Ranjit Mulleriyawa, in The Nation, 3 March 2014
Mention the name CR Panabokke, and the first thing that comes to one’s mind is soil science. Indeed, he is unquestionably the foremost soil scientist produced by our country to date, as well as one of Asia’s most renowned soil scientists. He has authored many books and published over 30 research papers in reputed International journals in addition to presenting 35 scientific papers at national and international workshops/conferences on: Soils of Sri Lanka and fertilizer use, groundwater conditions in Sri Lanka, small village tank systems, and agro-ecological environments of Sri Lanka.
Dr. Panabokke’s professional career spans a period of 66 years – 33 years in the Department of Agriculture, and a further period of 33 years (after retiring from the Department of Agriculture) associated with several National and International Organizations such as the Mahaweli Authority of Sri Lanka, International Service for National Agricultural Research (ISNAR) in the Hague, Netherlands, and International irrigation Management Institute (IIMI- now IWMI). A detailed account of Dr. Panabokke’s work is contained in a special publication of the Soil Science Society of Sri Lanka edited by R.S. Dharmakeerthi (publication No.11, 1982).
Despite his relatively feeble health, Dr. Panabokke’s mind is as alert as ever, and he continues to churn out brilliant publications. One such article is titled: ‘Evolution of indigenous village irrigation systems of Sri Lanka’ (Economic Review, Volume 36-Nos. 1 and 2, April-May 2010). He is currently working on what might be his opus magnum – ‘Beginning of small reservoir based irrigation systems on the weathered hard rock terrain of Sri Lanka’s dry zone.’
Dr. Panabokke considers his work in the Department of Agriculture, as his most important contribution. As such, this write up will focus on his 33 years (1950-1982) of service in the Department of Agriculture. Panabokke graduated with a degree in Chemistry (Honors) in 1949. His first job was in the Government Analyst’s Department where he served for just six months. In 1950, he was appointed to a position of Research Officer/Res. Probationer in the Department of Agriculture.
Professional life: The major turning point in his life was his appointment to Mahailluppallama. There he met the legendary Dr. Earnest Abeyratne, founder director of the Dry Zone Agricultural Research Station at Mahailluppallama. Abeyratne and Panabokke were cast in the same mould, and imbued with a sincere interest to serve the simple peasant farmers of the dry zone. They were both field oriented, practical men, having an open mind – always willing to learn and appreciate the ancient wisdom of ‘traditional farmers’ and their farming systems.
Dr. M.F. Chandraratne (Botanist and Senior Agricultural Research Officer at the time, and Director of Agriculture subsequently), also had a strong influence in contributing to clarity of thought, and precision of speech and writing of young research officer Panabokke.
After two years at Mahailluppallama trying to understand soil-water- plant relationships in relation to the agro-climatic conditions, topography and water table behavior, Christopher Panabokke was offered a ‘Colombo Plan Scholarship’ (in 1954)to study for his PhD in soil physics at the prestigious Waite Agricultural Research Institute affiliated to the University of Adelaide in Australia. This was to be another defining moment, having a profound influence on his scientific work. He completed his PhD in soil physics in 1956, having been placed ‘Proxime accesesserunt” for the cuiross prize for scientific research. Dr. C.R. Panabokke returned to Sri Lanka and to Mahailluppallama (MI) in October 1956, and continued his work from where he had left off. He was appointed as head of M.I. shortly thereafter, and he continued to direct the research program here until 1960.
Land Use Division: In 1960, Dr. Panabokke was appointed head of the Land Use Division in Kundasale. He toiled diligently for ten years here (ably assisted by three dedicated young scientists – Kingsley de Alwis, Joshua and Somasiri). This work culminated in the production of the first soil map of Sri Lanka, and the Agro-ecological Map of Sri Lanka.
Director Research: The next major milestone in his career in the Agriculture Department was the appointment as Director of Research in 1974. As Director of Research, he gave a new direction to the research program by establishing and strengthening many regional research stations (at Makandura, Kilinochchi, Aralaganwila, Bombuwela and Karadianaru.) He encouraged research officers to conduct on farm research (adaptive research) in farmers’ fields. He visited research stations regularly, met with research staff, listened to their problems attentively and provided essential guidance. As director of research, Dr. Panabokke liaised strongly with the extension division and facilitated the creation of linkages with other disciplines. The establishment of Regional Technical Working Groups was very much his brainchild.
