Ancient capital city of Sri Lanka ‘ Dambadeniya ‘ – By Malsha – eLanka Dambadeniya is a historical site and an ancient capital city of Sri Lanka. It is located in the North Western Province of the country, approximately 30 kilometers southwest of Kurunegala. Dambadeniya served as the capital of Sri Lanka from 1232 to 1272 during the reign of King Vijayabahu III and several other kings of the Dambadeniya Kingdom. During its time as the capital, Dambadeniya was an important political, administrative, and cultural center. The city was fortified with walls and had many palaces, temples, and monastic buildings. One of the notable landmarks in Dambadeniya is the Dambadeniya Raja Maha Vihara, a Buddhist temple that still exists today. The temple houses ancient statues, inscriptions, and other archaeological remains. Dambadeniya lost its status as the capital when it was replaced by Yapahuwa as the seat of power in the ...
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The economy During Kurunegala was the Capital. – By Dr Tilak S. Fernando Historians will not consider Kurunegala as a particular era during the Sinhala Kingdoms because four to five kings reigned during this era. It is not recognisable to identify as a historical period. According to ‘Dalada Pujawaliya’ during the Kurunegala era, approximately one hundred per cent of the government’s income from ships was directed to the sacred temple where Buddha’s tooth relic is housed. The income from the ships aided Sinhala kings in maintaining the country as a leading source of income along with trade. The Aryans who came to Sri Lanka dealt with agriculture and raised paddy farming to an excellent level up to the twelfth century. Whilst the water was obtained through irrigation systems during that epoch, through lakes and ponds, the people managed to do paddy farming in the North and Southeast. A decline in ...
Hatthikucchi Viharaya – ruined ancient temple complex framed by rock boulders By Arundathie Abeysinghe Located in a spectacular setting, enclosed by rock boulders, Hatthikucchi Viharaya (Viharaya meaning temple in Sinhala), the ruined ancient temple complex is situated on the northern border of the North Western Province, approximately three kilometers from Padeniya – Anuradhapura (A28) road. Within an area of approximately 120 hectares, Hatthikuchchi Aramic complex is also referred as “Hastikuchchi”, “Hasti Kuchchi” and Rajanganaya Ruins. But the site is well-known as the location, the exiled *King Sirisangabo (251 – 253 AD) offered his head to a pheasant. ‘Hatthikucchi’ (meaning ‘Elephant Stomach’ in Pali), the Temple is thus named due to a large rock inside the Temple Complex which resembles an elephant. According to historical records, the Complex is considered to have been built by King Devanampiyatissa (307–267 BC) and is considered as one of the oldest Buddhist temple complexes ...
Danigala Circular Rock – miraculous inselberg By Arundathie Abeysinghe Popularly known as Danigala “Alien Mountain” by locals due to its extraordinary geological formation and located in the Dry Zone of Sri Lanka in close proximity to Aralaganwila in *Polonnaruwa, this rock is situated in an amazing landscape. Danigala Rock is situated in the land belonging to Kandegama Raja Maha Viharaya (Buddhist Temple), a contemporary Cave Temple. Hence, permission from the Head Priest is necessary to enter this site. According to locals, Danigala Rock is a “UFO sighting hotspot” and secrets of aliens are hidden in the Rock. Hence, the Rock is also known as “Alien Mountain”. Local as well as foreign tourists are of the view that Danigala Rock is similar to a roundabout. The aerial view of the Danigala Rock indicates a unique semi-circular shape, affected by geological activities as well as climatic conditions. Hence, the location of Danigala ...
Hulangala Mini World’s End with breathtaking views By Arundathie Abeysinghe Sri Lanka is a small island state in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) similar to a droplet of water. Despite being a small island, it is endowed with a diverse collection of landscapes, climates, awe-inspiring vistas which have enticed tourists for decades. There are many spectacular viewpoints in Sri Lanka with several precipices offering breathtaking vistas of the surrounding area and valleys, in addition to popular World’s End and Mini World’s End at *Horton Plains. Mini World’s Ends at *Little Adam’s Peak in *Ella, *Pitawala Pathana, *Deanston and Hulangala in Selagama are such viewpoints with awe-inspiring views. Situated in the southern end of the *Knuckles Mountain Range in Selagama Estate, Hulangala Mini World’s End can be reached from either *Matale or *Kurunegala. The summit of Hulangala is located on the border of Kurunegala District, whereas the lower portion of the ...
Beddagana Wetland Park – verdant mosaic of wetlands By Arundathie Abeysinghe Located in Sri Jayewardenepura Kotte, the administrative capital of Sri Lanka and minutes away from the hustle and bustle of the city, Beddagana Wetland Park is home to diverse aquatic birds, butterflies, dragonflies and mammals native to Sri Lanka and Asian wetlands. During the migratory season from August to April, the wetland is a popular stopover of migratory birds similar to a transit location, a haven for diverse flocks of shorebirds or waders which include plovers as well as sandpipers. According to naturalists, the wetlands is home to 50 species of birds, 20 species of fish,119 species of butterflies and endangered mammals such as fishing cats (Prionailurus viverrinus), a nocturnal mammal included in the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) red list as an endangered mammal in 2008. The extent of the Wetland Park is 18 hectares, a ...
71st National Independence Day Celebration at Lyceum International School , Kurunegala Student of Lyceum International School, Kurunegala celebrated the 71st National Independence Day recently at the school premises with great patriotism and enthusiasm . Mr. E. M.S Ekanayake, Divisional Secretary of Kurunegala Secretariat Office graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. Mr. Chandana Basnayake, Principal of Lyceum International School – Kurunegala, Mr. Chandana Hettiarachchi (Headmaster) Ms. Hishana Martinesz ( Pre Primary Headmistress )Mr. Kushan Gunasekara ( Deputy Director – Operations) , Sectional Heads , Academic and Non – Academic staff and parents of Lyceum Kurunegala were also present at this ceremony. We shall be most grateful to you could publish this feature article through your media. Pix by Lyceum Media Team Janitha C. Dissanayake Media Secretary – Lyceum International Schools ...
