Stories Behind Names of Places in Sri Lanka – ALAGALLA – By Dr Nimal Sedara Source : Dæhæna – March 2024 Alagalla is near Mawanella on the Kandy – Colombo Road. Alagalla mountain is a popular spot for the hill climbers in Sri Lanka and many a mountain climbing competitions are often held here. When descending from the hill capital Kandy this mountain appears very beautiful. A regular climb happens here for the Independence Day of Sri Lanka, the 4th of February Often, there are more than one story behind the formation of names of places. I will relate only one of them pertaining to ALAGALLA. The story is based on a family, where the mother- in- law and the daughter-in-law had disputes. Though the mother-in-law did not like the daughter-in-law very much she tolerated her as she was the wife of her only child. The family had enough wealth to ...

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Nelligala International Buddhist Center – By Malsha – eLanka Nelligala Temple, also known as the Nelligala International Buddhist Center, stands as a serene sanctuary atop a hill in the Kandy District of Sri Lanka. A modern marvel, this temple was erected in 2015, drawing locals and travelers alike with its striking architecture and breathtaking vistas. One notable addition to its allure is the newly erected Sumana Saman Statue, which has sparked considerable attention. The temple is perched near the small town of Muruthalawa, with its conception and design inspired by the vision of Rev. Wathurakumbure Dhammarathna Thero. Notably, the ongoing project of Kuragala, guided by Dhammarathna Thero, further enriches the spiritual landscape of the area. What was once dense forest land has now been transformed into an International Buddhist center and a flourishing tourist destination. Reaching Nelligala Temple offers multiple routes for travelers. Those originating from Kandy City can opt ...

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Duruthu Poya Day Celebration in Kandy. – By Dr harold Gunatillake On January 25th this year, Sri Lanka celebrated the Duruthu Full Moon Poya Day. This festival falls on the first full moon in January, commemorating Gautama Buddha’s first visit to Sri Lanka. It is an important religious and historical event in Sri Lanka’s calendar, as it occurred in the ninth month after the Buddha attained Enlightenment. During his visit, the Buddha travelled to Mahiyanganaya in the Uva Province of Sri Lanka, where he gave sermons to two warring tribes to end their conflicts. The tribes listened to his teachings and stopped fighting with each other, and instead began to treat each other with respect. The local God, Sumana Saman, was impressed by the Buddha’s teachings and invited him to leave his sacred footprint on the peak of Samanala Mountain, which is now known as Adam’s Peak. To this day, ...

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Sandagiri Maha Seya – largest stupa in Kandy – By Arundathie Abeysinghe Image Source : Sandagiri Maha Seya Hanthana Facebook Situated in close proximity to the 850-meter pass of *Hanthana-Uduwela road (from Kandy to Galaha) and approximately 1.7 kilometer from *Ceylon Tea Museum, Sandagiri Maha Seya can be reached after passing a steep and winding road along with breathtaking vistas of the surroundings… “Giri” meaning “hill” or “mountain” and Sanda (derived from Sanskrit “Sandra” meaning “thick” or “dense” (can refer to a thicket or dense forest as an abode of hermits), meaning “thick grove”, “dense wood”, “heap” or “multitude”. Hence, “Sandagiri” can either be translated to “forested mountain” or to a “heap on a hill”. Both meanings can be referred to a huge dome in the forests of the *Hanthana Mountain Range. Sandagiri Maha Seya is a prominent landmark in the hills of Kandy and a breathtaking site visited by large ...

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More Indian Tourists are lured to visit the splendid island. – By Dr Harold Gunatillake The tourism industry is optimistic about achieving more than 1.55 million arrivals by the end of the year. The Science of Taste is revolutionising Sri Lanka’s culinary scene, which is driving the creation of new and innovative dishes. This is because the tourist minister targets more than 1.5 million tourists to arrive in 2023 during November and December months and beyond. Sri Lanka tourist venture targets more Indian tourists coming to Sri Lanka, which is how the trend goes. Statistics reveal that this year, though Indian tourists hit the target, tourists arriving from Russia, China, France, Germany, Finland, and other parts of Europe lured Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka’s tourism industry is on the rise, with more Indian tourists being attracted to the island each year. The culinary scene in Sri Lanka is also evolving, with ...

