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Obelisk – Battle of Randeniwela By Arundathie Abeysinghe A monument constructed at the ninth kilometer post on the *Ella – Wellawaya Road near the village of Randeniwela is a unique obelisk to commemorate the Battle of Randeniwela (Battle of Randeniya or Sinhalese – Portuguese War), a battle fought on August 25th 1630. The battle was fought between Portuguese forces commanded by the *Governor Constantinu De Saa de Noronha and King Senarath’s (1604 – 1635) youngest son Prince Maha Astana (pre coronation) who was later crowned as King Rajasinha II (1635 – 1687), the second ruler of Kandyan Kingdom and his brother Prince Vijayapala.  The battle was fought near *Wellawaya, situated in close proximity to *Badulla. The battle had taken place when Constantino de Sá launched an invasion via Badulla. The Portuguese army, despite their superior cannon power suffered a massive defeat subsequent to a mass defection by its Lascarin (local ...

Oct 28, 2021 Posted by In Articles, Arundathie Abeysinghe Tagged , , , , , ,
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Most Venerable Agga Maha Panditha Rajakeeya Weligama Gnanarathana Maha Nayaka Thera: Equipped with bliss of serenity.  By Sunil Thenabadu The Mahanayake of the Amarapura Nikaya, Dharmarakshita Sector, Chief Incumbent of Ratmalana Mallikaramaya temple Agga Maha Panditha Rajakeeya Welgama Gnanarathana Thera passed away in the year 2014 at the age of 101 years. The appointment of the Most Venerable Agga Panditha Rajakeeya Weligama Gnanaratana Thera as the Mahanayake Thera of the Dharmarakshita chapter of the Amarapura Maha Nikaya was unanimously announced by the Executive Sangha Committee of the Amarapura Maha Nikaya on September 12, 2003, a position vacated with the demise of the Most Venerable Agga Maha Panditha Madihe Pannasiha Mahanayake Thera. The Mahanayake Thera was until then the Anu Nayaka Mahanayake Thera for 47 long years. The Thera received the Aktha Patra disclosing the origins which elaborate in detail on the Thera’s colossal contribution to the Sasana from Prime Minister ...

Oct 11, 2021 Posted by In Articles, Sunil Thenabadu Tagged , , , , , ,
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Nelligala International Buddhist Center by  Arundathie Abeysinghe  Situated approximately 700 meters above sea level on the summit of breathtaking Nelligala Mountain, Nelligala International Buddhist Center is visited by Buddhists as well as non Buddhists. Popularly known as Nelligala Temple, this recently built temple is well-maintained and has great architectural value. The peaceful and spectacular surroundings of the Temple with tall gold color Buddha Statues, a white dagoba (stupa) surrounded by gold color swans, a *Bodhi tree planted on a gold plated large urn are some of the prominent features of this temple. The Sacred Hair Relics of the Buddha are deposited in the Temple. A key feature of the Temple is gold color Buddha Statues which blend well with the blue sky and spectacular surroundings which render a breathtaking view.  The main objective of the International Buddhist Center in the Temple is to provide a serene environment for devotees as ...

Aug 19, 2021 Posted by In Articles, Arundathie Abeysinghe Tagged , , ,
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Magul Maha Viharaya – venue of a historical event By Arundathie Abeysinghe Situated in Lahugala in Ampara District, Magul Maha Viharaya is an ancient Buddhist Temple linked to a historical event. The Temple is located on the northern edge of *Lahugala National Park. Magul Maha Viharaya (meaning “the Wedding Temple” in Sinhala) is an unusual name for a Buddhist Temple. According to legends, the premises of the Temple had also been the location where King Kavantissa (205-161 BC who ruled the Kingdom of *Ruhuna) had married brave *Princess Viharamahadevi, the daughter of King Kelanitissa of *Maya Rata. According to legends, the name of the Temple is linked with the Royal Wedding that had taken place in the premises of the Temple. According to scholars, the intricately carved poruwa (wedding altar) in the premises of the Temple is evidence that a Royal Wedding had taken place many centuries ago. This poruwa ...

Aug 12, 2021 Posted by In Articles, Arundathie Abeysinghe Tagged , , , ,
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Rajagala – magnificence of Sri Lanka’s prehistoric era By Arundathie Abeysinghe   Sri Lanka is a small island state in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), strategically located at the crossroads of major shipping routes to South Asia, the Far East as well as the continents of Europe and America. Located southeast of the Indian subcontinent with a total area of 65,610 square kilometers, this tiny island with its misty mountains, gushing waterfalls, rolling carpets of green tea, pristine beaches, wildlife parks as well as historic and prehistoric archaeological sites make Sri Lanka an attractive tourist destination for travelers all over the world. Located in Rajagalatenna in the Eastern Province, Rajagala (The Monarch’s Rock) or Rajagalatenna is a magnificent prehistoric site of immense archaeological value, yet, rarely visited by local and foreign tourists. Located 1,038 feet (approximately 316 meters) above sea level, Rajagala is situated in a sparsely populated area. Located ...

Jul 23, 2021 Posted by In Articles, Arundathie Abeysinghe Tagged , , , ,
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Aluvihare Rock Temple – historic temple of a landmark Buddhist event By Arundathie Abeysinghe   Surrounded by verdant hills Aluvihare Rock Temple is a historic temple situated in Matale in *Matale – *Dambulla Road about 30 kilometers from Kandy City. History of the Rock Temple dates to 3rd century BC, the era of King Devanampiyatissa (247 BC – 207 BC). According to legends, King Devanampiyatissa had founded the Rock Temple after the introduction of Buddhism to *Ceylon and had also built the dagoba (stupa) and planted the *Bo sapling in the temple premises. The Rock Temple spreads across a large area through rocks and verdant vistas interspersed with coconut palms. The Rock Temple is the historic location where the *Tripitaka, the Pali canon was first written in text on *ola leaves. Situated on several levels of rock surface and lush greenery, the atmosphere of the Rock Temple has a majestic ...

Jan 4, 2021 Posted by In Articles, Arundathie Abeysinghe Tagged , , , ,
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