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Roman Szechowycz: A Discerning Eye for Past & Present in the Gal Oya’s History-by Michael Roberts Source:Thuppahis This is a presentation of an article entitled “The “Rock River” Story” by Roman W. Szechowycz in the Loris Magazine, Vol. 8 No. 6 December, 1960. Page 348. Its presentation here has been made feasible by my Aloysian pal KK De Silva. I have underlined aspects of this account with highlights. Let me stress here that Roman Szechowycz’s searching eye and mind leaves me amazed. This essay links the landscape to its medieval and ancient history and dwells on the history of Sinhalese civilization in revealing manner. ROMAN’s ARTICLE : The “Rock River” Story The Gal Oya river is full of interesting historical associations and if the river could talk, the story told by her would be worthy of record. In recent times the name of Gal Oya has become the symbol of the new Lanka, a symbol ...

Apr 21, 2024 Posted by eLanka admin In Articles, Michael Roberts Tagged Irrakkamam Tank, King Dutugemunu, KK De Silva, Wadinagala rock

THE SECRET OF THE SANDS – by Bernard VanCuylenburg Epilogue. Pursuant to the articles which I wrote last year, “An Odyssey – A Search for Heritage, parts 1 and 2 “) following a foray into the cornucopia of ruins buried in deep jungle well off the beaten track, I embarked on a similar venture in March this year. I am passionately moved by the treasure trove of what could be the best in ancient Sinhala civilization, possibly the life force of Sinhala culture which remains buried in the sands still awaiting the archaeologists spade, and I wish to share my experience with a wider circle of lovers of history. Parting the veil of time, an unknown sculptor, architect, engineer, master craftsman, even a poet, reached out to me and held my hand leading me across the centuries in my quest. I read somewhere that “Quotations are thefts of other peoples wisdom.” ...

Apr 10, 2024 Posted by eLanka admin In Articles, Bernard VanCuylenburg Tagged ancient ruins, ancient Sinhala civilization, ancient Sri Lankan architecture, archaeological sites in Sri Lanka, Bernard VanCuylenburg, Buduruwayaya, Cultural heritage, Degaldoruwa Temple, Dr. Senerat Paranavitana, Embekka Dewalaya, Historical sites in Sri Lanka, Kimbulagala, King Dutugemunu, King Kasyappa, Lankathilaka Vihara, Mapagala, Panduwasnuwara, Ridi Vihara, SIGIRIYA, Sri Lankan archaeology, Sri Lankan folklore, Sri Lankan giants, Sri Lankan history, Sri Lankan landmarks, THE SECRET OF THE SANDS, Tourism in Sri Lanka, treasure hunting in Sri Lanka

Kibulagala Rock – birthplace of Nandimithra – By Arundathie Abeysinghe Located on a rocky hill, the rock plateau, Kibulagala Rock is considered a momentous site due to inscriptions located on the summit of the plateau. Considered as the birthplace of the giant Nandimithra who was in *King Dutugemunu’s *Dasa Maha Yoda Sena (“Sena” meaning an army of soldiers), the breathtaking hamlet is located towards the end in the northern section of *Anuradhapura Kingdom. Due to the shape of the rock resembling the shape of a crocodile (kimbula in Sinhala), the rock is known as “Kibulagala” (meaning the rock in the shape of a crocodile). Kimbulagala Rock is historically and archaeologically significant due to cave inscriptions and dripstones. There are 13 cave inscriptions written in *Brahmi script from the 3rd century BC to the 1st century AD, including 23 caves with dripstones at the location. The two significant historical sites Erupothana ...

Dec 2, 2023 Posted by eLanka admin In Articles, Arundathie Abeysinghe Tagged Anuradhapura Kingdom, Arundathie Abeysinghe, birthplace of Nandimithra, Horowpathana, Kibulagala, Kibulagala Rock, King Dutugemunu, Madukanda Temple, Sri Lanka, Vavuniya

Anuradhapura City – A Timeless Oasis of History and Serenity – By Bhanuka Nuwan – eLanka Nestled in the heart of Sri Lanka, Anuradhapura city stands as a testament to the island’s rich historical and cultural heritage. This ancient city, steeped in tradition and spiritual significance, offers a captivating journey through time. From its awe-inspiring stupas to its serene lakes, Anuradhapura is a destination that beckons travelers seeking a unique blend of history and tranquility. In this article, we’ll take you on a virtual tour of Anuradhapura, highlighting its key attractions, history, and why it should be at the top of your travel list. Unveiling Anuradhapura’s Rich History Anuradhapura served as the capital of Sri Lanka for over a millennium, from the 4th century BC to the 11th century AD, making it one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. This illustrious history is evident in the city’s ...

