Polonnaruwa Archives

Home ⁄ Tag Archives: Polonnaruwa

SRI LANKA NEWS (JULY 2023) Compiled by Victor Melder. Sri Lanka›s tourism industry continues to thrive as arrivals have exceeded 600,000, showcasing the resilience and appeal of the country as a travel destination. Despite being the off-peak season, the daily average of tourist arrivals has shown remarkable improvement, exceeding 3,200 visitors. This upward trend in tourist footfall further underscores the growing interest in Sri Lanka as a preferred destination among global travelers. During the first 26 days of the month, 84,003 visitors have arrived in the country, with only 3,518 arrivals required to achieve the monthly target of 87,521. “The surpassing of the 600,000 tourist arrival milestone signifies the resilience of Sri Lanka›s tourism sector and its ability to bounce back from the challenges faced in recent years. It is a testament to the concerted efforts made to revitalize the industry, showcasing Sri Lanka›s immense potential as a top travel ...

Aug 5, 2023 Posted by eLanka admin In Articles, Victor Melder Tagged Colombo, Polonnaruwa, SRI LANKA NEWS, Sri Lankan workers, Sri Lanka›s tourism, Tea Plantations, Victor Melder

Buduruwayaya archaeological site – hidden historical treasure – By Arundathie Abeysinghe Located in the south west of *Wasgamuwa National Park, approximately six kilometers from Bakamuna town in Polonnaruwa District of North Central Province and situated amidst spectacular vistas of paddy fields spread endlessly, blending into breathtaking mountains, Buduruwayaya archaeology site is rarely visited by local and foreign tourists. Tropical dry mixed evergreen forest characterized by tall trees, including Weera (Drypetes sepiaria), Palu (Manikkara hexandra), Buruta (Satin – Chloroxylon Swietenia) Ehala (C. Fistula), Milla (Vitaex Pinanata) and Kaluwara (ebony- Diospyros Ebenum) including the endemic Galsiyambala (Dialium ovoideum) and engulfed by diverse endemic and dry zone vegetation, the forest is also home to many wild animals. Scholars are of the view that remains of several small rainwater reservoirs and ruins of Buddhist Temples, indicate that this region had been a well-developed village, many years ago. According to archaeologists, the ruins date to ...

May 25, 2023 Posted by eLanka admin In Articles, Arundathie Abeysinghe Tagged archaeological site, Buduruwayaya archaeological site, Polonnaruwa, tourists, Wasgamuwa National Park

historic temple located in Polonnaruwa – Sri Lanka ” Lankatilaka Temple “ – By Malsha – eLanka The Lankatilaka Buddhist Temple is a historic temple located in Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka. It was built during the reign of King Parakramabahu the Great in the 12th century and is considered to be one of the finest examples of ancient Sinhalese architecture. The temple is known for its unique architectural design, which features a large, three-storeyed image house built on a high platform, with a large seated Buddha statue inside. The image house is surrounded by a series of smaller shrines and chapels, which are adorned with beautiful frescoes and intricate carvings. The Lankatilaka Temple is also famous for its unique blend of Buddhist and Hindu architectural styles, which reflects the religious diversity of Sri Lanka during the medieval period. The temple is a popular tourist attraction and is visited by thousands of ...

May 9, 2023 Posted by eLanka admin In Articles, Malsha Madhuhansi Tagged architectural styles, Buddhist temples, King Parakramabahu, Lankathilaka Vihara, Polonnaruwa

Era Polonnaruwa. Part II – By Dr Tilak S. Fernando When ancient Ceylonese trade, industries and technology were discussed, the irrigation network was the first thing that came to mind—the old technology and self-determination. During the Polonnaruwa era, irrigation networks were prominent and considered a meritorious deed according to the Sinhala culture and tradition. When a massive lake was to be constructed, Sri Lankans always sought foreigners’ assistance (in the present circumstances), including modern equipment and their knowledge. But our forefathers constructed huge lakes with slopes up to one inch to a mile gradient with their expertise and technology in society. It meant that local industries should have existed. It is also recorded that technology to build bridges existed in the Polonnaruwa era. Our forefathers’ ability and determination make us really proud. Old Ceylonese considered the Lake building and construction of stupas (Dagabas) as a meritorious right according to the ...

May 9, 2023 Posted by eLanka admin In Articles, Tilak S Fernando Tagged Ceylon, Polonnaruwa, Sinhala culture, Watadageya

“Kok Doowa Island” – paradise for avifauna aficianados – By Arundathie Abeysinghe A small rocky island located in the enormous *Parakrama Samudraya Reservoir in Polonnaruwa constructed by *King Parakramabahu (1153-1186) is a paradise for birdwatchers. During the nesting season of birds (from February to May) that coincides with the start of the monsoon, this tiny island turns home to thousands of nests, a birdwatchers’ paradise, a mesmerizing site… “Kok Doowa” meaning the ‘island of storks’ due to large numbers of birds, especially, storks (Ciconiidae) nesting on the rock, the island is visited not only by birds, but by elephants, especially those crossing Parakrama Samudraya. During the dry season, when the water levels of the reservoir decreases, visitors can walk across the water towards the island. Yet, when water levels are high, services of a fisherman’s boat to reach the island is necessary. The island has two summits, approximately 200 meters ...