Director of Agriculture: Dr. Panabokke adorned the position of Director of Agriculture for four years from 1979-1982. A characteristic of his leadership was his uncanny ability to “see the larger picture” and relate it to national development. He also allowed officers under him “to grow”. He permitted his juniors with opportunities to operate making their own decisions. On reaching the age of 55 (in 1982), he promptly retired from the post of Director “making way for others”. His departure saw the ending of a ‘golden era’ in the Department of Agriculture.
I asked Dr. Panabokke what he would like to be remembered most for. “I would like to be remembered most for having built up a school of thinking on soils, agro-ecology, groundwater and small village tanks” was his modest response. In recognition of his outstanding contributions to science, agriculture, the understanding of our soils and groundwater behavior, Dr. Panbokke was conferred the title: ‘Vidya Jyothi, Deshamanya’ by a grateful nation in 1986.
A worried man: On the eve of his 88th Birthday, Dr. Panabokke is a worried man. He worries about the future of science and the scientific community in our country. “The culture of science, the scientific personnel and institutions that we had painstakingly developed over many decades has been dismantled in just a few years by a few carpetbaggers“, he bemoaned with tear filled eyes.” Happy Birthday! Dr. Panabokke. May your life and work serve as a role model for young scientists for generations to come! rangoviya2013@gmail.com
Mention the name CR Panabokke, and the first thing that comes to one’s mind is soil science. Indeed, he is unquestionably the foremost soil scientist produced by our country to date, as well as one of Asia’s most renowned soil scientists. He has authored many books and published over 30 research papers in reputed International journals in addition to presenting 35 scientific papers at national and international workshops/conferences on: Soils of Sri Lanka and fertilizer use, groundwater conditions in Sri Lanka, small village tank systems, and agro-ecological environments of Sri Lanka.
Dr. Panabokke’s professional career spans a period of 66 years – 33 years in the Department of Agriculture, and a further period of 33 years (after retiring from the Department of Agriculture) associated with several National and International Organizations such as the Mahaweli Authority of Sri Lanka, International Service for National Agricultural Research (ISNAR) in the Hague, Netherlands, and International irrigation Management Institute (IIMI- now IWMI). A detailed account of Dr. Panabokke’s work is contained in a special publication of the Soil Science Society of Sri Lanka edited by R.S. Dharmakeerthi (publication No.11, 1982).
Despite his relatively feeble health, Dr. Panabokke’s mind is as alert as ever, and he continues to churn out brilliant publications. One such article is titled: ‘Evolution of indigenous village irrigation systems of Sri Lanka’ (Economic Review, Volume 36-Nos. 1 and 2, April-May 2010). He is currently working on what might be his opus magnum – ‘Beginning of small reservoir based irrigation systems on the weathered hard rock terrain of Sri Lanka’s dry zone.’
Dr. Panabokke considers his work in the Department of Agriculture, as his most important contribution. As such, this write up will focus on his 33 years (1950-1982) of service in the Department of Agriculture.
Panabokke graduated with a degree in Chemistry (Honors) in 1949. His first job was in the Government Analyst’s Department where he served for just six months. In 1950, he was appointed to a position of Research Officer/Res. Probationer in the Department of Agriculture.
Professional life
The major turning point in his life was his appointment to Mahailluppallama. There he met the legendary Dr. Earnest Abeyratne, founder director of the Dry Zone Agricultural Research Station at Mahailluppallama. Abeyratne and Panabokke were cast in the same mould, and imbued with a sincere interest to serve the simple peasant farmers of the dry zone. They were both field oriented, practical men, having an open mind – always willing to learn and appreciate the ancient wisdom of ‘traditional farmers’ and their farming systems.
Dr. M.F. Chandraratne (Botanist and Senior Agricultural Research Officer at the time, and Director of Agriculture subsequently), also had a strong influence in contributing to clarity of thought, and precision of speech and writing of young research officer Panabokke.
After two years at Mahailluppallama trying to understand soil-water- plant relationships in relation to the agro-climatic conditions, topography and water table behavior, Christopher Panabokke was offered a ‘Colombo Plan Scholarship’ (in 1954)to study for his PhD in soil physics at the prestigious Waite Agricultural Research Institute affiliated to the University of Adelaide in Australia. This was to be another defining moment, having a profound influence on his scientific work. He completed his PhD in soil physics in 1956, having been placed ‘Proxime accesesserunt” for the cuiross prize for scientific research. Dr. C.R. Panabokke returned to Sri Lanka and to Mahailluppallama (MI) in October 1956, and continued his work from where he had left off. He was appointed as head of M.I. shortly thereafter, and he continued to direct the research program here until 1960.
