Treasure Island Magazine July 2013

JULY 2013

LKR 250•US$ 3

July 2013 EDITOR IN CHIEF Harsha Udayakantha Peiris CONSULTANT EDITOR Renuka Bandaranayake DEPUTY EDITOR Rathindra Kuruwita SUB EDITOR Rikaza Hassan CONTRIBUTORS FROM MAIDEN ISSUE Prof. Rohana P. Mahaliyanaarachchi Dept. of Agri Business Management of Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka Dr. Iraj Ratnayake Dept. of Tourism Management of Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka Dr. Ashoka Dangolla Senior Lecturer of University of Peradeniya Sri Lanka and Veterinary Specialist Anslem de Silva - The President of Amphibia and Reptile Research Organization of Sri Lanka (ARROS) Dr. Ruchira Somaweera – Senior Zoologist, BIOLOGIC Environmental Survey, Australia Vasantha Nugegoda – Zoologist and Animal Habitat Specialist Chamalka Kothalawala – Taxidermist, National Museums, Colombo Sri Lanka Chandima Jayaweera - The Most Outstanding Chauffeur Tourist Guide (Nature & Wildlife) SLTA 2012 Raju Vyas –Gujarat, India Sujitha Miranda - Veteran Journalist Sri Lanka Tourism National Museums Colombo PHOTOGRAPHY Aloka I de Silva Chandima Jayaweera Maheesha Mindula Warna Liyanawatte Sanju Samarasinghe Suranga Cooray Tarindra Jayanetti Media and Special Projects Bureau of Sri Dalada Maligawa

12 ARCHAEOLOGY The International Buddhist Museum established at the Sri Dalada Maligawa (Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic) premises in Kandy is the only museum that exists that showcases the expansion of Buddhism throughout Asia and other parts of the world.

24 DEDICATED During the early 90s a Sri Lankan investor laid a master plan to develop the entire city of Kandy - the hill capital of Sri Lanka. The plan included the development of a fully fledged city complex in a land area of nearly 40,000 square metres in the heart of the city.

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32 HERITAGE The historical Kandy Esala procession and festival is a revered event in the Buddhist calendar organised by the Dalada Maligawa (Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic) in Kandy. It gets its name from the month of Esala (August) in the Buddhist calendar for when the festival begins.

42 PERSONALITIES Not many stop to ponder the craftsmen behind the intricately illuminated, heavily and gaily decorated, huge and regal, gowns, or canopies, that the tuskers wear with pride, dazzling with gold and sequins, in their ceremonial walk in the Kandy Esala Perahera.

Contents

46 HISTORIC The Queen’s Hotel in Kandy was originally the Governor's mansion with a small structure of buildings constructed to house troops. It would later become the main complex of the Ceylon Rifle Regiment. Since the only street of importance was Malabar Street, the main complex gave rise to Malabar House in the 1840s.

52 NATURE Udawatte Kele or the Royal Forest, in Kandy, is located behind the temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic.

It was declared a forest reserve in 1856 and a sanctuary in 1938. The extent of this forest is about 257 acres.

44 TREASURED Raja was a Sri Lankan tusker who belonged to the Sri Dalada Maligawa in Kandy.

He participated in the Esala Perahera in Kandy for about 50 years and was responsible for carrying the casket of the Sacred Relics of the Lord Buddha from 1950 to 1987.

58 BIRDWATCHING There exist several reasons why a birdwatcher would prefer Sri Lanka as a bird watching destination. One prime reason is the fact that the country, within its territory of 62,710 square kilometers, offers an unsurpassed opportunity for the birding enthusiast to spot a larger number of species of birds within a minimum period of time. Despite being a small country Sri Lanka is home to 33 species of endemic birds alone.

64 FALLS Hidden amidst the Mulgama forest reserve in Kalthota is the Doovili Ella, so called for the cascade of water droplets that shimmer in sunlight, conveying an impression of a shower of dust or doovili in Sinhala.

68 PICTORIAL The treasure island Sri Lanka is a country of diversity. Its people, flora and fauna, birds, animals and fish and all gifts of nature have their own unique authenticity. All walks of life here is an invitation to come and live by the tranquility of life and nature.

