Commission because his high moral principles.
Academic career
As an internationally acclaimed Librarian who was eager to disseminate the knowledge to the undergraduates and to various scholars he extensively read almost all the books on History, Political Science, Law, English Literature, Religion and Biographies etc.; he hardly forget to read new arrivals which would reached the library from various publishers locally and internationally which he read momentarily. He dedicated his life to develop the Library in introducing best methodology and the modern scientific methods and his untiring work uplifted the standard of the Library of University of Ceylon, Peradeniya, to the same standard of the Libraries in Oxford and Cambridge Universities.
Dr. Ian Gunatilake firmly believed that responsibility of a professional and learned librarian is not merely confined to classify and maintain the record of books and the general administration of a library. He emphasized that Librarian should be a dynamic person who is competent to acquire the knowledge and disseminate it to the individuals who seek knowledge on any subjects. On his 75th birth day, Ian Gunatilaka was invited to unveil the bust of the picture of him painted by the late artist Mr. Kirinde at the Main Hall of the Library in the University 22nd January 1997; at the gathering he elucidated how his profession had been bound with the life of the library. He explained how hardly he tried to face the challenges that he encountered in 1953 when his plan of expansion of the library under the new reorganization to be implemented which had also been a crossroad of his whole career. Dr. Ian Gunatilaka successfully conquered the challenges and brought the library to the present standard within a short period. He was the brainchild of the creation of ‘The Ceylon Room’ of the Library where the thousands of volumes on Sri Lanka are shelved now. The ‘The Ceylon Room’ is a treasure house of rare books on Sri Lanka; its services were immense benefit to the foreign academics that joined the University of Ceylon in expecting to do research work on Sri Lanka. The ‘Ceylon Room’ has a vast number of documents written on the political events especially the events related to the ‘Left Politics’ that took place in Sri Lanka from the colonial period; the bulk of volumes that he collected on Sri Lanka was unique.
The number of books authored by him is 13. He had written hundreds of articles on Literature, Arts and Aesthetics, History, Politics and Reviews on books to local and internationally famed magazines. His literary work was not only confined to these academic career but also to the other areas of studies; the index on Sri Lankan Numismatics with an introduction his-new edition-of Robert Knox’s ‘The Historical Relation of the Island of Ceylon’; Compilation of published and unpublished research papers of reputed Archaeologist late Dr. Senarath Paranavithana, Book of Compilation of the articles written by American Missionaries, tourists and state dignitaries and diplomats who visited Sri Lanka in 19th and 20th centuries under the title of ‘Image of Sri Lanka through American eyes’. It was edited and compiled on the invitation of the former Ambassador of USA, Christopher Van Hollen on the occasion of celebration of Bicentennial anniversary of American independence in 1975. Dr. Ian Gunatilaka, and his wife Rosaline were given an opportunity to stay in USA for one year until the research work being completed in the Library of Congress. His introduction to the book is impressive; a Record of description of the indigenous people of Sri Lanka Vaddas; and Index of Folklore in Sri Lanka are some of his writings based on extensive researches. He held the position of Managing Editor of prestigious and academically important journal ‘The Journal of Historical and Social Studies in Sri Lanka in 50’s and 60’s which was a reference material to the undergraduates of Sociology. Dr. Ian Guntilaka had written a comprehensive preface to the Commemorative issue of supplement ‘Road to Peradeniya’ which was published to mark the 50th Anniversary of the University of Ceylon, Peradeniya in 2002, while treading down the memory lane of the bygone era of Sir Ivor Jennings, then Vice Chancellor of the University in early 50’s.Dr. Ian Gunatilaka edited and compiled the collection of articles written by various academics, titled under the name. Long Afternoons’ about his mentor Lyn Ludowyke who had rendered a valuable contribution to the promotion of the English language and Plays in Sri Lanka.
His ambition to write a biography of Sir Ivor Jennings could not be achieved since he had been deprived because his poor health in 2002 and 2003 but he had collected some source materials and a few numbers of unfinished manuscripts would have been laid on the table in his study room at the time of his death.