Land Use Division
In 1960, Dr. Panabokke was appointed head of the Land Use Division in Kundasale. He toiled diligently for ten years here (ably assisted by three dedicated young scientists – Kingsley de Alwis, Joshua and Somasiri). This work culminated in the production of the first soil map of Sri Lanka, and the Agro-ecological Map of Sri Lanka.
Director Research
The next major milestone in his career in the Agriculture Department was the appointment as Director of Research in 1974. As Director of Research, he gave a new direction to the research program by establishing and strengthening many regional research stations (at Makandura, Kilinochchi, Aralaganwila, Bombuwela and Karadianaru.) He encouraged research officers to conduct on farm research (adaptive research) in farmers’ fields. He visited research stations regularly, met with research staff, listened to their problems attentively and provided essential guidance.
As director of research, Dr. Panabokke liaised strongly with the extension division and facilitated the creation of linkages with other disciplines. The establishment of Regional Technical Working Groups was very much his brainchild.
Director of Agriculture
Dr. Panabokke adorned the position of Director of Agriculture for four years from 1979-1982. A characteristic of his leadership was his uncanny ability to “see the larger picture” and relate it to national development. He also allowed officers under him “to grow”. He permitted his juniors with opportunities to operate making their own decisions. On reaching the age of 55 (in 1982), he promptly retired from the post of Director “making way for others”. His departure saw the ending of a ‘golden era’ in the Department of Agriculture.
I asked Dr. Panabokke what he would like to be remembered most for. “I would like to be remembered most for having built up a school of thinking on soils, agro-ecology, groundwater and small village tanks” was his modest response.
In recognition of his outstanding contributions to science, agriculture, the understanding of our soils and groundwater behavior, Dr. Panbokke was conferred the title: ‘Vidya Jyothi, Deshamanya’ by a grateful nation in 1986.
A worried man
On the eve of his 88th Birthday, Dr. Panabokke is a worried man. He worries about the future of science and the scientific community in our country. “The culture of science, the scientific personnel and institutions that we had painstakingly developed over many decades has been dismantled in just a few years by a few carpetbaggers“, he bemoaned with tear filled eyes.”
Happy Birthday! Dr. Panabokke. May your life and work serve as a role model for young scientists for generations to come!
rangoviya2013@gmail.com
Mention the name CR Panabokke, and the first thing that comes to one’s mind is soil science. Indeed, he is unquestionably the foremost soil scientist produced by our country to date, as well as one of Asia’s most renowned soil scientists. He has authored many books and published over 30 research papers in reputed International journals in addition to presenting 35 scientific papers at national and international workshops/conferences on: Soils of Sri Lanka and fertilizer use, groundwater conditions in Sri Lanka, small village tank systems, and agro-ecological environments of Sri Lanka.
Dr. Panabokke’s professional career spans a period of 66 years – 33 years in the Department of Agriculture, and a further period of 33 years (after retiring from the Department of Agriculture) associated with several National and International Organizations such as the Mahaweli Authority of Sri Lanka, International Service for National Agricultural Research (ISNAR) in the Hague, Netherlands, and International irrigation Management Institute (IIMI- now IWMI). A detailed account of Dr. Panabokke’s work is contained in a special publication of the Soil Science Society of Sri Lanka edited by R.S. Dharmakeerthi (publication No.11, 1982).
Despite his relatively feeble health, Dr. Panabokke’s mind is as alert as ever, and he continues to churn out brilliant publications. One such article is titled: ‘Evolution of indigenous village irrigation systems of Sri Lanka’ (Economic Review, Volume 36-Nos. 1 and 2, April-May 2010). He is currently working on what might be his opus magnum – ‘Beginning of small reservoir based irrigation systems on the weathered hard rock terrain of Sri Lanka’s dry zone.’
Dr. Panabokke considers his work in the Department of Agriculture, as his most important contribution. As such, this write up will focus on his 33 years (1950-1982) of service in the Department of Agriculture.
Panabokke graduated with a degree in Chemistry (Honors) in 1949. His first job was in the Government Analyst’s Department where he served for just six months. In 1950, he was appointed to a position of Research Officer/Res. Probationer in the Department of Agriculture.
Professional life
The major turning point in his life was his appointment to Mahailluppallama. There he met the legendary Dr. Earnest Abeyratne, founder director of the Dry Zone Agricultural Research Station at Mahailluppallama. Abeyratne and Panabokke were cast in the same mould, and imbued with a sincere interest to serve the simple peasant farmers of the dry zone. They were both field oriented, practical men, having an open mind – always willing to learn and appreciate the ancient wisdom of ‘traditional farmers’ and their farming systems.