72 EVENTS

COVER PAGE

75 NEWS Fire is all about light and heat. In fact the sun is the main source of all existence on earth. Fire bangles at the Kandy Dalada Perahera is one of the luring attractions for the spectators. The performers dance to the tunes of drums amidst, making beautiful styles and arrays of fire work to entertain the crowds.

These styles express their skills of fire dancing at different ages and stages as well as the excellence of their artistic exercises showcasing the devotion towards the eternal existence of a unique culture.

(Pic. courtesy of Media and Special Projects Bureau of Sri Dalada Maligawa)

ARCHAEOLOGY

T

he International Buddhist Museum established at the Sri Dalada Maligawa (Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic) premises in Kandy is the only museum that exists that showcases the expansion of Buddhism throughout Asia and other parts of the world.

The Museum complex - built and completed at a cost of Rs 200 million - was declared open on May 20, 2011 by President Mahinda Rajapaksa as the Maha Sangha chanted 'Pirith.'

From its birth place of India, Buddhism as a religion, spread to different parts of Asia - Southeast and Far East. The Museum's 16 galleries, well stocked with Buddhist artefacts from Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Pakistan, Afghanistan,

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A COMPLEX OF WORLD BUDDHISM

THAT OPENS PATHS TO THE BLISS OF SERENITY

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The 16ft high Buddha statue at the entrance to the Museum.

The Buddha’s gently rounded face with full lips, lotus shaped eyes and arched eyebrows, flanked by elongated earlobes and hair in tight snail-shell curls, is encircled with the divine halo, or aureole. At the top of the aureole are two Devas (gods), one of them showering flowers and the other bearing a whisk. The Buddha is depicted seated, cross-legged, on a lotus in the preaching posture. The fingers of his hands unite to form the ‘Dharmachakra Pravartana Mudra’ (a gesture) which denotes the turning of the ‘Wheel of Law’.

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Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Korea, Japan, China and of course Sri Lanka, with a number of Indian artefacts set to join the galleries in November this year, showcases the different ways followed in the practice of Buddhism, both Theravada and Mahayana, by the respective countries.

The Mahavamsa tradition which is supported by archaeological and literary evidence indicates the existence of Indian religious practitioners such as Ajivakas, Paribbajakas, Jainas, as well as Buddhist mendicants, prior to the official introduction of Buddhism in the 3rd Century BC by Thera Mahinda. The chronicle records three visits by the Buddha to Sri Lanka (at Mahiyangana, Nagadipa and Kalyani), and is said to have gained 16 sacred sites (Solosmasthana) thus. The Stupa at Kalyani is said to have been built by enshrining the jewelled throne used by the Buddha while preaching.

The Burmese sibling traders Tapassu and Bhalluka who were lay disciples of Buddha, built the Girikandicetiya stupa enshrining hair relics of the Buddha, as supported by the 8th century rock inscription at Tiriyay.”

The name plaque with the national flags of the countries that have marked their presence at the museum.

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The International Buddhist Museum of the Sri Dalada Maligawa is a success of the initiative of the Diyawadana Nilame (chief presiding officer) of Sri Dalada Maligawa – Pradeep Nilanga Dela Bandara. In 2005 he was elected as the 19th Diyawadana Nilame with a majority of 155 votes.

01 SRI LANKA

The Museum is situated in a former military complex built by the British Colonial rulers in the 19th century and which post independence served as the main court complex of the Central Province until recent times.

Buddha Image with the 'Makara Thorana' - a replica from Lankathilake Temple close to Kandy.

It is the only Buddha image of its kind that depicts the four Devas (gods), namely, ‘Vishnu’, ‘Katharagama,’ ‘Natha’ and ‘Paththini’ on either side of ‘Makara Thorana’ worshiping Buddha.

This is a clear sign of Buddhda’s highest attainment to be revered and worshipped by Devas.

