Fundamental studies in Sri Lanka

By Kirthi Tennakone-January 28, 2020, 8:34 am

The curiosity driven urge to comprehend nature in correlating and explaining observations is fundamental studies. The knowledge gained thereby leads to theoretical generalizations capable of predetermining and planning. All cultures have indulged in this thinking to a lesser or greater extent. Similarly, empirical technologies evolved everywhere as clever manipulations based on trial and error incremental improvements, enabling betterment of the quality of life. Those who expanded fundamental investigations tying it to technology, conquered the world, dividing East and West.

Why fundamental

studies are important?

The first is man’s unsated desire to explore the environment and the second is all major innovations that revolutionized the world, originated as results of meddling with things just for curiosity. One day when Michael Faraday was experimenting in his laboratory, the British Prime Minister visited him and questioned about the practical value of electricity. Faraday replied: One day Sir, you will tax it. The third is tremendous utility of theories derived from curiosity initiated investigation. For example, if we were to make a passenger airplane by the method of empherical technology, it would take incalculable number of years, with disastrous consequences. First you try one model, if it fails or crashes, try another with some modifications and repeat the process. Today the aerodynamic theory advanced by curiosity based research, permits designing an airplane in few years.

Empirical technologies and fundamental studies have coexisted in all cultures to varying extents. Those strong in fundamental studies advanced well ahead of ones stagnating with empherical technology. The secret of their success has been adopting fundamental studies to achieve technological innovations.

Fundamental studies in

ancient Sri Lanka

The empirical technologies of ancient Sri Lanka; irrigations systems, buildings, iron smelting, medicine etc. were truly great. We are proud of it and boast about it all the time. Some wrongly attribute those achievements to science or alternative science and fail to unearth and realize there had been fundamental studies in Sri Lanka. Of course, to a lesser extent than in Europe, for natural and incidental reasons and not because of our intellectual inferiority.

The technologies of the Anuradhapura period, though largely empirical, had been advanced by the fundamental knowledge as well. Theconstruction of vast irrigation systems and channeling water from resviours with utmost precision, essentially require preplanning, which is not possible without a theoretical knowledge of geometry, weights and measures and hydraulics involving calculations.

Chemical knowledge gained by blending different materials to see what happens, must have been wide spread in the Anuradhapura era; without which plasters, alloys, paints and medicines would not be possible. There is evidence that China has sought alchemical and pharmaceutical expertise from Sri Lanka. A Tang Dynasty Chinese Emperor (629-645 CE), having heard that in Sri Lanka, there is a women physician of extraordinary pharmaceutical knowledge, has ordered an official to escort her to China

Astronomical understanding in the Anuradhapura period was significant. Scholars knew that moon causes tides. The fourth century Indian text "Suriyasiddantha" refers to exchange of astronomical knowledge between Sri Lanka and other parts of Asia. A text attributed to the Tibetan Buddhist Monk Vibuhuthichandra, records that Sri Lankan astronomical thought had high regard overseas. According to the Italian philosopher Pliny, Sri Lankan ambassadors invited to Court of Rome, at the time of Claudius around 50 CE, noted the difference in positions of the constellations in Sri Lanka and Rome. Today, the ‘equivalents’ visiting Northern or Southern latitudes, are most unlikely to tell their children to look at the sky and note the difference.

The royal courts of Dambadeniya and Kotte period had been a forum for not only political affairs, but also discussions related to fundamental knowledge. In the proceedings, texts in astronomy, medicine, poetry, grammar and religion were read – a practice that would not happen today, even at a meeting of the governing board of an academic institution. In 1321, the Tamil treatise in astronomy "Sorasotimali" by Thenuwari Perumal was read in the court of Panditha Parakramabahu. King who himself a scholar has said he is pleased to hear the reading and the author rewarded with donation of land.

