04/06/2026
A felicitation comment about Dr. Kumari Jayawardena from Prof. Maunaguru Sinniah’s page.
Yesterday (02.06.2026), I had the opportunity to attend the felicitation ceremony held at the University of Colombo in honour of Dr. Kumari Jayawardena.
I also had the chance to meet and converse with Kumari.
There, I met many old intellectual friends and acquaintances.
It was truly a joyous occasion.
The event was held at the New Arts Theatre of the University of Colombo.
The Vice Chancellor, Professor Indika Karunathilake, presided over the function.
Dr. Sasanka Perera conducted the proceedings.
Dr. Sulani Kodikara gave a beautiful introduction about Kumari, and Professor Jayadeva Uyangoda delivered the keynote address.
The gathering concluded gracefully.
The auditorium was filled to capacity.
It was full of intellectuals and scholars.
I saw many old familiar faces there.
Professor Jayadeva Uyangoda’s speech had already been published in book form, in all three languages.
In his speech, he described Kumari Jayawardena as a “Public Intellectual” — a people’s scholar.His speech was built upon Kumari’s finest works and studies.He emphasized that Kumari’s research was always directed toward the people and toward social transformation.
Dr. Sulani’s speech too was remarkable.
She explained that Kumari’s mode of thinking was shaped by a confluence of Marxism, Feminism, Neo-Marxism, Postmodernism, and Postcolonial thought.
More importantly, she said, Kumari’s scholarship centred on the people pushed to the margins of history.
She also emphasized that Kumari was not merely a researcher, but an activist as well.
She further announced that a special archive dedicated to Kumari would soon be established.
Two young women involved in the project explained how they intended to create and preserve it.
A documentary on Kumari was screened.
As we watched photographs of her childhood, youth, and old age appear in sequence, one could witness the evolution of her physical presence through time.
In her youth, Kumari had been an exceptionally beautiful young woman.
Even before Kumari arrived, all her admirers and supporters had already gathered there.
Professor Jayadeva Uyangoda was in a condition where he could barely walk.
He had to be brought in on a wheelchair.
Yet, out of his deep affection and respect for Kumari, he rose to his feet to deliver his speech.
While he spoke, Sasanka Perera sat closely behind him with a chair ready at any moment to support him if needed.
It was a moving sight — intellectuals honouring one another with immense dignity and grace.
After many years, I met Professor Jayadeva Uyangoda again, and we conversed warmly.
Sasanka came looking for me.
I asked whether there was a Tamil translation available.
He said they had not been able to arrange one, but handed me a copy of the published version of his speech.
I also had the opportunity to converse with Professor Camila, Deva Sree, Professor Pavithra, Muthulingkam and many other old friends.
When Kumari entered the auditorium, the entire audience rose to their feet.
Joy and gratitude overflowed on every face.
Those who had closely associated with her — those whose lives had been enriched by her presence — were seeing her again after many years.
The atmosphere drew everyone into a deep emotional current.
She was gently led into the hall with support.
That great woman — who had run tirelessly, read through countless nights without sleep, written innumerable books, and dedicated her intellect entirely to the people — was now being escorted with immense honour in a state where she could no longer walk unaided.
Unable to walk steadily, she nevertheless folded her hands, smiling warmly, and greeted everyone as she entered.
The meeting, originally scheduled for one hour, lasted nearly two hours.
Yet she sat patiently through it all, listening attentively.
After the meeting ended, everyone approached her to offer greetings and receive her blessings.
I too went near her.
Leaning toward her and gently holding her hand, I said, “Maunaguru.”
She looked up at me for a moment.
It seemed as though she was searching her memory.
I then said, “Chithralekha Maunaguru.”
Her eyes widened.
She recognized me immediately.
That familiar gentle smile appeared on her face.
“How is Chithra?” she asked.
“She is not well, unable to come,” I replied.
Chithra had been extremely close to Kumari.
Their friendship began in the university days of the 1970s and continues to this day.
For a moment, the two of us simply looked at one another.
The intellectually vibrant days spent at her home came flooding back into memory.
Her house was a gathering place where Charles Abeysekera, Newton Gunasinghe, Senaka bandaranayake and Professor Sivathamby would frequently meet and engage in long conversations.
I remembered those days when I too participated in those discussions.
Perhaps she remembered them too.
After all, memories are life itself.
With a heart filled by the richness of the speeches, with the joy awakened by old memories, and with the sorrow of witnessing Kumari’s old age, I returned home.