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02 NEPAL

‘Sahasrabhuja Lokesvara’ at the Nepal Gallery. This form of a thousand armed and multi-headed incarnation of Avalokitesvara is extremely rare. It is likely that this depiction is unique to the Kathmandu Valley. The deity stands on a lotus flower - full blown - with delicate detailing. Also called ‘Sahasrabhuja Avalokitesvara’.

03 PAKISTAN ‘Fasting Siddhartha’ at the Pakistan Gallery. The statue of a fasting Buddha has become an icon of the rich ‘Gandhara’ heritage of Pakistan. It has unique characteristics like the depiction of the hardships that Siddhartha endured to attain the enlightenment. This statue ranks not only as the finest specimen of Gandhara art but also as one of the rarest antiquities of the world. The original statue from the 2nd Century AD is at the Lahore Museum in Pakistan. It is 84cm high and is made out of gray schist. It depicts Siddhartha in ‘Dhyana Mudra’ or the meditation gesture. Siddhartha undertook many starvation and fasting exercises, which could not have been in the power of an ordinary man. He continued fasting for six years until his body was nothing but skin and bone. Yet he found that even after successfully treading such a difficult path, he could not gain any benefit towards attaining enlightenment.

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04 MYANMAR

Sceneries and artefacts in Myanmar Gallery.

05 THAILAND

Thailand Gallery 18 • SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND • JULY 2013

A handcraft made of Jade, Ruby and Garnet

A Replica of Wat Mahathat – Sukhothai Province, Lower Nothern Thailand (14th -15th century CE)

Eight Buddha images associated with the seven days of the week.

06 CAMBODIA

Avalokiteswara Bodhisattva with one thousand arms and eyes.

A scene from the Cambodian Gallery

07 INDONESIA

Images made of Lava.

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08 MALAYSIA This modern Malaysian Buddha image was cast in Butterworth, Penang. Unlike other images from Sri Lanka, Thailand, Myanmar or China, this image is ethnically and stylistically ambivalent.

It portrays the Buddha just after his enlightenment, peacefully enraptured in Nibbanic bliss.

09 KOREA Korean Gallery that depicts Korean Buddhism

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10 JAPAN

Japan Gallery

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11 CENTRAL ASIA The 16ft high Buddha statue at the entrance to the Museum is a gift from the people of India to the people of Sri Lanka to mark the joint commemoration of the 2600th Anniversary of the Attainment of the Enlightenment by Lord Buddha (Sambuddhattva Jayanti). The statue is a replica of the famous 5th century original at Saranath in India, where Lord Buddha preached his first sermon after attaining Enlightenment. The monolithic idol and its pedestal were specially carved in India out of a single piece of Chunar Sandstone found near Saranath.

A painting at the Central Asian gallery

12 CHINA Buddha image in the Chinese Gallery

A picture of the Sacred Finger Relic being worshipped in the Famen Temple, Fufeng County of Shaanxi province in China

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‘Theravada’ Buddhism in China Chinese Gallery

13 BHUTAN

All artefacts in the museum symbolise the generosity and will of states, Buddhist organisations and Buddhists around the world to have this International Buddhist Museum complex established in the picturesque city of Kandy•

The Jade Buddha Statue Donated by the Cambodian Buddhist Student Centre.

Text and pics. by Harsha Udayakantha Peiris JULY 2013 • SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND • 23

DEDICATED

THE STORY OF PASSION AND VIGOUR OF ONE MAN

BEHIND A MISSION IMPOSSIBLE IN MAKING KCC THE COMMERCIAL HUB OF THE CENTRAL PROVINCE SRI LANKA Interviewed and compiled by: Harsha Udayakantha Peiris

During the early 90s a Sri Lankan investor laid a master plan to develop the entire city of Kandy - the hill capital of Sri Lanka. The plan included the development of a fully fledged city complex in a land area of nearly 40,000 square metres in the heart of the city.

The mega shopping malls that were in existence at that time were focused on serving the city dwellers of Colombo and the idea of taking such attractions outside of Colombo was a novel concept. However, the new proposal to build Sri Lanka’s first self sufficient commercial complex - the Kandy City Centre - expressed the necessity of upgrading the living standards of the masses not only in the central region, but also of the entire country by means of properly addressing and catering towards their authentic requirements.