The experiment of Thotagomuwe

Sri Rahula: Indigenous intellectual maturity

Ancient Sri Lanka had also embarked on foundations of science. Several Sri Lankan scholars, notably eminent Buddhist monks and even some of our scholar rulers have raised philosophical issues pertaining to scientific inquiry. The question whether the knowledge about a system could be gathered without direct perception via indirect observations was debated in the Court of King Parakramabahu, Kotte. In 1450 CE, Venerable Thotagomuwae Sri Rahula, answered question affirmatively to the King. He showed a sword to Parakramabahu and said that it was rusted by keeping immersed in human urine. The acidity of urine corroded the sword. It is not necessary do the unpleasant task of tasting to prove that quality of urine. In contrast, more than a century later, when Galileo declared that the earth revolves around the sun, based on indirect evidence. He was prosecuted and punished by the political establishment.

Unfortunate conflicts led Sri Lankan centers of civilization to abandon Anuradhapura and shift to Polonnaruwa, Dambadeyia, Kurunegala and then to Kotte. Nevertheless, fundamental studies progressed, ripening to be more rational and theoretical. In Europe, it was the theoretical developments in science of mechanics and electricity that triggered way towards scientific and industrial revolution. The philosophical ideas of a culture, goes hand in hand with literature. The clarity of Thotagomuwe Sri Rahula’s argument equals the simplicity and beauty of his poetry. During Kotte period, literature moved away from spirituality towards reality – a sign of intellectual maturity. Poetry of that time painted pictures of nature and did not even hesitate to describe the artistic attractiveness of the physical anatomy of a young woman, as in the well-known poem "sisi vana uwana ega suga gathahaki mitina" in Salalihi Sandesaya. Our literature touches cosmological speculations, indicating we possessed the trait of imagination - absolutely essential to foster fundamental study. Loweda Sagarawa imagines extragalactic objects and universes with different physical laws, just as in speculative ideas of modern physics.

Science in Sri Lanka after

British occupation

Amazing developments which turned indigenous thinking towards science were almost completely curtailed when Portuguese and Dutch occupied the Island. They also did not introduce European scientific knowledge to Sri Lanka, although the British who came later were different. Sri Lanka was largely isolated from advancements of science in Europe until recent times. The new thinking that diffused from there was sometimes rejected as Western. Fortunately there were intellectual revolutionaries who acclaimed modern thought. These largely forgotten individuals highlighted importance of rational thinking and presented scientific concepts to the public. Fundamental studies cannot be promoted solely by researchers. Ideas needs to be presented to the public for information, motivation and arousing curiosity. Kurrupumullage Jinarajadasa (1875-1853), a linguist introduced modern science into discussions in the Theosophical Society. Allen Abraham (1865-1922), probably the first Sri Lankan to assimilate astronomical science, wrote articles in Tamil.

Fundamental Studies...

Abraham Kovoor (1876-1978), fearlessly stood against superstition and disproved paranormal phenomena. There is a belief that science is contained in Buddhism. Ven. Walpola Rahula (1907-1997), highlighted that science and religion are two different things. Around 1954 E.W. Adikaram, wrote in a Sinhala newspaper "the equation of the atom has already been written". The author, an eighth grade student at the time, fascinated by this statement solved all equations in an algebra text, but did not see even a remote connection of an equation to the atom. Later, having exposed to quantum mechanics, took up theoretical physics.

Lately Prof.Cyril Ponnamperma, the Director of Institute of Fundamental Studies 1985 –1991, highlighted the importance basic science, creating public awareness and arranging regular dissemination programs for the benefit students.

