Tab Article

Ratings: ★★★★☆ (4.4/5)
Genre: Management, History, Sri Lankan Studies, Business

Book Review:
Lt Col Chandana Weerakoon's ''Ancient Sri Lankan Management Concepts'' is a groundbreaking work that bridges the gap between historical scholarship and modern management theory. Drawing on his extensive military background and academic expertise, Weerakoon takes readers on a fascinating journey through Sri Lanka's ancient past to uncover management principles that continue to resonate today.

The book examines remarkable ancient projects—irrigation systems, architectural marvels, and administrative structures—through a contemporary management lens. What emerges is a compelling argument that ancient Sri Lankans possessed sophisticated understanding of planning, organization, leadership, and control that in some instances challenges prevailing Western management paradigms.

Former Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa, in his endorsement, notes that the book ''provides a very rich historical outlook of how rulers ruled Sri Lanka and would be useful for management gurus and students alike.'' This dual appeal is one of the book's greatest strengths. Despite dealing with complex theoretical concepts, Weerakoon's accessible prose ensures that readers without formal management training can equally benefit from the insights presented.

For management professionals seeking fresh perspectives, history enthusiasts curious about Sri Lanka's organizational heritage, or students looking for alternative frameworks, this book offers valuable food for thought. It successfully achieves its goal of inspiring future explorations into the glorious past of Sri Lanka's ancestors and sharing ancient practices with new generations.