Pathfinder Foundation launches Sinhala translation of ‘Samudra Manthan’

The Pathfinder Foundation (PF) is scheduled to launch the Sinhala translation of Dr. Raja C. Mohan’s book ‘Samudra Manthan: Sino-Indian Rivalry in the Indo-Pacific’ on 23 January at the Sequel Room, Cinnamon Grand Colombo. 

High Commissioner of India in Sri Lanka Taranjit Singh Sandhu will be the Chief Guest at the event, which will be attended by Dr. Raja C. Mohan. Translation of the book and its publication was financially supported by the India-Sri Lanka Foundation.

The Pathfinder Foundation which has scheduled to release the Sinhala translation by handing over first copies to editors of leading Sinhala newspapers but this aspect of the ceremony has been cancelled as a mark of respect for the funeral of Jatila Wellabada well known veteran journalist. However, the launch will take place as announced. 

Citing a tale from Hindu mythology—Samudra Manthan or ‘Churning the Ocean’—Dr. Raja C. Mohan relates the story of Sino-Indian rivalry spilling over from the Great Himalayas into the Indian and Pacific Oceans. He examines the prospects for mitigating tensions and constructing a stable Indo-Pacific order. 

The United States of America, the dominant military power in the Indian Ocean region, is being drawn into the unfolding Sino-Indian competition. Despite the huge differences in the current naval capabilities of China, India, and the United States, Dr. Mohan argues that the three countries are locked in a triangular struggle that would eventually mold the future the Indo-Pacific.

Being a subject of contemporary interest in global politics focusing on the Indian Ocean region, in which Sri Lanka is geo-strategically located, the Pathfinder Foundation embarked on an initiative to translate the publication for the benefit of Sinhala reader. 

The translation was undertaken by Sunethra Siriwardena, which also includes a Sri Lankan perspective presented by Dr. Sisira Pinnawala, former Professor of the Dept. of Sociology, and currently consultant to the Post Graduate Institute of Social Sciences and Humanities of the University of Peradeniya. 

This is published by Center of Indo Lanka initiative of the Pathfinder Foundation inquiry can be made by mail [email protected] or Tel: 0114529933.