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Noteworthy Boxing History of St. Anthony’s College, Kandy – By A J M Mushtaq Source :  Antonian Newsletter – September 2023 Boxing was introduced to the schools in Ceylon during the first decade of the 20th century. Two Old boys, Messrs. Cyril E. S. Perera (later Queen’s Counsel & MP for Colombo North) and M. J. Taylor, were instrumental in bringing the game to St. Anthony’s College, Kandy, inspired by Mr. L. Mc D. Robinson, a lecturer at the Government Training College. St. Anthony’s was fortunate to obtain the services of the famed boxing trainer, Mr. John Gaye. Boxing had become so popular that it was hard to decide which of the two games, cricket or boxing, was more popular, with a large number of athletes taking up the sport. In the STUBBS SHIELD tournament, which started in 1914, St. Anthony’s participated for the first time in 1918 and became ...

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Visit to the Rehabilitation Hospital in Digana, Kandy Sri Lanka – By Dr harold Gunatillake Website: www.Doctorharold.com I was invited with my nephew and niece to the Rehabilitation Hospital in Digana, Kandy, Sri Lanka, on an evening a project to entertain disabled patients was organized, and to me, it was a valuable experience. It is important to consider this option if you or a loved one requires rehabilitation services. The hospital offers a range of programs and services to help individuals regain their independence and improve their quality of life. By taking advantage of the resources available at the Rehabilitation Hospital, you can receive the support and care needed to achieve your recovery goals. So, if you are in need of rehabilitation services, consider visiting the Rehabilitation Hospital in Digana, Kandy, Sri Lanka. We were most taken up with the friendly staff, including the nursing sisters, administrators how dedicated these ...

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A popular tourist attraction located in Gampola ‘ Ambuluwawa ‘ – By Malsha – eLanka Ambuluwawa Mountain Hill is a popular tourist attraction located in Gampola, Sri Lanka. It is known for its panoramic views, beautiful gardens, and the iconic Ambuluwawa Tower that stands at its summit. The Ambuluwawa Tower, also called the “Tower of Peace and Harmony,” is a multi-religious symbol featuring architectural elements inspired by various religious traditions. The Ambuluwawa Mountain Hill is often visited by nature enthusiasts, hikers, and those seeking stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The hill is covered with lush greenery and offers several walking trails for visitors to explore. It’s a great place to relax, enjoy nature, and appreciate the scenic beauty of Sri Lanka. Please note that my knowledge cutoff is in September 2021, so there may have been changes or developments regarding Ambuluwawa Mountain Hill since then. Where is the Ambuluwawa? ...

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Stories Behind Names of Places in Sri Lanka – ‘ DAULAGALA ‘ – By Dr. Nimal Sedera Source : Qld Sri Lankan Newsletter – Dæhæna – July 2023 Daulagala is in the Central Province of Sri Lanka and not too far from the main city of the Province, Kandy. As usual, the name is linked to the time of the Kings ruled the country from Kandy. It was a time where people walked on foot paths to places. The administration of the country was through people appointed by the King. One such elite person was visiting the King with his people with gifts to the King walking a long distance. They were bringing with them dry food, vegetables, fruits as gift to the King and also the first harvest to be offered to the Temple of Tooth in Kandy. Drummers and dancers also were coming to perform at the temple pooja. ...

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A remote village located in Knuckles Mountain Range of Sri Lanka ‘ Meemure ‘ – By Malsha – eLanka Meemure is a remote village located in the Knuckles Mountain Range of Sri Lanka. It is known for its natural beauty, traditional lifestyle, and cultural heritage. Meemure is situated in the Kandy District, approximately 180 kilometers away from Colombo, the capital city of Sri Lanka. Due to its isolated location, Meemure has retained its traditional way of life, and it provides a glimpse into the rural and indigenous lifestyle of Sri Lanka. The village is surrounded by lush green mountains, waterfalls, rivers, and forests, making it a popular destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers. To reach Meemure, visitors usually have to travel through rough terrain, which adds to the adventurous nature of the journey. The village is accessible by a four-wheel-drive vehicle or by trekking through the scenic landscapes. It’s ...

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