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The royal lake view of KCC during moon lit nights

By 1993 the plans were laid out with the complex to be developed under 6 phases. The plan included the construction of the Kandy City Centre under phase one; a mega vehicle parking area under phase two; an open theatre, a cinema hall and an auditorium under phase three; a state of the art central bus stand under a modern railway station under phase four; development of a shuttle service of taxis and busses under phase five; and a new cable car system from the nearby Hanthana mountain range to the city.

“As expected, it was a massive plan. The open theatre was especially meant for the performances of Kandyan dances and other cultural displays for tourists and an auditorium for an audience of 1800 with three cinemas, all connected through a railway flyover with a railway station and a bus station of 11 acres beneath, with 160 stops for 400 buses, 150 channelling centres, rest rooms, and one thousand pavement shops for retailers, self employed craftsmen, etc. It was my vision. I was confident of its success and expected it to be welcomed warmly. I wanted to make an impact not only in the local Kandyan community, but around the country by emphasising the need for improving the quality of life in all parts of Sri Lanka - not just Colombo,” explained Thusitha Wijayasena, Chairman and CEO of Property Finance & Investments (Pvt) Ltd and Property Finance & Investments Kandy (Pvt) Ltd. JULY 2013 • SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND • 25

However with the change in government in August 1994, Thusitha’s project was called to a halt and a new proposal brought in by the new government. Accordingly, in 1995, an area of the Kandy city was demarcated by the Kandy Municipal Council for development and the plan was led by a team of professionals, senior scholars and master architects such as the late Deshamanya Geoffrey Bawa.

Conceptual proposals were called from prospective developers and the proposal sent jointly by Deshamanya Vidyajothy Ashly De Vos of ADV Consultants and Chandra Abeysinghe of AMC Architects International of Singapore was chosen as the winning concept.

Their plan consisted of several phases of developments, which focused on commercial, cultural, civic, environmental and logistical aspects.

Thusitha hails from a middle class family in Kelaniya in the Western Province. His silent but strong approach had already successfully seen through a number of property development projects, especially in Colombo, with the larger goal of achieving national prosperity - development through investment.

“By 1992 we saw a reawakening of investment in Sri Lanka.

At the time I was only a real estate developer. We saw a large number of foreign investors invited to invest in the country through the BOI. Although I owned several large scale properties in Colombo, I had a desire to make an investment outside of this busy commercial capital. During the feasibility study we did in Kandy, we realized that a development which would bring

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Thusitha Wijayasena Chairman and CEO of Property Finance & Investments (Pvt) Ltd and Property Finance & Investments Kandy (Pvt) Ltd.

prosperity to the area would be a landmark and would make history. On one side we had the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, Kandy Lake and the range of mountains, and on the other side the Katharagama Devalaya, the mosque and the church,” Thusitha said.

Although his plan to develop the entire city had been abolished by the powers that be, Thusitha refused to give up and focused on developing a City Centre on a land area that no one could encroach upon.

The ground stone for the Centre was laid in 1998, and in 2008 phase one of Thusitha’s masterplan finally saw the light with the opening of the Kandy City Centre.

Today the Kandy City Centre stands 9 stories high, 17 metres below the mean water level of the city, within the basin of a lake previously known as Bogambara Wewa.

During constructions, piling was put in up to 75-80 metres below the mean level. The building has been erected on 295 piles with a diameter of 1-2 metres. The building is self sufficient in water, electricity and sewage disposal. The entire woodwork of the building is of jak timber.

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Annual Pirith Ceremony

Today the Kandy City Centre stands 9 stories high, 17 metres below the mean water level of the city, within the basin of a lake previously known as Bogambara Wewa. During constructions, piling was put in up to 75-80 metres below the mean level. The building has been erected on 295 piles with a diameter of 1-2 metres. The building is self sufficient in water, electricity and sewage disposal. The entire woodwork of the building is of jak timber.

