PRIDE OF A NATION

1818 INDEPENDENCE STRUGGLE (UDARATA MAHA KARELLA) Sri Lanka was exposed to the Western in 1505 with the advent of Portuguese, later Dutch and English  respectively. Out of all three western nations English ruled Ceylon nearly 130 years. English  came 1796, with the invitation of Udarata King English came to chase away Dutch. But something unexpected happened. Ceylon became a British colony. In year 1815, English concurred whole country, by way of famous 'Udarata Givisuma'. It was consisted with 12 articles. Breaking the promises English infringed it in broad daylight. Buddhism and Buddhist monks were neglected. This was a big struck. Many were not pleased with English administration, this displeasure soon converted in to a struggle for independence. Seeds of the struggle came from Wellassa and later spreaded. Apart from these reasons, appointment of Muslim Muhandiram called "Hajji Marikkar" to Wellassa was the closest  for 1818 struggle. His appoin...

  Kingship and governance in old Ceylon PART II POLONNARUWA, DAMBADENIYA TO KANDY Though Anuradapara kingdom has  no specifically designed fortress, or protective creations, it survived nearly thousand years. " Raja Raja and Rajendra's " great invasion paved the way to change the kingdom. Polonnaruwa named as second kingdom of old Ceylon accordingly.  Polonnaruwa" alias "Pulathisipura" too existed considerable period of time. I Vijayabahu fought and won  against "Raja Raja and Rajendra" Dravidians who came from South India.  I Vijayabahu   was protected by a rural village headman called "Buddaraja alias Budalna" Later defeated Cholas. After unifying the country he had to renovate all the tanks devastated by Cholas. (Chola is mainly a rural state in South India, always invaded Ceylon whenever they become powerful ) His whole time was allocated for renovations. His foreign policy is note worthy. It was a great strategy used by the...

KINGSHIP AND GOVERNANCE Of OLD CEYLON - ANURADHAPURA ERA - PART 1 Sri Lankan history can be categorized under two major headings, I) Before the written history (pre historic age) II) After the written history(advent of Aryan) When we discuss the kingship and the ruling system of pre historic age, it is rare. Unwritten history is started before the advent of Vijaya. According to the Buddhist literature few stories are revealed.  Choolodara and Mahodara in Buddhist culture said to be siblings and they were introduced  as Kings, they might be powerful rural leaders with great power.  Maniakkitha Na Raja also a such leader who ruled Kelaniya. Before the  arrival of Aryan three main tribes resided and ruled old Ceylon. Those  were good at mercantile affairs especially the "Naga" . The unique location of the country made it possible. For a well organised business, firmly established administration is needed. Therefore it is evident t...

INSIGHT ON SINHALESE AND TAMIL NEW YEAR Sinhala and Tamil New Year is a special cultural event of all Sinhala and Tamil people in Sri lanka. It is not just a occasion but a vivid cultural momentum which reflects the unity and reconciliation of a nation. Reconciliation is not a novel concept for Sri Lankan, Sinhalese and Tamil New year is itself a cultural event which enshrines reconciliation of two major communities in Sri Lanka, Sinhalese and Tamil. These new terms came to the usage as result of exposing to the western world, whereas these were embeded our culture . Sinhalese and Tamil New Year is a mixture of all values peace, harmony as well reconciliation. Sinhala and Tamil New year belongs under the category of seasonal festivals. These festivals are well known concepts all over the world and most of these festivals are held after cutting and storing the harvest. This is a season for rest and token of appreciation for cultivators' hard working. Therefore most ...

SIGIRIYA-  HOTSPOT Of ANCIENT TECHNOLOGY Sigiriya ancient rock fortress said to be built by king Kashyapa whose father was king Dathusena. This is situated in Matale distric central provice at Dambulla town. Sigiriya is well known for its architectural design as well the technology used. According to the history it was built within 18 years. Some argue that this was not a 100% creation of King Kashyapa, according to them Sigiriya has a long history which goes back to King Ravana. According to them this was Alakamdawa of Kuwera,  Mayadana who was the greatest architect ever constructed and gifted unto Kuwera.  However its origin, Sigiriya is truly amazing work, summit of the rock fortress is about three acres consisted with stone ponds, stages, Royal pavilion and many other architect designs. Each of its features show the pride of our nation.  WATER TECHNOLOGY Its miraculous functioning is amazing. The basic technology of setting up the fountain ...

AMAZING WATER ENGINEERING SYSTEM IN ANCIENT SRI LANKA - IRRIGATION                             TANK SYSTEM Thogh Sri Lanka small in physical size, it is a cluster of Traditional Knowledge. Sinhalese creations were unbelievable and simply surpass modern technology in every sense. It is truism that almost every civilization in the world so far rooted along river banks or a water resouvier which is a very valuable for  domestic purposes. Eg- Mesopotemia (Ypretise and Tygries, land between rivers), Egyptian civilization (Nile river), Indus valley sindu nadee). Likewise Anuradhapura is the first kingdom in Sri Lanka which too was set up by the Kadamba Nadee now known as Malwathu oya. Aryans who came to Sri Lanka had the intrinsic knowledge of paddy cultivating and practiced it in here too. Flourished low land, water facility  and sunny weather made the paddy cultivation successful. However escalat...