Eloquence in Stone

Reviewed as one of the most comprehensive books about Sri Lanka and as being on par with the best international publications, Eloquence in Stone narrates the story of this island nation. It begins with the cliffs and caves where ancient man lived as far back as 150,000 years ago in Sri Lanka and then moves onto the stone tools they produced 35,000 BP, and the script of the ancients that dates back to 500 BC. One of the first man-made tanks in the world was built in the citadel of Anuradhapura. This tank was the starting point of a sophisticated irrigation system which harnessed monsoon rains and channeled the waters for long distances from one tank to giving rise to a rich agricultural civilization - a society that built ships and traded in elephants and spices and one which adopted the rituals of Buddhism and Hinduism, built magnificent statues and temples embellished with sculpture and murals. It is a culture and a way of life that continues in much the same manner to this day. The descendants of this ancient people cultivate the same fields, dance to the same drums and worship at the same temples. The world of the 20th century is yet to enmesh them fully and this book is a peon to this heritage.

Produced by a team of Sri Lankas foremost photographer/travellers, the book is of interest to all Sri Lankans, historians, archaeologists, Asian Studies specialists, anthropologists and sociologists. It is also a book that lovers of beauty beautiful writing and beautiful photographs will treasure.

The book ends with the words of Nihal Fernando, the man who inspired the book - This is the dream I have had for the last fifteen years. I want to tell the story of this country and its people. I want to make people think about our past and what we are doing to it before it is too late.