Dr. M.F. Chandraratne (Botanist and Senior Agricultural Research Officer at the time, and Director of Agriculture subsequently), also had a strong influence in contributing to clarity of thought, and precision of speech and writing of young research officer Panabokke.
After two years at Mahailluppallama trying to understand soil-water- plant relationships in relation to the agro-climatic conditions, topography and water table behavior, Christopher Panabokke was offered a ‘Colombo Plan Scholarship’ (in 1954)to study for his PhD in soil physics at the prestigious Waite Agricultural Research Institute affiliated to the University of Adelaide in Australia. This was to be another defining moment, having a profound influence on his scientific work. He completed his PhD in soil physics in 1956, having been placed ‘Proxime accesesserunt” for the cuiross prize for scientific research. Dr. C.R. Panabokke returned to Sri Lanka and to Mahailluppallama (MI) in October 1956, and continued his work from where he had left off. He was appointed as head of M.I. shortly thereafter, and he continued to direct the research program here until 1960.
Land Use Division
In 1960, Dr. Panabokke was appointed head of the Land Use Division in Kundasale. He toiled diligently for ten years here (ably assisted by three dedicated young scientists – Kingsley de Alwis, Joshua and Somasiri). This work culminated in the production of the first soil map of Sri Lanka, and the Agro-ecological Map of Sri Lanka.
Director Research
The next major milestone in his career in the Agriculture Department was the appointment as Director of Research in 1974. As Director of Research, he gave a new direction to the research program by establishing and strengthening many regional research stations (at Makandura, Kilinochchi, Aralaganwila, Bombuwela and Karadianaru.) He encouraged research officers to conduct on farm research (adaptive research) in farmers’ fields. He visited research stations regularly, met with research staff, listened to their problems attentively and provided essential guidance.
As director of research, Dr. Panabokke liaised strongly with the extension division and facilitated the creation of linkages with other disciplines. The establishment of Regional Technical Working Groups was very much his brainchild.
Director of Agriculture
Dr. Panabokke adorned the position of Director of Agriculture for four years from 1979-1982. A characteristic of his leadership was his uncanny ability to “see the larger picture” and relate it to national development. He also allowed officers under him “to grow”. He permitted his juniors with opportunities to operate making their own decisions. On reaching the age of 55 (in 1982), he promptly retired from the post of Director “making way for others”. His departure saw the ending of a ‘golden era’ in the Department of Agriculture.
I asked Dr. Panabokke what he would like to be remembered most for. “I would like to be remembered most for having built up a school of thinking on soils, agro-ecology, groundwater and small village tanks” was his modest response.
In recognition of his outstanding contributions to science, agriculture, the understanding of our soils and groundwater behavior, Dr. Panbokke was conferred the title: ‘Vidya Jyothi, Deshamanya’ by a grateful nation in 1986.
A worried man
On the eve of his 88th Birthday, Dr. Panabokke is a worried man. He worries about the future of science and the scientific community in our country. “The culture of science, the scientific personnel and institutions that we had painstakingly developed over many decades has been dismantled in just a few years by a few carpetbaggers“, he bemoaned with tear filled eyes.”
Happy Birthday! Dr. Panabokke. May your life and work serve as a role model for young scientists for generations to come!
rangoviya2013@gmail.com
Mention the name CR Panabokke, and the first thing that comes to one’s mind is soil science. Indeed, he is unquestionably the foremost soil scientist produced by our country to date, as well as one of Asia’s most renowned soil scientists. He has authored many books and published over 30 research papers in reputed International journals in addition to presenting 35 scientific papers at national and international workshops/conferences on: Soils of Sri Lanka and fertilizer use, groundwater conditions in Sri Lanka, small village tank systems, and agro-ecological environments of Sri Lanka.
Dr. Panabokke’s professional career spans a period of 66 years – 33 years in the Department of Agriculture, and a further period of 33 years (after retiring from the Department of Agriculture) associated with several National and International Organizations such as the Mahaweli Authority of Sri Lanka, International Service for National Agricultural Research (ISNAR) in the Hague, Netherlands, and International irrigation Management Institute (IIMI- now IWMI). A detailed account of Dr. Panabokke’s work is contained in a special publication of the Soil Science Society of Sri Lanka edited by R.S. Dharmakeerthi (publication No.11, 1982).
Despite his relatively feeble health, Dr. Panabokke’s mind is as alert as ever, and he continues to churn out brilliant publications. One such article is titled: ‘Evolution of indigenous village irrigation systems of Sri Lanka’ (Economic Review, Volume 36-Nos. 1 and 2, April-May 2010). He is currently working on what might be his opus magnum – ‘Beginning of small reservoir based irrigation systems on the weathered hard rock terrain of Sri Lanka’s dry zone.’
