Sunday Times 2
When the state shipping body was on the crest of a wave
Rohan Wijeyaratna’s undertaking of bringing to life the story of Sri Lanka’s one time pride and joy, the state-owned and operated Ceylon Shipping Corporation (CSC), has not only been daunting but remains a true labour of love. I have shared part of the journey with him, and I had the honour of receiving one of the first copies, fresh from the printer. The build-up had been such that as I carefully undid the wrapping I was gripped with anticipation as to what I could expect.
The book fittingly begins with the captivating story of Lanka Rani (pictured)
What I saw was truly a work of art that generated a sense of profound indebtedness to Rohan, who had given five years of his life to this project. In the end he has produced – in my view, a masterpiece. Through its pages he had lovingly and reverently documented the rise, the stagnation and finally the fall of this once magnificent icon – known to all as the CSC, by smartly weaving together a collection of personal narratives which have spoken the silent heartbeat of the company — its people.
Rohan and I sailed together on a couple of CSC ships, and later worked for the same Ceyline Group of companies once we settled ashore. Rohan dabbled a lot in literary work while still at school at Ananda College, and once his “A’ Levels were over, he undertook an apprenticeship at Walker Sons & Co Ltd., before joining CSC as a Junior Engineer in 1977. Ending up as Chief Engineer, he left the sea in 1990 to join Ceyline.
During his next career phase on land, Rohan brought all his literary skills to the fore by pioneering and editing many publications for the IMarEST (Sri Lanka Branch), while finding time to also end up as a much respected cricket columnist for a leading English daily newspaper. In producing “An Unfinished Odyssey” it is clear to the discerning eye that Rohan has put much of his previous experience, talent and skill into good use, while producing this masterpiece.
In addition to creating the arrestingly beautiful artwork for the dust cover and designing the entire book, Rohan has delved deep and led the reader seamlessly into 115 unique narrations by 60 plus contributors who were associated with CSC during its golden era. The book fittingly begins with the captivating story of Lanka Rani’s first voyage in January 1971 and continues till CSC’s sad ending.
Essentially this book is a nostalgic trip down memory lane especially to those who were part of the company during its glory days. It is a tantalising reading experience and a compulsory learning resource for the young Shipping Executive or Cadet. It is also an invaluable historical archive, worthy of preserving for posterity, especially by the state agency that continues to function as the CSC.
As one reads through the numerous tales — all written with the distinct voice of each narrator (which Rohan has taken great pains to preserve), it leaves one in no doubt that this book is indeed the first of its kind in the history of the maritime world. Perhaps one may find writings on other individual shipping companies by individual authors, but I am not aware of a manuscript that has been compiled with contributions from a broad cross section of those who were an intrinsic part of the company, from its inception to its near end. That is the unique status this book has achieved.
An Unfinished Odyssey – Edited by Rohan Wijeyaratna
There is the meticulous compilation of individual writers’ views and opinions of how CSC conceptualised its own creation, the beginnings of a professional outfit, its rise to the top, and the likely causes of its collapse. The contributors have given their own interpretations of many interesting and thought-provoking characters, and their accounts are often humorous, frequently heart-warming and always insightful and engaging. The editor has used a deft hand to add colour and cohesion to each article which compels the reader to flip the pages in anticipation of each new chapter. The contributors include some respected members of CSC’s former management, Masters of ships, Engineers, Officers and even the spouses of those who sailed on ships and overseas agents of the CSC. They have expressed their gratitude towards a company which provided all the thrills, skill, knowledge and experience that helped them fashion their lucrative careers which followed their unique years spent with the CSC.
There is little doubt in my mind that a book of this nature will never again be produced on the subject of the rise and fall of this state agency which ran aground on the ugly rocks of money and politics. Nor will another book of this quality, stature and depth be seen again in print on the said subject. This is why I recommend this book as a compulsory addition to the collection of books each and every worthy professional even remotely associated with the maritime industry would own, wherever he/she may be.
Finally, on a broader level, the book provides ample evidence of the immense financial and operational capabilities of a state owned entity, when its care is placed in the hands of world-class professionals who are sans any political agenda. This, for me, is the core message of this book, and therefore it resonates beyond the maritime world for which it was written. “An Unfinished Odyssey” is a collector’s item for anyone with a passion for their craft and sharing a desire to take a journey of excellence with all of us who lovingly and loyally served the CSC.
(The writer is a Master Mariner)