Ruwanweli Maha Seya: A Pillar of Sri Lankan Heritage-by Kalani-eLanka The Ruwanweli Maha Seya, also known as the Great Stupa, stands as one of the most revered and iconic Buddhist monuments in Sri Lanka. Located in the ancient city of Anuradhapura, this magnificent structure represents the architectural prowess, cultural richness, and religious devotion of the early Sinhalese civilization. It is not only a symbol of Sri Lankan Buddhist heritage but also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, attracting pilgrims and tourists from all over the world. The Ruwanweli Maha Seya was built by King Dutugemunu (161–137 BCE), one of the greatest rulers in Sri Lankan history. The king, known for uniting the island and promoting Buddhism, envisioned the stupa as a symbol of unity and faith. He began the construction of this massive monument shortly after his victory over King Elara, a Tamil ruler, in a legendary battle. Sadly, King Dutugemunu ...

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The Awe-Inspiring Awkana Buddha: A Timeless Symbol of Devotion and Mastery in Sri Lanka – By Bhanuka – eLanka Tucked away in the lush greenery of the North Central Province of Sri Lanka, near the ancient city of Anuradhapura, stands one of the most remarkable and awe-inspiring monuments of Buddhist art: the Awkana Buddha statue. This colossal statue, carved out of a single granite rock face during the 5th century, is a testament to the artistic mastery and deep spiritual devotion of ancient Sri Lankan craftsmen. The Awkana Buddha is not just a symbol of religious significance; it is a living testament to the island’s rich cultural heritage and the enduring influence of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. The story of the Awkana Buddha is one of faith, perseverance, and the unyielding human spirit. It is a tale that transcends time, touching the hearts of those who stand before this majestic ...

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The Legend of Kala Wewa: An Ancient Reservoir’s Legacy of Unity and Prosperity – By Nadeeka – eLanka In a time long ago, in the ancient kingdom of Anuradhapura, the land faced a dire challenge. The monsoon rains had become erratic, and the fields that once flourished with golden paddy were now dry and barren. The people were troubled, their livelihoods threatened by the lack of water. In the midst of this hardship, a wise and benevolent king ascended the throne. His name was King Datusena, a ruler known for his deep connection to his people and his profound understanding of the land. King Datusena, observing the plight of his kingdom, realized that the prosperity of his people depended on a stable and sufficient water supply. With a heart full of determination and a mind brimming with ideas, he set out on a journey across his realm to seek a ...

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UDDIKA AWARD WINNING ACTOR,VOCALIST ,MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT WITH A UNIQUE VISION FOR A FRESH EPOCH – By Sunil Thenabadu UDDIKA PREMARATHNA born on 16th September in year 1980 to his parents ,father had been employed in the health sector recollected his era at Padaviya hospital while mother was a housewife educated at St.Joseph’s College Anuradhapura, had excelled as a cadet had won the award for best sergeant in schools at his age of eighteen years in year 1998, renowned actor in cinema and tele drama , a television host of a reality contest ,an acclaimed vocalist. Uddika recalls he is not a successful television presenter had been in the three judge panel at ‘Hiru Mega Star’ at the recommendation of teledrama and film assistant Director Nirendra Deshapriya , Viraj Weliwatta, a top executive at Hiru TV .The gruelling contest was live for a period of one and a half hours daily ...

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Nayomi recipient of Sumathi and Raigam Telees awards on a scintillating voyage at just twenty four Years old from remote Nellikulama –  by Sunil Thenabadu Nayomi Thakshila the award winning renowned tele drama actress is a native of a remote village Nellikulama close to Anuradhapura born on 1st January 1999 to humble parents has two elder sisters and one elder brother as siblings, she been the ‘bada pissa’ of the family. All elder siblings have tied the respective nuptial knots, to date Nayomi has eight loving nephews and nieces domiciled in the Anuradhapura district.In the dwelling they were brought up has had a few perches of bare land where they had grown many types of vegetables including ‘sugar cane’, ‘plantains’. In an television confrontation she had jested that one day when they visited a family friend, he had given a small branch of ‘Sugar cane’ advising them to grow which had grown wild ...

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Avukana Buddha – A Magnificent Testament of Sri Lanka’s Buddhist Heritage – By Malsha – eLanka In the heart of Sri Lanka lies the awe-inspiring statue of Avukana Buddha, one of the country’s most revered Buddhist pilgrimage sites and a popular destination for tourists. Standing tall in the picturesque village of Avukana, near Kekirawa, the statue overlooks the ancient Kala Wewa reservoir, surrounded by a serene forested area. This strategic location was chosen to evoke a sense of grandeur and inspiration for all who visit. The Avukana Buddha is a remarkable sight, representing the standing Buddha with his right hand raised in a gesture of blessing, known as the Abhaya Mudra, symbolizing reassurance. Adorned with a beautifully carved Mandorla, a circular halo featuring intricate lotus petals and other motifs, the statue portrays a peaceful and smiling face with astonishing attention to detail. The most astonishing aspect of this statue is ...

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Why you should visit this undersold, teardrop-shaped island right now – By Lee Tulloch Source : smh If there’s a country that could do with a lot of love right now, it’s Sri Lanka. Over the past three decades, the island nation has been ravaged by conflict and disaster, beginning with the devastating 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, which claimed 30,000 lives, and the 26-year-long civil war, which ended in 2009. It had just re-emerged as a popular tourist destination when, on Easter Sunday 2019, an Islamic group, in retaliation for the Christchurch attacks thousands of kilometres away, bombed three churches and three luxury hotels in Colombo, unnerving the tourists who had returned in record numbers. And then in 2020 there was COVID-19. Even though Sri Lanka managed it well, the world shut down. Shopkeepers in Galle Fort, the beautiful, fortified 17th-century village on the south-west coast, say they closed their stalls ...

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A important full moon poya day of Buddhists – ‘ Poson ‘ – By Malsha – eLanka Poson Poya Day is an important religious holiday celebrated in Sri Lanka. It commemorates the arrival of Buddhism to the country in the 3rd century BC. Poson Poya is observed on the full moon day in the month of Poson (June), according to the lunar calendar followed in Sri Lanka. On this day, Buddhists in Sri Lanka engage in various religious activities to honor the introduction of Buddhism to the country. One of the significant events associated with Poson Poya is the arrival of Arahat Mahinda, the son of Emperor Ashoka, to Sri Lanka. Arahat Mahinda is believed to have introduced Buddhism to the island by converting King Devanampiya Tissa and his subjects. During Poson Poya, Buddhists visit temples and engage in religious rituals. Many people also participate in pilgrimages to important Buddhist ...

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Jetavanaramaya: the third tallest ancient structure in the world! – By Silkroute Source : Silkroute linkedin Jetavanaramaya is a famous Buddhist temple located in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka. It is one of the largest stupas (domed structures) in the world and holds great historical and religious significance. Here are some key details about Jetavanaramaya: Location: Jetavanaramaya is situated in the ancient city of Anuradhapura, which is located in the North Central Province of Sri Lanka. Construction: The stupa was built during the reign of King Mahasena (273-301 AD) of the Anuradhapura Kingdom. It took nearly 15 years to complete and stands as a testament to ancient Sri Lankan engineering and architectural prowess. Dimensions: Jetavanaramaya stands approximately 122 meters (400 feet) in height, making it the tallest stupa in the world and the third tallest ancient structure in the world. The base of the stupa covers an area of about 2.3 hectares (5.7 acres). Architectural Features: The stupa ...

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