Sila Viravong

Maha
Sila Viravong
ສິລາ ວິຣະວົງສ໌
Born
Sila Chanthanam
สิลา จันทะนาม

(1905-08-01)1 August 1905
Died18 February 1987(1987-02-18) (aged 81)
Occupations
  • Scholar
  • writer
Family3, including Douangdeuane
Signature

Maha Sila Viravong (also known as Sila Viravong; Lao: ສິລາ ວີຣະວົງສ໌, RTGSSila Wirawong, pronounced [sí(ʔ).láː wíː.rā.wóŋ]) was a Lao historian, philologist, and scholar of traditional Lao literature, history, and culture. He modernized the Lao alphabet and was an important intellectual figure in the Lao independence movement during the struggles against French colonial rule. He was an active member of the Lao Issara movement and served as the personal secretary to Prince Phetsarath Rattanavongsa ((1889-01-10)January 10, 1889 – (1959-10-01)October 1, 1959). His name is often preceded by the honorific title "Maha", and he is frequently referred to as "Maha Sila."

He was the father of Laotian writers Douangdeuane Bounyavong, Dara Viravong, and Pakian Viravong.