Jathika Namal Uyana: A tribute to nature-BY FATHIMA NUSRA UVAIS
Source:Sundayobserver
Mother Nature welcomes everyone. She doesn’t judge, she doesn’t discriminate, she just opens her arms to one and all. There is a space and place for everyone.
Mother Nature is filled with breathtaking landscapes and has given us some of the most beautiful creatures on Earth. All of us love to feel nature, beauty and like to be with nature. We should give her thanks everyday for being so gracious and kind to us by providing us with all these things that are necessary for survival.
Humans and plants have a complex relationship extending far back into our joint evolutionary history. Natural vegetation refers to a plant community, which has grown naturally without human aid and has been left undisturbed by humans for a long time. Sri Lanka’s natural vegetation covers about one-third of the total land area.
‘Jathika Namal Uyana’ is the largest ironwood forest and pink quartz mountain in Asia. It is a world heritage that has gained the attention of the world. The Namal Uyana is rich in biodiversity. It is a healthy and healing environment that has attracted local and foreign tourists. This ecosystem is a national resource of high religious, ecological and geographical value. The Na Uyana forest covers over 2,000 acres. The pink quartz mountain range in Namal Uyana is the largest pink quartz mountain in Asia. It consists of seven hills. It is about 600-700 acres.
According to history, during the construction of Taj Mahal, a symbol of pure love in India, pink quartz was taken to carve its windows. It is an amazing creation of nature. The pink quartz mountain belongs to a prehistoric era.
Sanctuary for bhikkhus
Ven. Wanavasi Rahula Thera
Namal Uyana, replanted with Ironwood trees in the 8th century AD, commenced during King Dewanampiyatissa’s reign and ended with King Dappula IV’s reign. Namal Uyana had been a sanctuary for bhikkhus during King Devanampiyatissa’s reign in the 8th century. King Dappula declared it as a human sanctuary. It was decided to establish ‘’Mahamewna Uyana’’ there.
Our country is a blessed nation full of natural vegetation. Trees are an important part of every community. In the 21st century, instead of planting trees, the majority of people cut trees and put up buildings everywhere. Deforestation has many effects on the environment and most importantly it affects biodiversity directly. If we cut one tree, at least 10 trees should be planted. Anyway, we are fortunate to have people who know the true value of natural vegetation and are committed to protect it. Ven. Wanavasi Rahula Thera, who came forward with great sincerity to protect the Jathika Namal Uyana, was a great disciple of the Buddha. Even though the beginning was rough, Ven. Rahula Thera bravely took up that great task.
Ven. Wanavasi Rahula Thera, founder of the Jathika Namal Uyana, said, ”I started this historic mission in March 1991. At that time, this environment was a land devoid of human habitation. When I set foot here, the Namal Uyana had been destroyed by treasure hunters and timber smugglers. I bravely built a small wooden house on a ‘Mora’ tree and started this mission for my country. There are no words to describe that journey through the challenges. The Jathika Namal Uyana celebrates its 32ndanniversary in March.
There is a mountain in Namal Uyana and a stream flowing down from mount pink quartz falls into this stone ball. Villages in the past used to call this mountain the ‘’Salt Rock Fork’’. The villagers were unaware that there was a historic value here. Pink quartz is a powerful substance where energy is stored. Pink quartz or Mada Rathu Diyatharippu is a semi-precious gemstone associated with unconditional love. This gem is a medication for many diseases. Tourists from all over the world come here. Japanese tourists are often seen here. Because pink quartz is very special to the Japanese. They are well aware of its mighty power. “I invite those who study rocks and biodiversity to come here for their research work. Mountaineers are also invited. All of you will be able to get educational and unique experiences,” the Ven. Rahula Thera said.
Tourist attraction
“In order to gain more international attention, we need to improve and protect such world heritage. Then more foreign tourists will come to our country. This will lead to a huge tourism promotion. As a developing country, Sri Lanka does not always need to get loans from other countries. By protecting and improving our country’s resources, it is possible to create a big economic development. Tourism industry is a huge business that brings foreign exchange to our country. Therefore, proper attention should be paid to improve the infrastructure of tourist attractions and provide all facilities.”
“From former President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga to current President Ranil Wickremesinghe, all the Governments supported this operation. I am not a monk who supports any political party. I am very sincerely engaged in these activities. I did all the administrative work here from 1991 to 2018. Then I submitted the Jathika Namal Uyana under the Central Cultural Fund (CCF) in writing. Now all the activities are done through the CCF. As a bhikkhu I understand the true meaning of the word ‘’renunciation’’. It means ‘doing what is accepted as work that has to be done and also not with expectation of any reward. I am not the owner here, just a keeper,” the Ven. Thera said.
“I started this national mission for the welfare of all beings. All nations have the right to use this. Students from schools representing all provinces of Sri Lanka visit the Jathika Namal Uyana. It gives children of all races and religions the opportunity to watch this. The attention of the responsible authorities should be directed to provide the facilities to obtain the educational knowledge available here. It is a place to do research on Geology, Ecology and Archaeology. We have the resources to elevate our country before the international community. Let us all be responsible for that.”
“All the electronic and print media of our country gave full support to me to complete this mission successfully. I must especially thank the Divaina newspaper, because scientific research was done here on their initiative. Now we can attract international attention to the historical, environmental and geographical factors here. Again, my heartfelt thanks to everyone who supported me.”
Ven. Wanavasi Rahula Thera who gave meaning to our humanity, protected a healthy oxygen forest and bequeathed it to the country. Understanding the true meaning of Buddhist philosophy, he has worked to protect the human soul that we all received through suffering. The noble work done by him is not a work that should be appreciated only with an award. In 2004 Ven. Wanavasi Rahula Thera received The Presidential Environmental Award, one of Sri Lanka’s highest excellence awards.
Ven. Rahula Thera informed us of another excellent service that will be done by the Jathika Namal Uyana project. Many community CSR projects such as providing houses to the homeless, providing school equipment to the children and providing assistance to the sick as well as providing clean drinking water to 5,000 families are among them. This project also provides a direct contribution to improving the infrastructure of this area.
Ven. Wanavasi Rahula Thera’s message when the Jathika Namal Uyana completes 32 years is that we should end the time when we were divided and let us all join hands in the Jathika Namal Uyana to create a change in attitudes.
