Introducing a book on Kandy women of the early 20th century

Emerged: noteworthy women from Kandy by Nanda Pethiyagoda Wanasundera was introduced to a distinguished audience including the author’s relatives and friends, on March 2, 2011 at the auditorium of the Central Province Governor’s office complex in Palace Square, Kandy. The Principal of Girls’High School with the Deputy Principal, School Captain and Games Captain were special guests since the author and six of the those written about in the book are from this school.

Hon. Tikiri Kobbekaduwa, Governor of the Central Province, was the Chief Guest. Dr. P. V. J. Jayasekera, formerly of the Department of History, University of Peradeniya, was the Guest of Honour and delivered the keynote address. Ms Udumbara Udugama, Cordinating Secretary to the Governor, organized and compered the event.

In his address Dr Jayasekera said: "The book is meant to be an addition to the wide range of writings on gender studies in Sri Lanka. It attempts to locate the careers and achievements of eight Kandyan women from the district of Kandy as trail-blazers emerging from patriarchal, traditional and conservative Kandyan society in the mid 20th century to the national elite level.

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