Colombo — The evening of 11th April 2026, marked the launch of Professor
Sivasubramanium Pathmanathan’s groundbreaking research, Glimpses of an Ancient
Civilization, Society and Culture in Jaffna 300 BC–AD 500. Distinguished academics,
legal luminaries, and members of civil society gathered at the Cinnamon Grand Hotel for an evening of celebration of the seminal new book. The event was graced by President’s Counsel Mr Kanag-Isvaran, who served as the Chief Guest and Dr J.M. Swaminathan, Dr B.A Hussainmiya and Dr Jehan Perera who participated as the distinguished speakers.
Professor Pathmanathan’s book embarks on a rigorous and illuminating journey
through more than eight centuries of early history in the Jaffna peninsula- the Nagas
of the prehistoric period. He brings to light the social, cultural, and civilizational contours of a society that flourished long before the written record, mainly carved into metal and stone in Tamil Brahmi Scripture. Drawing on paleographical evidence, epigraphic sources, and comparative historical analysis, the work fills a significant lacuna in the historiography of Sri Lanka, offering scholars and general readers alike a compelling window into a largely uncharted era- the image of a society that developed an economy and culture peculiar to the areas of Jaffna District.
Regrettably, I missed the event. Paths and I stayed about 6 months in Marcus Fernando Hall during the partial curfew imposed by the Government in the aftermath of Army -university student clash in 1969. He used to call me ‘Banana’.
My blessings and best wishes to Paths