Tab Article

Ratings: ★★★★★ (5/5)
Genre: Political Biography / History

Book Review:
Sir D.B. Jayatilaka: A Biography and assessment of the man and his work is a comprehensive and authoritative biography of one of Sri Lanka's most significant historical figures. Written by Dr. Nandadeva Wijesekara, a distinguished scholar and former diplomat, this book offers a detailed and insightful portrait of a man who played a pivotal role in shaping modern Sri Lanka.

Sir D.B. Jayatilaka was a leader of extraordinary vision and versatility. He was an educator who served as principal of Dharmaraja and Ananda Colleges, a Buddhist revivalist who founded the YMBA, a journalist and temperance worker, a political reformer who challenged the Colonial Office, and a national leader who worked alongside D.S. Senanayake. His contributions to education, religion, and politics were immense.

Wijesekara's biography is meticulously researched and well-documented. It includes extensive appendices with primary source material, including Jayatilaka's birth certificate, horoscope, correspondence, and speeches. The author's deep respect for his subject is evident, but he also offers a balanced assessment of Jayatilaka's strengths and limitations.

This book is essential reading for anyone interested in Sri Lankan history, politics, or education. It is a fitting tribute to a man of greatness and a significant contribution to the historical literature of Sri Lanka.