The March 2009 issue (Volume 20:I) was presented to the public on 28 March. It presages the new shape of Samskrti that was announced in this newspaper a few weeks ago.

There are thirteen pieces of writing, one, unusually, in English. Five of them evaluate or appreciate works of creative writing. The two novels are Siri Gunesinghe’s miringuva allema reviewed by Amradasa Virasinha and Pushparani Wickremaratne’s sayuru tera inda, reviewed by Bobbie Boteju; the poet is G.H.Perera of Boralasgamuva, appreciated by H.A.P.Abhayavardhena; and the movie, machang, that has been much talked about, reviewed by E.M.G.Edirisinghe. The fifth is an endearing essay in English written by M.B.Mathmaluwe, assessing the contribution made in the Samskrti Journal from1953 to the cultivation of the Sinhala language. Samskrti will continue with this effort to foster a critical literature and welcomes contributions in that genre.

Two essays are on economic questions, both responding to currently prominent concerns. Yasasiri (Y.W) Gunewardena writes on risks in investment drawing attention, in easily understood manner, to varying degrees of risk in markets in Sri Lanka today. Usvatte-aratchi writes on the state in the economy, under a deceptive title, a theme subject to much controversy in the world today.

C.A. Lenin Divakara questions the wisdom of introducing English as the medium of instruction in second and third levels of education in our country. This is likely to raise much controversy and Samskrti welcomes all shades of opinion, well expressed.

Senevi Epitavatta presents an all too brief recount of interactions between man and the rest of his environment in Sri Lanka over a long period of time. Samskrti remains open for comments on this subject.

Amaradasa Virasinha is back with one of his main academic interests, when he interprets national symbols (for example, the national flag) as mechanisms of integration and coins a new word sangataya for integration.

Virasingha also pays a touching tribute to one of his colleagues, Piyadasa Mahindasiri, who contributed richly to the growth of Samskrti and died in February 2009.

There are four short pieces reporting the work of Samskrti during the last few months and giving the reader detailed information on forthcoming meetings and issues of Samskrti.