Stories Behind Names of Places Archives

Stories Behind Names of Places in Sri Lanka THAMBAVITA – By Dr Nimal Sedara Source : Qld Sri Lankan Newsletter – Dæhæna – December 2023 There is a popular saying and a belief in the Sri Lankan community that the country will prosper under noble rulers where justice prevails. There is anothery saying “Rain God will bless the nation with timely rain when dedicated rulers govern”. These beliefs and sayings are based on real life experiences of our people in the olden days. That is how rituals and a culture come to exist. Our history of the nation contributes to establish these beliefs with facts. A glaring example is from the period the great King Dutugemunu ruled the country. This is a period the nation thrived tremendously with economic, social and cultural development. There are reports of finding gold in the country and silver and gems in our soil to ...

Stories Behind Names of Places in Sri Lanka AHANGAMA – By Dr. Nimal Sedera Source : Qld Sri Lankan Newsletter – Dæhæna – November 2023 Ahangama is a famous place in southern Sri Lanka in Galle on the boundary of Matara District. Habaraduwa, Koggala and Weligama are places around Ahangama. Today, it is a key tourist destination. Ahangama was significantly affected by the Tsunami in 2004. As it is situated by the sea, the naming is linked to an incident faced by travellers who were coming to Sri Lanka by boat in the olden days. For example, Galle and Dondra and many places in the south were natural harbours for arrivals. The story is linked to a certain clan of traders coming from India called “Lamba Karna”. Lamba Karna meant “Long ears”. Even the Lord Buddha is from that clan. So, they were travellers from India and known to have come ...