Dr. Ian Gunatilaka was a silent genius in language skillfulness, who could use the English Language to write to impress the reader; his enriched colossal vocabulary creates unique style in which the language is most appropriately suited the thought that is being expressed. His writing was highly appreciated by eminent Scholars such as Prof. K.M. De Silva, Pro. Wishwa Warnapala, Prof. Bertram Bastian Pillai, Prof. K.N.O. Dharmadasa, Prof. Ashely Halpe and Prof. Sucharitha Gamlath.
Dr. Ian Gunatilaka was dissevered to be appointed for a number of prestigious positions in Universities and International organizations by recognizing his qualifications:
1. Dr. Ian Gunatilaka was the only Asian student who won the scholarship from the University of London to study higher Diploma in Library Science in 1956 since the inception Of University.
2. Dr. Ian Gunatilaka was the only Asian Librarian who had been awarded the Fellowship from Royal Library Association of UK and Ireland in recognizing his thesis by the panel of academics of the Association.
3. Dr. Ian Gunatilaka was the only Asian Librarian who had been invited as an adviser to the UNESCO Library Service by its Director General in 1977and 1978.
4. Dr. Ian Gunatilaka was the only Asian Librarian who had been given a membership of the Board of Examiners to read the thesis of the students who anticipated the fellowship of the London Library Association late 1970’s.
Immature Retirement and last phase
He lived a simple life for which he never expected an extra comforts never owned a house of his own, the old Volkswagen car, one of the first consignments from Germany to then Ceylon in 1950 had been using with frequent treatment of a motor mechanic for his life time. He was happier if he was called Ian; never added any academic decoration before his name or academic degrees at the end of his name to show that he was a scholar. He was free from the academic arrogance. His most precious treasure of wealth, personal library of nearly hundred thousand of volumes on various subjects was donated to the Library of the University of Ceylon, Peradeniya in 1997 at his last will.
Departure of Dr. Ian Gunatilaka marked the dropping of a link of the chain strengthened with older generation of learned intellectuals who contributed their knowledge to the next generation to carry forward the quality education; but deterioration of standard of education has prevented this progress. Ian Gunatilaka not only emphasized the importance of the learning of English but also encouraged everyone to launch an affective programme for the student community to enhance the proficiency in both languages, Sinhala and English.
My first meeting with Dr. Ian Gunatilaka was in 1965 at the Libraray of University of Ceylon, Peradeniy with Malcolm Vijithapala who was the president of the Student Union in 1964, 1965 and 1966. Both of us entered to the University from the same school. In 1994 I happened to see Dr. Ian Goonatilaka at the Navinna resident to discuss about his book ‘Image of Srilanka through American Eyes’ to collect some information to be compiled to a magazine for American Students who participated in the Education Programme of US Peace Corps. Dr. Ian Gunatilaka helped me immensely in providing place in his library to read rare books on History of Law in Sri Lanka for my legal studies too.
Former Librarian, University of Ceylon, Peradeniya
This tribute is to a prominent scholar, man of letters, art critic, educationist, intellectual and internationally famed bibliographer who rendered a monumental service to uplift the standard of the Library of University of Ceylon, Peradeniya and to the University Education, especially to post graduate studies, Dr. Henry Alfred Ian Gunatilaka. Above all he was a humanitarian, sincere and intimate friend, peace loving citizen and person. Who expected an egalitarian society to live without being discrimination to anyone. He was born and January 1922 to very respectable parents and he obtained his early education from Richmond College in Galle, in late 1930’s, a brilliant student of Prof. Ludowyke, Professor of English of the University of Ceylon in late 40’s. Lyn Ludowyke was his preceptor.
He passed away a decade ago on 22nd May 2003 at the General Hospital, Colombo while he was being treated for a heart condition at the age of 81.The funeral arrangements were scheduled to be held on the following day on the advice given to his family members for a private funeral without being informed even to his close friends. The vacuum that was created in the arena of university education, Library Science and the field of art criticism and the sincerity of an affectionate friend after his departure cannot easily be filled because a person of his caliber would not be produced even after many generations under the present system of education. The intellectuals who want to quench their thirst of knowledge will not meet such a person of eminence easily.