Dr. Panabokke considers his work in the Department of Agriculture, as his most important contribution. As such, this write up will focus on his 33 years (1950-1982) of service in the Department of Agriculture.
Panabokke graduated with a degree in Chemistry (Honors) in 1949. His first job was in the Government Analyst’s Department where he served for just six months. In 1950, he was appointed to a position of Research Officer/Res. Probationer in the Department of Agriculture.
Professional life
The major turning point in his life was his appointment to Mahailluppallama. There he met the legendary Dr. Earnest Abeyratne, founder director of the Dry Zone Agricultural Research Station at Mahailluppallama. Abeyratne and Panabokke were cast in the same mould, and imbued with a sincere interest to serve the simple peasant farmers of the dry zone. They were both field oriented, practical men, having an open mind – always willing to learn and appreciate the ancient wisdom of ‘traditional farmers’ and their farming systems.
Dr. M.F. Chandraratne (Botanist and Senior Agricultural Research Officer at the time, and Director of Agriculture subsequently), also had a strong influence in contributing to clarity of thought, and precision of speech and writing of young research officer Panabokke.
After two years at Mahailluppallama trying to understand soil-water- plant relationships in relation to the agro-climatic conditions, topography and water table behavior, Christopher Panabokke was offered a ‘Colombo Plan Scholarship’ (in 1954)to study for his PhD in soil physics at the prestigious Waite Agricultural Research Institute affiliated to the University of Adelaide in Australia. This was to be another defining moment, having a profound influence on his scientific work. He completed his PhD in soil physics in 1956, having been placed ‘Proxime accesesserunt” for the cuiross prize for scientific research. Dr. C.R. Panabokke returned to Sri Lanka and to Mahailluppallama (MI) in October 1956, and continued his work from where he had left off. He was appointed as head of M.I. shortly thereafter, and he continued to direct the research program here until 1960.
Land Use Division
In 1960, Dr. Panabokke was appointed head of the Land Use Division in Kundasale. He toiled diligently for ten years here (ably assisted by three dedicated young scientists – Kingsley de Alwis, Joshua and Somasiri). This work culminated in the production of the first soil map of Sri Lanka, and the Agro-ecological Map of Sri Lanka.
Director Research
The next major milestone in his career in the Agriculture Department was the appointment as Director of Research in 1974. As Director of Research, he gave a new direction to the research program by establishing and strengthening many regional research stations (at Makandura, Kilinochchi, Aralaganwila, Bombuwela and Karadianaru.) He encouraged research officers to conduct on farm research (adaptive research) in farmers’ fields. He visited research stations regularly, met with research staff, listened to their problems attentively and provided essential guidance.
As director of research, Dr. Panabokke liaised strongly with the extension division and facilitated the creation of linkages with other disciplines. The establishment of Regional Technical Working Groups was very much his brainchild.
Director of Agriculture
Dr. Panabokke adorned the position of Director of Agriculture for four years from 1979-1982. A characteristic of his leadership was his uncanny ability to “see the larger picture” and relate it to national development. He also allowed officers under him “to grow”. He permitted his juniors with opportunities to operate making their own decisions. On reaching the age of 55 (in 1982), he promptly retired from the post of Director “making way for others”. His departure saw the ending of a ‘golden era’ in the Department of Agriculture.
I asked Dr. Panabokke what he would like to be remembered most for. “I would like to be remembered most for having built up a school of thinking on soils, agro-ecology, groundwater and small village tanks” was his modest response.
In recognition of his outstanding contributions to science, agriculture, the understanding of our soils and groundwater behavior, Dr. Panbokke was conferred the title: ‘Vidya Jyothi, Deshamanya’ by a grateful nation in 1986.
A worried man
On the eve of his 88th Birthday, Dr. Panabokke is a worried man. He worries about the future of science and the scientific community in our country. “The culture of science, the scientific personnel and institutions that we had painstakingly developed over many decades has been dismantled in just a few years by a few carpetbaggers“, he bemoaned with tear filled eyes.”
Happy Birthday! Dr. Panabokke. May your life and work serve as a role model for young scientists for generations to come!
rangoviya2013@gmail.com
Very well written article of my Father.
Say HALLO and LONG TIME NO SEE to your pater please Michael
U.Pethiyagoda: A worthy tribute to a worthy man. A rare remnant of an outstanding era a like of which sadly sadly we may never live to see. Long & Healthy Life, Chris!