Vidya Jyothi Deshamanya
Dr C R Panabokke Pioneer field soil scientist
Renowned Sri Lankan soil scientist and agronomist, celebrated for his pioneering research on tropical soils and land use. His work significantly advanced agricultural practices and sustainable resource management in Sri Lanka.
30 + Research Papers
35 + Scientific papers
Christopher Rajendra Panabokke
1926 – August 2023
Dr. C.R. Panabokke was born into a family in the serene village of Panabokke, nestled in the ancient Udu Nuwara division of the Kandy district. As the third child and the first male in his family, he grew up in a home rich with cultural heritage, highlighted by an Atuwa built in 1845, where he and his siblings played and forged memories.
From an early age, he exhibited a keen curiosity about the natural world, which was nurtured through early experiences in nature. His childhood was marked by simple joys and adventures, exploring the lush surroundings and engaging with the environment. Family holidays were cherished moments that provided a sense of belonging and stability.
Despite facing health challenges during his youth, his resilient spirit and determination shone through. The influence of his family and the supportive environment of his childhood played a pivotal role in shaping his character and values, fostering a lifelong commitment to understanding and preserving the natural world.
Dr. C.R. Panabokke’s Educational Life
Dr. Panabokke’s academic background provided a strong foundation for his contributions to soil science, agriculture, and water management. His education and continuous learning allowed him to bridge traditional farming knowledge with modern scientific approaches, benefiting Sri Lankan agriculture for decades.
1930-1934: Early Education
At the age of four, he was boarded at Hillwood Girls' High School in Kandy, which accepted boys up to a certain age. His time there was marked by pleasant experiences, especially nature study tours with Peggy Keyt (sister of artist George Keyt).On these tours, they collected tadpoles from natural ponds and observed their transformation into frogs—a learning experience that left a lasting impression.
- On these tours, they collected tadpoles from natural ponds and observed their transformation into frogs—a learning experience that left a lasting impression.
- The boys lived in a dormitory and attended school barefoot, except for formal occasions. His competitive spirit began here, as the boys had to prove themselves against their outnumbering female peers.
1934 :Transition to St. Anthony’s College
At the age of eight, Panabokke moved to St. Anthony’s College in Kandy. However, his education was interrupted when he contracted malaria and tonsillitis, requiring him to move to Colombo for treatment. The disruption caused rumors of his death to spread among his peers.
During this time, the school was repurposed as a military facility during World War II, forcing him to become a day scholar.
1945: Attempt at Technical College
Initially aspiring to become an engineer, Dr. Panabokke attended the Technical College for a short period. However, he found the environment unsatisfactory and chose to seek other educational opportunities..
1945: Enrollment at St. Benedict's College
After his time at the Technical College, he enrolled at St. Benedict's College for one year. Here, he enjoyed his studies and thrived academically, preparing for further education.
1945-1949: University of Ceylon
Dr. Panabokke gained admission to the University of Ceylon in Colombo, where he pursued a special degree in Chemistry. He graduated with Honours in 1949, laying the groundwork for his future contributions to soil science.
1954: FAO Soil Fertility Training Course
Following his undergraduate studies, he participated in a soil fertility training course organized by the FAO in Coimbatore, India. This experience provided him with foundational training in soil science.
1954-1956: Ph.D. at Waite Agricultural Institute
Dr. Panabokke attended the Waite Agricultural Institute at the University of Adelaide in Australia. He completed his Ph.D. in Soil Science in 1956, further establishing his expertise in the field.
Dr. C.R. Panabokke’s Professional Life
Dr. C.R. Panabokke’s most significant contributions were made during his 33 years of service (1950-1982) in the Department of Agriculture, which he regarded as the most meaningful part of his career. Even after his retirement in 1982, Dr. C.R. Panabokke remained active in research, policy-making, and advisory roles.
Appointment to the Department of Agriculture
- Joined as Research Officer/Probationer in the Department of Agriculture.
- Mahailluppallama Agricultural Research Station: His transfer to this station was a turning point, where he worked closely with Dr. Earnest Abeyratne, a mentor who inspired Panabokke’s passion for serving peasant farmers in Sri Lanka’s dry zone.
- Collaborated with Dr. M.F. Chandraratne, a senior botanist, who further shaped his thinking, speech, and writing abilities.
PhD in Soil Physics
- Awarded a Colombo Plan Scholarship to study PhD in soil physics at the Waite Agricultural Research Institute, University of Adelaide, Australia.
- Completed his PhD in 1956 and was honored as Proxime Accesserunt for the Cuiross Prize for Scientific Research.
Return to Mahailluppallama
- Returned to Mahailluppallama in October 1956 and resumed his research in soil-water-plant relationships.
- Head of the Mahailluppallama Research Station: Directed research efforts in agriculture and irrigation to benefit farmers in the dry zone.
Head of the Land Use Division
- Appointed Head of the Land Use Division in Kundasale, where he spent ten years focusing on land and soil management.
- With the help of scientists Kingsley de Alwis, Joshua, and Somasiri, Panabokke produced:
- Sri Lanka's first Soil Map
- Agro-ecological Map of Sri Lanka
- His work laid the foundation for effective agricultural planning and resource management.
Director of Research
- Promoted to Director of Research at the Department of Agriculture.
- Introduced on farm (adaptive) research in farmers' fields to ensure that scientific research aligned with real-world needs.
- Strengthened regional research stations in Makandura, Kilinochchi, Aralaganwila, Bombuwela, and Karadianaru.
- Established Regional Technical Working Groups to promote interdisciplinary collaboration between research and extension teams.
Director of Agriculture
- Appointed Director of Agriculture, leading the Department for four years until his retirement.
- Known for his visionary leadership, he encouraged young officers to make independent decisions and supported their professional growth.
- Focused on aligning research, extension services, and national development strategies.
- Retired voluntarily in 1982 at the age of 55 to "make way for others", ending what is considered a ‘golden era’ in the Department of Agriculture.
Role at Water Resources Board (WRB):
- Served as Advisor to the Water Resources Board (WRB) and contributed immensely to expanding the groundwater resources mapping, monitoring, and testing programme of the WRB.
International Collaborations
- Dr. Panabokke worked with the International Service for National Agricultural Research (ISNAR) in the Netherlands and the International Irrigation Management Institute (IWMI, now known as the International Water Management Institute).
- At IWMI, he worked as Irrigation Agronomist from 1984 for several years and then as Senior Associate, Sri Lanka Field Operations from 1989 to 2010 and mentoring younger researchers.
Research and Publications
- Published numerous articles and research papers on soil science, small village tanks, groundwater behavior, and agro-ecological systems.
- One of his significant works during retirement was on the evolution of small reservoir-based irrigation systems in Sri Lanka's dry zone.
Academic Leadership
- Served as the Chancellor of Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka, reflecting his dedication to academic development and education.
Mentor and Thought Leader
- Advisor and Mentor to Young Scientists:
- Provided mentorship to emerging scientists, helping them develop careers in soil science, agro-ecology, and water management.
- Actively participated in conferences and discussions on agricultural policy and environmental sustainability in Sri Lanka.
Awards and Recognition
- National Science Council Award (1982)
- Presidential Award Vidya Jyothi (1986)
- Deshamanya Award (1998)