Rodney writes on ‘Vandana Charika’

By Susitha R. Fernando

Journalist, lyricist, teledrama director and TV programme producer, Rodney Widanapathirana’s writings on journeys is not something new to his readers. He has already completed five books on the travels made to many parts of the country. Yet 'Vandana Charika' is a refreshing experience to both travelers and those interested in making pilgrimages to Buddhist places of worship.

The book is complied with the articles he had written to 'Tharunaya' weekly newspaper and they provide many interesting details on temples, ancient sites, Buddha statues and ancient caves, the places we have hardly heard of. This handy book also provides many interesting stories, folklores and facts relating to the places and information to their access.

"I was encouraged to write this book when I made visits to these places to do a television programme. I felt proud when I realized how much Buddhism has contributed to our education, culture and art," says Rodney speaking about his book. ‘I was telling myself that it is our duty to protect this heritage and conserve for many generations to come,’ said the writer.

"But at the same time it was sad to note that most of the artifacts and statues were vandalized and destroyed by treasure hunters while some others were completely ignored from maintenance. The remaining temples and other historical places were protected by the poor villagers who have dedicated themselves and made many sacrifices with their wealth to look after these places and monks in the temples," Rodney said sharing his experience.

Having written books like 'Sancharaka Satahan' (Traveling Notes), 'Dushkara Charika' (Difficult Journeys) and 'Diyaeli Charika' (Journeys to Waterfalls), Rodney's latest gives comprehensive details on fifteen locations that have importance to country's history and culture.

Besides being a writer Rodney is a well-known film journalist who had directed films and teledramas. Started with 'Surathura', a film magazine edited by veteran journalist Arthur U. Amerasena, Rodney later joined former 'Irida Lakadeepa'. Joining 'Tharunaya' in 1982 he became its editor on the following year and continues to hold the said post for 22 years.

Rodney joined the cinema as an assistant director with Sena Samarasinghe in his Chanchala Rekha. This followed Shirley P. Wijeyratne's 'Welle Thenu Maliga'. Rodney made his own film 'Shipa Denu Mena' and directed six successful teledramas. He also is well-known for his versatility in writing lyrics.