The Kandy City Centre is also the world’s first finance street. Six of the ten levels of the building have direct access to the road. 2000 telephone lines, 14 escalators, 4 lifts, 3 Mw full time backup power and an ultra modern security system are also part and parcel of the complex.

At present this cultural and shopping complex at Dalada Veediya in Kandy is the most modern and innovative street in Sri Lanka. The complex is designed with ultra modern features yet preserving the iconic Kandyan architecture. With respect to this unique entrepreneurial marvel, the Board 28 • SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND • JULY 2013

An oriental band playing in the lobby for the visitors

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New innovations to arrive soon

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New innovations to arrive soon

overhead bridge increasing the total car parking facility to an approximate of over 1200 vehicles. As the second phase of the project, 2 mini cinemas, an auditorium and an amphitheatre are expected to be developed. The retractable seating in the 1000 seater auditorium will allow the space to be multifunctional and thus could also be used for exhibitions, conferences and seminars. The proposed art gallery 44,000 square metres of floor area and the 3 mini cinemas located above, will add a different dimension to the culture host the most sought after services and products of many international and top of of the city. The flyovers connecting the Cultural Centre with the Commercial Centre will ensure a new lifestyle in the centre of Kandy. the class local brands. of Investment in Sri Lanka (BOI) granted the prestigious ‘Flagship Status’ to the project.

Despite the high demand, prospective lessees are carefully selected. Several leading banks, a fully equipped supermarket, and leading fashion and jewellery brands are among those found at the Centre today. A variety of restaurants, an entertainment and convention zone, and a state of the art food court will also feature in the complex in the near future.

The entire project will provide nearly 4000 direct and 10,000 indirect employment opportunities to the community. Furthermore, an exclusive taxi/limousine service of 65 cars, 26 passenger busses and 12 doubledeckers will also be introduced to the city. This close distance taxi service will commission till the late hours of the day providing transportation to the suburbs of the city from the complex.

The complex is bound to be hailed as Sri Lanka’s most innovative commercial complex featuring the latest technology, environmental friendly systems and the most modern facilities for the average presence of more than 5000 people a day.

Thusitha says, “If the people in power had supported this project at that time, this would have been completed by the year 2000. By December of this year, we hope to introduce a modern food court, a family entertainment centre of 15,000 A special consideration has been made for the vast number of tourists visiting the square metres for around 600 visitors and an education centre for kids, within the city of Kandy regularly and an entire level premises.” of the complex has been put to cater to their needs. The new level features many Today, the Kandy City Centre has become the central and the focal point of elevating the quality and living standards of the people in the entire central region. top quality handicraft and handloom A man with a strong vision to cater to the masses with a mission impossible has manufacturers, gem and jewellery offered to realize the dreams of changing the quality of life, through a state of the makers and tea products sellers. art shopping complex for the people of a transit region who were longing towards a productive difference in life• Sri Lanka’s largest multi-storey car park is connected to the complex via an JULY 2013 • SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND • 31

HERITAGE

Tusker ‘Nendungamuwa Raja’ bearing the Perahera Casket of sacred Relics

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Pageantry of Devotion - the Kandy Esala Perahera he historical Kandy Esala procession and festival is a revered event in the Buddhist calendar organised by the Dalada Maligawa (Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic) in Kandy. It gets its name from the month of Esala (August) in the Buddhist calendar for when the festival begins.

The procession, called 'Dalada Perahera' (procession of the Sacred Tooth Relic) was begun in the 10th Century AD by King Kithsiri Mewan to honour the Sacred Tooth Relic of the Lord Buddha.

The king ‘Kithsiri Mewan’ began the procession with the name ‘Dalada Perahera’ (the Procession of the Sacred Tooth Relic) in honour of the most revered Tooth Relic of the Lord Buddha, in the 10th century A.D. The tradition continued from king to king and kingdom to kingdom until the last king of Sri Lanka Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe who moved the procession to Kandy where it has remained since. Historical records show that even the British rulers extended their patronage to conduct the procession from time to time during the Colonial period.

Since Independence in 1948, the procession is held annually in Kandy and organised by the ‘Diyawadana Nilame’ (Chief Executive Officer in charge of the Temple of the Tooth Relic).