His close friends, University Dons and learned persons came to know his death only after about two weeks when a series of Letters of Appreciation appeared in the English news papers for weeks; these letters of Appreciation have been written by eminent scholars. Among the writers were Prof. Bertram Basthianpillai, Dr. Mirando Obeysekera, Sydney Night, Mr. N.T.S.A. Senaratna, Retired Librarian of University of Ceylon, Peradeniya; late Ajith Samaranayaka, Editor, Sunday Observer; Tilak A Gunawardane, Mr. Gopala Krishna Ghandi, for mar Deputy Indian High Commissioner; Prof. Wishwawarnapala, Prof. Ashley Halpe and Prof. K.N.O. Dharmadasa.
Librarian
Dr. Gunatilaka assumed duty as the Assistant Librarian at the Library of University of Ceylon, Peradeniya, in April 1953 subsequent to the retirement of Mr. P. Kandiah, his predecessor as the Librarian, a Cambridge University Graduate in 1947 then University of Ceylon, Colombo. His application for the post of Assistant Librarian was forwarded in October 1952 while he was reading for his post graduate degree in Library Science under the supervision of the internationally renowned Don on Library Science, Prof. S.R. Ranganathan at the University of Madras. On the very same day he arrived from Madras to Colombo to appear for the Interview. His eligibility was counted several folds as he had accomplished more qualifications than any other candidates.
During the span of his service in the library he held the positions of Assistant Librarian, Deputy Librarian and the Librarian which ended after 27 years on a resignation from the post; it was an immature self-made retirement, despite the fact that his service would have been extended for a number of years in future. Dr. Ian Gunatilaka, who had a persistent determination to dedicate his service to the Library of University of Ceylon abruptly decided to forward his letter of resignation due to a reason which was un acceptable for him as he disagreed with the Authorities of the University Grant Commission because his high moral principles.
Academic career
As an internationally acclaimed Librarian who was eager to disseminate the knowledge to the undergraduates and to various scholars he extensively read almost all the books on History, Political Science, Law, English Literature, Religion and Biographies etc.; he hardly forget to read new arrivals which would reached the library from various publishers locally and internationally which he read momentarily. He dedicated his life to develop the Library in introducing best methodology and the modern scientific methods and his untiring work uplifted the standard of the Library of University of Ceylon, Peradeniya, to the same standard of the Libraries in Oxford and Cambridge Universities.
Dr. Ian Gunatilake firmly believed that responsibility of a professional and learned librarian is not merely confined to classify and maintain the record of books and the general administration of a library. He emphasized that Librarian should be a dynamic person who is competent to acquire the knowledge and disseminate it to the individuals who seek knowledge on any subjects. On his 75th birth day, Ian Gunatilaka was invited to unveil the bust of the picture of him painted by the late artist Mr. Kirinde at the Main Hall of the Library in the University 22nd January 1997; at the gathering he elucidated how his profession had been bound with the life of the library. He explained how hardly he tried to face the challenges that he encountered in 1953 when his plan of expansion of the library under the new reorganization to be implemented which had also been a crossroad of his whole career. Dr. Ian Gunatilaka successfully conquered the challenges and brought the library to the present standard within a short period. He was the brainchild of the creation of ‘The Ceylon Room’ of the Library where the thousands of volumes on Sri Lanka are shelved now. The ‘The Ceylon Room’ is a treasure house of rare books on Sri Lanka; its services were immense benefit to the foreign academics that joined the University of Ceylon in expecting to do research work on Sri Lanka. The ‘Ceylon Room’ has a vast number of documents written on the political events especially the events related to the ‘Left Politics’ that took place in Sri Lanka from the colonial period; the bulk of volumes that he collected on Sri Lanka was unique.
