WHY THE DEVIL BIRD CALLS by Hemasiri Perera is a book that takes readers on an unforgettable journey into the lives of some of our planet’s most magnificent creatures, with spectacular photographs and incredible stories.
The three short stories deal with the fast disappearing jungles and the denizens living there. The author paints a picture covering the flora and fauna of our beautiful island with such skill that is hard to describe.
In “WHY THE QUAIL IS LONELY BUT NEVER ALONE" the story of the little bird is written in a simple narrative and the reader will be fascinated to learn factual information about this extraordinary bird and other animals which might come across their path. It may also encourage readers to pay attention to the birds in their area and the different sounds that they make.
In “WHY THE DEVIL BIRD CALLS '' the life of a mentally challenged boy child is woven with a blind elephant and her calf with even greater finesse, so much so that one would question a child’s capacity to give and receive love from such untamed animals. Parents and caregivers will find plenty of inspiration in this moving and empathetic story.
Finally in the “BUTCHER OF UVA " like the master story teller he is, the author brings to life, historical facts which culminates in retribution being meted out for animal cruelty, to beyond death and in to realms beyond the grave! His description of the jungle, in his inimitable style, brings the habitat and its denizens to within the pages as one reads and that is a remarkable experience for any reader!
The author himself is a freelance writer, a literary translator and wildlife enthusiast passionate about the protection of forests and wildlife. This illuminating book available at leading book shops will help animal lovers understand why it’s important to fight for the protection and preservation of forests and wildlife. Unless and until every citizen is involved, however marginally, no tangible results can be achieved to protect our valuable asset - the forest cover and its denizens!
Every man, woman and child in Sri Lanka must be made to realise that it is against the tenets of Buddhism to parade wild creatures in chains and be kept imprisoned in temples and private residences, instead of being allowed to roam free in the jungles set aside for them!
It would be well to recall the Arahatt Mahinda’s counsel to King Devanampiyatissa so many centuries ago!
“O great King,the birds of the air and the beasts have an equal right to live and move about in any part of the island, as thou. The land belongs to the people and to all other beings and thou art only the guardian.”
Hemasiri Perera who hails from Badulla was a tea-planter cum tea manufacturing advisor now lives in Australia.