The British gradually introduced science to Sri Lanka. At the beginning they underestimated the capabilities of Sri Lankans. In 1820, Physician and Chemist John Davy, the brother of the illustrious chemist Humphrey Davy visited Sri Lanka on a scientific mission. In his book about Ceylon, John Davy says "in intellectual attainments and proficiency in abstract sciences, they are not advanced beyond the darkest periods of middle ages". The Colonial Secretary, Emerson Tennant held similar views. Modern science was first introduced to Sri Lanka by American missionaries. Rev. Daniel Poor established two schools in Jaffna in 1815, where mathematics and science including astronomy were in the curriculum. He promoted the value of science and enlightened people against superstitious beliefs. At that time there was a Brahmin named Visvanathan Sathree in Vaddukodai, Jaffna, versed in ancient empirical astronomical calculations. Although he could foretell a lunar eclipses to a reasonable accuracy, still advocated these events happen when Rahu engulf moon. When Rev.Poor, invited him to look at the crescent of Venus through a telescope, he considered it menial and below his dignity and asked his servant to watch and tell him and refused modern astronomy. Later, being exceptionally clever, Visvanathan Sathree had realized the much higher capability of modern science compared to empirical techniques.

Higher level science was first introduced to Ceylon Medical College (1852), then to Ceylon Technical College (1893) followed by University of Ceylon (1926). British wish was not producing scientists, but things moved beyond their expectation, locals initiated research and some who pursued higher studies in Britain, performed exceptionally well, even in challenging fields like mathematics and theoretical physics

Sri Lanka recognizes the value of fundamental studies

After establishment of the Ceylon University, few Sri Lankans having completed their doctoral degrees abroad, returned home and successfully conducted advanced research. Dr. M.W Mailvagnam, who studied in Cambridge at the time of Lord Rutherford, the discoverer of atomic structure was appointed as the Professor of Physics, University of Ceylon 1939. He initiated research in Colombo to go beyond atomic structure. Dr. Jayaratnam Eliezer worked in Cambridge, with Paul Maurice Dirac, the founder of quantum electrodynamics - the most precise theory, man had ever developed. Dr. Eliezer who accepted the Professorship in Mathematics, University of Ceylon 1949, carried out cutting edge theoretical research gaining world recognition. The success of these efforts and awakening of fundamental science worldwide after the war, prompted a group of Sri Lankans, headed by late Professor Mailvagnam to propose an institute devoted to theoretical studies and a committee was appointed by Hon. M.D.H. Jayewardhana, Minister of Scientific Research in 1969, to draw up a proposal, finalized in early 1970s. The idea was officially implemented by establishing the Institute of Fundamental Studies by an Act of Parliament in 1981- an important forward step by the Government of Sri Lanka.

Necessity to foster fundamental studies in its true sprit

Less affluent nations have realized that they should not limit their policies to so-called relevant science and leave advanced curiosity oriented research to developed countries, because this would continue to drag them behind. Africa’s next Einstein Initiative (Slogan: Next Einstein, she is from Africa) plans to establish 40 institutions devoted theoretical studies and mathematics. Rwanda one of the poorest and most troubled nations until recent times, now has an Institute of Theoretical Physics. As judged from international norms, Sri Lanka remains weak in fundamental studies at present. Especially the crucial component - the curiosity driven original ideas and theory, which require less money but finer brains. Real problem seems to be absence of a critical mass of such accomplished persons and sometimes the deliberate elimination of persons of that caliber.

To foster fundamental studies, we need to change our attitudes and the art of motivating the younger to be innovative and the very best to take up highest intellectual challenges. Today parents, direct their children only towards things they consider to be relevant to future prospects of gainful employment, killing imagination and curiosity. Distracted away from reading Jataka stories, Alice in Wonderland or Arabian Nights, they are compelled to burn midnight oil, in preparation to sit examinations. The latter kind of childhood exposure produce abstract thinkers and former the professionals to do the routine – the society needs both. Albert Einstein – an extreme of the latter quality revolutionized the world. Similarly, Totagomuwae Sri Rahula, influenced generations men and women in our country.

Fundamental studies cost less but require finer minds, first nurtured, then provided opportunities of research and measures to safeguard them against mediocrity. Poor standards of academic performance and instruction and rarity of applied innovation owes much to neglect of this discipline. Fundamental studies strengthen the nation’s morale to deal with social issues. It is vitally important Sri Lanka remedy the situation and uplift fundamental studies in its true spirit.

Author Prof.Kirthi Tennakone, National Institute of Fundamental Studies, can be reached at ktenna@yahoo.co.uk