The number of books authored by him is 13. He had written hundreds of articles on Literature, Arts and Aesthetics, History, Politics and Reviews on books to local and internationally famed magazines. His literary work was not only confined to these academic career but also to the other areas of studies; the index on Sri Lankan Numismatics with an introduction his-new edition-of Robert Knox’s ‘The Historical Relation of the Island of Ceylon’; Compilation of published and unpublished research papers of reputed Archaeologist late Dr. Senarath Paranavithana, Book of Compilation of the articles written by American Missionaries, tourists and state dignitaries and diplomats who visited Sri Lanka in 19th and 20th centuries under the title of ‘Image of Sri Lanka through American eyes’. It was edited and compiled on the invitation of the former Ambassador of USA, Christopher Van Hollen on the occasion of celebration of Bicentennial anniversary of American independence in 1975. Dr. Ian Gunatilaka, and his wife Rosaline were given an opportunity to stay in USA for one year until the research work being completed in the Library of Congress. His introduction to the book is impressive; a Record of description of the indigenous people of Sri Lanka Vaddas; and Index of Folklore in Sri Lanka are some of his writings based on extensive researches. He held the position of Managing Editor of prestigious and academically important journal ‘The Journal of Historical and Social Studies in Sri Lanka in 50’s and 60’s which was a reference material to the undergraduates of Sociology. Dr. Ian Guntilaka had written a comprehensive preface to the Commemorative issue of supplement ‘Road to Peradeniya’ which was published to mark the 50th Anniversary of the University of Ceylon, Peradeniya in 2002, while treading down the memory lane of the bygone era of Sir Ivor Jennings, then Vice Chancellor of the University in early 50’s.Dr. Ian Gunatilaka edited and compiled the collection of articles written by various academics, titled under the name. Long Afternoons’ about his mentor Lyn Ludowyke who had rendered a valuable contribution to the promotion of the English language and Plays in Sri Lanka.
His ambition to write a biography of Sir Ivor Jennings could not be achieved since he had been deprived because his poor health in 2002 and 2003 but he had collected some source materials and a few numbers of unfinished manuscripts would have been laid on the table in his study room at the time of his death.
Dr. Ian Gunatilaka was a silent genius in language skillfulness, who could use the English Language to write to impress the reader; his enriched colossal vocabulary creates unique style in which the language is most appropriately suited the thought that is being expressed. His writing was highly appreciated by eminent Scholars such as Prof. K.M. De Silva, Pro. Wishwa Warnapala, Prof. Bertram Bastian Pillai, Prof. K.N.O. Dharmadasa, Prof. Ashely Halpe and Prof. Sucharitha Gamlath.
Dr. Ian Gunatilaka was dissevered to be appointed for a number of prestigious positions in Universities and International organizations by recognizing his qualifications:
1. Dr. Ian Gunatilaka was the only Asian student who won the scholarship from the University of London to study higher Diploma in Library Science in 1956 since the inception Of University.
2. Dr. Ian Gunatilaka was the only Asian Librarian who had been awarded the Fellowship from Royal Library Association of UK and Ireland in recognizing his thesis by the panel of academics of the Association.
3. Dr. Ian Gunatilaka was the only Asian Librarian who had been invited as an adviser to the UNESCO Library Service by its Director General in 1977and 1978.
4. Dr. Ian Gunatilaka was the only Asian Librarian who had been given a membership of the Board of Examiners to read the thesis of the students who anticipated the fellowship of the London Library Association late 1970’s.
Immature Retirement and last phase
He lived a simple life for which he never expected an extra comforts never owned a house of his own, the old Volkswagen car, one of the first consignments from Germany to then Ceylon in 1950 had been using with frequent treatment of a motor mechanic for his life time. He was happier if he was called Ian; never added any academic decoration before his name or academic degrees at the end of his name to show that he was a scholar. He was free from the academic arrogance. His most precious treasure of wealth, personal library of nearly hundred thousand of volumes on various subjects was donated to the Library of the University of Ceylon, Peradeniya in 1997 at his last will.
Departure of Dr. Ian Gunatilaka marked the dropping of a link of the chain strengthened with older generation of learned intellectuals who contributed their knowledge to the next generation to carry forward the quality education; but deterioration of standard of education has prevented this progress. Ian Gunatilaka not only emphasized the importance of the learning of English but also encouraged everyone to launch an affective programme for the student community to enhance the proficiency in both languages, Sinhala and English.
My first meeting with Dr. Ian Gunatilaka was in 1965 at the Libraray of University of Ceylon, Peradeniy with Malcolm Vijithapala who was the president of the Student Union in 1964, 1965 and 1966. Both of us entered to the University from the same school. In 1994 I happened to see Dr. Ian Goonatilaka at the Navinna resident to discuss about his book ‘Image of Srilanka through American Eyes’ to collect some information to be compiled to a magazine for American Students who participated in the Education Programme of US Peace Corps. Dr. Ian Gunatilaka helped me immensely in providing place in his library to read rare books on History of Law in Sri Lanka for my legal studies too.
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