Elite resistance to colonial rule : A continuing debate-By Uditha Devapriya Source:-Island The British takeover of the Kandyan Kingdom in 1815 led to a long period of resistance to colonial rule. Theoretically armed revolts against the British government ended in 1848, but popular expressions of resistance, couched more in symbols and propaganda than in armed insurrections, continued well into the mid-20th century. Having suppressed the traditional elite, to the extent of eradicating many of their families, the colonial government therefore chose to co-opt a section in it. The turning point was the 1848 rebellion, which alerted to officials the need to cultivate an intermediate class between the State and the masses. Their reasoning, essentially, was that lack of aristocratic authority had made the peasantry more amenable to insurrectionists and pretenders to the Kandyan Throne. The traditional elites co-opted and appointed to positions such as the Ratemahattaya were different to ...
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Repository of artistic treasures-TEXT & PIX BY MAHIL WIJESINGHE Source:Sundayobserver The weariness and fatigue of a long drive vanished as we walked into the peaceful realm of the Maduwanwela Walauwa and its Tempita Vihara, known as, Maduwanwela Sri Mudalindaramaya, where the age-old sacred Bo tree spreads its branches to extend its protective shade, cooling the entire compound. The Bo leaves rustled in the afternoon breeze, soothing our senses. We featured the Maduwanwela Walauwa last week. Today, we take you to another magnificent monument in Maduwanwela, the Sri Mudalindaramaya, ancient Tempita Vihara nestling on the lap of the awe-inspiring mountain frontier of the Kolonna valley. Kandyan period Most visitors to the Walauwa miss the opportunity of visiting this enchanting Tempita Vihara, which dates back to the time of the Walauwa, located in the vicinity. The Vihara can be reached by travelling 24 kms along the Embilipitiya – Kolonna road and turning ...