Apr 20, 2023 Posted by eLanka admin In Articles, Arundathie Abeysinghe Tagged Anuradhapura Kingdom, King Parakramabahu, Kok Doowa Island, Parakrama Samudraya, Polonnaruwa

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

Nissanka Latha Manadapaya – a unique structure of yesteryear – By Arundathie Abeysinghe Constructed during the reign of King Nissanka Malla (1187-1196) and named after him as Nissanka Latha Manadapaya *(Mandapaya meaning pavilion), this extraordinary unique structure is located near the western entrance of the *Dalada Maluwa quadrangle of Polonnaruwa District in North Central Province, Sri Lanka. *Polonnaruwa region comprises the oldest and most sacred Buddhist and historical monuments. Hence, the monument is considered as significant as it showcases how Buddhism influenced society during the *Polonnaruwa Kingdom. Some archaeologists are of the view that the Complex is also known as the ‘King’s Court.’ The structure is an elevated stone platform with several stone columns carved exquisitely and this type of columns are not found anywhere else in the country. These stone columns are not straight unlike most stone columns in many historic sites in Sri Lanka. These columns are curved ...

Jan 18, 2023 Posted by eLanka admin In Articles, Arundathie Abeysinghe Tagged archaeologists, Buddhist and historical monuments, King Nissanka Malla, King Parakramabahu I, Polonnaruwa, Professor Senarath Paranavithana, Sri Lanka

Thoppigala – spectacular archetypal inselberg – By Arundathie Abeysinghe Image Source : dilmahtea The highest peak located between *Dimbulagala near *Polonnaruwa and the East Coast situated 543 meters above sea level, the inselberg “Thoppigala” (in Sinhala) and “Kudumbimalai” (in Tamil) meaning “hair-knot” rock is surrounded by protected dry zone scrub jungle within an area of 400 square kilometers. The nearest village Manamptiya situated approximately 14 kilometers away from Thoppigala was developed due to the Mahaweli Irrigation Scheme. Thoppigala is also part of the traditional *Veddah community situated in the vicinity of the Maduru Oya National Park abundant with large herds of deer, elephants and leopards that are roaming in the wilderness between Thoppigala and Maduru Oya. This rocky edged mountain was also known as “Piyagalaka Agali Pawatha” in the past. The British had called this enormous spectacular monadnock as “Baron’s Cap” (during the British Colonial Era) due its distinctive shape of ...

Dec 29, 2022 Posted by eLanka admin In Articles, Arundathie Abeysinghe Tagged Dimbulagala, Maduru Oya National Park, Polonnaruwa, The highest peak, Thoppigala

The greatest king of Sri Lanka King Dutugamunu By Nadeeka – eLanka King Dutugamunu (also known as Duttagamani) was a Sinhalese king who ruled the island of Sri Lanka in Ceylon 2 BC. Considered to be one of the greatest kings in Sri Lankan history, he is also a national hero. According to legend, Dutugemunu was the son of King Kirti Sri Megha, who ruled the kingdom of Anuradhapura in the northern part of the island. When his father was killed in battle by the ruling King Elara, Dutugemunu vowed to reclaim the throne and unite the island under his rule. Despite the challenges he faced, Dutugemunu remained focused and determined and is said to have worked tirelessly to build an army and gain support from various factions on the island. He eventually defeated King Elara in a great battle and became the ruler of the entire island. During his ...

Dec 28, 2022 Posted by eLanka admin In Articles, Nadeeka Kumari Tagged Buddhism, King Dutugamunu, Kirti Sri Megha, Polonnaruwa, Ruwanwelisaya

Sri Lanka attracts 30000 tourists in December – By Arundathie Abeysinghe Over 30,000 tourists have arrived in Sri Lanka up to today (19) and aspires to attract the target of 800,000 by end of December. Setbacks experienced due to economic and political crisis, alongside protest campaigns that ousted President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, tourist arrivals decreased during the first six months, this year. Currently, Sri Lanka’s tourism industry is on the way towards recovery. Tourism sector is gathering momentum with large numbers of tourists arriving in Sri Lanka. *Ella is the most popular destination of tourists this year, followed by Kandy, Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Trincomalee, Batticaloa and Galle. Tourism sector plays a significant role in the island nation’s economy, making up 12 percent of the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and the third largest source of foreign exchange, providing much-needed revenue for the government. Tourism brings employment opportunities adding thousands of direct ...

Dec 20, 2022 Posted by eLanka admin In Articles, Arundathie Abeysinghe Tagged Anuradhapura, Batticaloa, Galle, Kandy, Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka, tourists, Trincomalee