Sep 12, 2023 Posted by eLanka admin In Articles, Bhanuka Nuwan Tagged Anuradhapura's Rich History, Jetavanarama Stupa, King Dutugemunu, Ruwanwelisaya Stupa, UNESCO world heritage

AN ANNIVERSARY TO REMEMBER” – by Des Kelly Any Anniversary is akin to my title of introduction. As we humans grow older, with each passing day, we tend to sometimes forget various Anniversaries, often to the annoyance of Partners and friends. Mostly, these important Anniversaries are those of Birthdays & Weddings which have ‘come & gone’ sadly, as the years pass by. NOT SO, IS THE 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF A LITTLE ISLAND, FORMERLY CALLED CEYLON, NOW, SRI LANKA. Not only is this one unforgettable because of it’s past colourful history, but NOW, because of a really BRILLIANT piece of WRITING by 103 year old D.L.SIRIMANNE from KOHUWALA, a little Suburb of Sri Lanka. To think of ANYONE who is OVER a Century in age, who can even remember to get out of bed each morning, is most difficult, then along comes Mr.Sirimanne, who not only arises, he sits down to ...

Jan 22, 2023 Posted by eLanka admin In Articles, DESMOND KELLY Tagged Anuradhapura, Britain colonised, Ceylon, D.L Sirimanne, King Dutugemunu, North-Central Province, Polonnaruwa, Portuguese, Ruwanweli Maha Seya

Celebrating 75th Anniversary of Independence taken at official celebrations on Independence Day, February 4, 1948. Seen being greeted on arrival in the Prime Ministerial Rolls-Royce limousine are ‘Father of the Nation’ Mr. D.S. Senanayake and his wife Mrs. Mollie Dunuwila Senanayake Source:Island Ceylon, the resplendent luscious tropical island on the Indian Ocean, like a brilliant emerald on the beautiful pendant of Mother India, was an attraction from ancient times, to many great powers to acquire as a valuable possession. Unfortunately, From the 15th Century to the middle of the 20th Century, a period of almost 500 years the island was colonised by Portuguese, Dutch and British, finally managed to get its Independence from Britain in 1947. Ancient historians wrote the chronical Mahavamsa relating the arrival of Prince Vijaya with his 700 followers from Sinhapura in North India and landed in this beautiful tropical island called Thambpani, married its Queen Kuveni, ...

Jan 19, 2023 Posted by eLanka admin In Articles Tagged King Dutugemunu, Ruwanweli Maha Seya

Hanguranketha – refuge of Kandyan Kings By Arundathie Abeysinghe Situated off the beaten track and rarely visited by local as well as foreign tourists, charm, beauty and solitude pervade Hanguranketha, the spectacular tiny hamlet in the Central Highlands. According to scholars, Hanguranketha is derived from “Sangaruwan ketha” (meaning thriving paddy fields in Sinhala). Steeped in history and legend and situated approximately 29 kilometers southeast of Kandy City, kings had used Hanguranketha during the Kandyan Kngdom as a refuge when the hill capital (Kandy) was attacked by invading foreign troops. According to legends, King Senarath (1604 – 1635) had constructed the first Royal Palace in Hanguranketha. According to *Robert Knox’s records, the Palace had been surrounded by a white washed giant wall during the Kandyan Kingdom and the entrance of the Palace had intricately carved doors and door panels. An inscription by Queen Leelawathi of *Polonnaruwa Era had been found in ...

Oct 15, 2021 Posted by eLanka admin In Articles, Arundathie Abeysinghe Tagged Anuradhapura Kingdom, Hanguranketha, King Dutugemunu, Makara Thorana, Polonnaruwa Era, Prince Vijaya, Princess Viharamahadevi