Sunday Times 2
Book re-launched in honour of author
View(s):A.C. Dep’s book ‘ Historical and Social Studies’ re-edited by Justice Priyasath Dep , a serving judge of the Supreme Court was launched recently in memory of his beloved father.
The late Mr. A.C. Dep was a well-respected Deputy Inspector General of Police, serving from 1942- 1972, an era when officers and gentlemen manned the Police Force and acted with the highest integrity free of political patronage. Mr . Dep authored many books on the Ceylon Police and was widely known for his in-depth knowledge of the Police.
His ‘ Historical and Social Studies’ captures miscellaneous aspects of social anthropology and covers both pre and post-colonial folklore. It encompasses the life-studies of the bee-honey collectors ( panikkiralas) of Uva-Wellassa and is studded with a rare collection of verses together with some holistic views dealing with other branches of the public service in the island. The book also gives a concise version of one of Mr. Dep’s other books ‘ History of the Ceylon Police’.
He has brought together some interesting history on the capture of the Kandyan kingdom by the British through their espionage system paying local spies who betrayed the country for their own gain.
Justice Priyasath Dep, PC, has done his father proud in editing his father’s work and providing a preface. In conclusion I am reminded of an age-old saying ‘Roalty is visible in every act of a royal child of a royal father.
Sarath Dhanapala
( The writer is a retired ASP, Kandy)