Sunday Times E-Paper

Panadura Vadaya and Buddhist revival: Little known but key role played by John Capper

Dr R.P. Fernando Epsom, UK

As the 150th anniversary of the Panadura Vadaya approaches this August, there should be greater recognition of the role played by John Capper, the then editor of the Ceylon Times. He published an account of each day’s proceedings during the debate in his paper and then the full text of all the speeches in a book entitled, ‘Full Account of the Buddhist Controversy Held at Pantura in August 1873’ later that year.

The preface of the book states: ‘In the belief that an authentic account of the Controversy which took place at

Pantura in August last, between a Buddhist Priest and two Ministers of the Protestant religion, will be read with interest by a large number of persons here and in Europe, I have produced the proceedings in the present form. The report has been revised by the respective disputants, so that it may be taken as a correct account of what passed’.

Capper’s book was picked up by J.M. Peebles who was in India, who then published an extended version in the United States. Henry Olcott read it and decided to come to Sri Lanka. Capper recognised the importance of the debate and without his efforts,

Sri Lankans might not have had a full account of the debate nor, in all probability, would Olcott have come to Sri Lanka.

The trajectory of the Buddhist Revival might well have been very different and less transformational.

PS. Capper’s book has never been republished and most Sri Lankans have never seen it. I have scanned the first few pages, including the title page, and can email them if anyone is interested.

LETTERS/APPRECIATIONS/BOOKS

en-lk

2023-05-28T07:00:00.0000000Z

2023-05-28T07:00:00.0000000Z

https://sundaytimes.pressreader.com/article/282269554773360

Wijeya Newspapers