My learned colleague

He was born on October 26, 1999. He is from Kottawa, Colombo district and as I know he is a pure Theravada Buddhist in the truest sense.  His alma mater was Ananda College, Colombo 10.  His name is Abhishek Yasasthi Randeniya and he is the eldest son in the family that also has a younger daughter.

My friend is currently reading for his Bachelor of Science degree in Biological Science. He hopes to become a Biologist.

But he is not confined to a single subject field, his knowledge on Sinhalese language, Buddhist philosophy, Science, English as well as history, sociology and politics is excellent. I met him through Facebook. As I remember he and me have been friends for over a year now. It was amazing to be able to share not only the knowledge but every emotion of laughter and tears with him.

I like him, mostly because of his extensive knowledge on history and the Buddhist traditions. From the day I got to know him, I gained a great deal of knowledge from him.  He imparts his knowledge, not only to me, but to everyone, very generously.

In these days I have just started a new project with him. Compilation of a book on the services and rituals conducted in the Temple of the Tooth Relic in Kandy.  I get an invaluable help and contribution from him.

Although science is his main area of specialty, I can very well say that he is in love with history also. He is so fond of that subject that he has already explored the history of the Sri Vishnu Devalaya in Devinuwara and compiled a great book on it’s history and traditions. I was so fortunate enough to read the original version of that book.

Even before his own book was published, it was praised and commended by some respected university professors, and I believe that "Devinuwara" will be a book with the ability to update some of the Sri Lanka's forgotten historical information.

So getting to know that great young historian, explorer, author, or, in my language, the "bookworm" who loves reading history, and who has such a knowledge can be said as a great enhancement of not only my knowledge but also of my other colleagues’ knowledge on history and everything.