The main objective of the Kandy ‘Esala’ Procession is to make it a

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devout offering to the Sacred Tooth Relic of the Lord Buddha.

Another reason is to urge timely rains from God Indra for successful paddy cultivation.

It is a proven belief that the seasonal rains always occur in time, with the making of offerings to the Sacred Tooth Relic. The Esala Procession is thus both a religious festival and a cultural pageant.

The main procession that of the Sri Dalada Maligawa - is followed by those of the four devales -Natha, Vishnu, Katharagama and Paththini respectively.

This is followed by the planting of ‘Kapa’, the ‘Kumbal Perahera’, the Randoli Perahera and the Day Perahera of the following day of the final evening procession. The pageant comes to an end with the handing over of the procession message to The President of Sri Lanka by the Diyawadana Nilame to announce the successful conduct and completion of the procession.

The procession, for the most of it at least, follows in the up country traditional drums and dancing styles inherent of the Kandyan culture. The rituals date to the reign of King Devanampiyatissa during the arrival of the right branch of the Sri Maha Bodhi from Buddhagaya in India to Sri Lanka whence craftsmen of 18 grades from India came to Sri Lanka. They are still conducted by followers of these craftsmen.

The 'Hewisi Poojawa' (offering of the ‘Hewisi’ drums) is the most 34 • SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND • JULY 2013

The Gold Casket of Sacred Relics is being carried by the Diyawadana Nilame of the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic - Nilanga Dela Bandara from the inner temple where the relics are deposited. The casket will then be deposited in another casket carried by the tusker Nendungamuwa Raja in the procession.

‘Raban’ Dancers

Kandyan ‘Wes’ Dancers

The 2013 Esala Perahera in Kandy will begin on August 7 at 07.59 am with the planting of ‘Kapa’ at the four Devales (temples) of the Gods Natha , Vishnu, Katharagama and Paththini. The Perahera will be conducted within the Devale premises until August 10. From August 11 to 21 , the Perahera will be conducted along the streets of Kandy.

Buddhist flag bearers

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Drummers – ‘Geta Beraya’, ‘Thammettama’, ‘Thalampota’ and flute players

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KANDY ESALA PERAHERA – 2013 The Programme - Kumbal Perahera Day

01

02

Date

Starting time from Dalada Maligawa

Sunday 11th August

07.31 pm

Monday 12th August

07.15 pm

Route Dalada Veediya, D S Senanayake Veediya, Pansal Para, Deva veediya, Srimath Bennet Soysa Veediya, Yatinuwara Veediya, Raja Veediya and return to Sri Dalada Maligawa along Maligawa Chathurashraya Dalada Veediya, D SSenanayake Veediya, Raja Veediya and return to Sri Dalada Maligawa along Maligawa Chathurashraya

07.18 pm

Dalada Veediya,D S Senanayake Veediya, Srimath Bennet Soysa Veediya, E L Senanayake Veediya, Raja Veediya and return to Sri Dalada Maligawa along Maligawa Chathurashraya

04

Wednesday 14th August

07.16 pm

Dalada Veediya, E L Senanayake Veediya, Raja Veediya and return to Sri Dalada Maligawa along Maligawa Chathurashraya

05

Thursday 15th August

08.25 p.m

03

Tuesday 13th August

Dalada Veediya, E L Senanayake Veediya, Raja Veediya and return to Sri Dalada Maligawa along Maligawa Chathurashraya JULY 2013 • SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND • 37

Fire bangles 38 • SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND • JULY 2013

‘Veveal dangaya’ dance

‘Sawaran’ dancers

exclusive amongst the offerings in the procession. Also known as 'Pancha Thurya Nada’ (the rhythm of five musical instruments), it leads the entire procession.

Thus the drummers are known to be the most exclusive artistes in the procession.

Each component of the procession symbolically depicts how the Sinhalese lived.

The whip crackers symbolise the thunder and lightning heard and seen before the rain begins. It also further emphasises the procession's connection to the rain.

Also, as kings used to ceremoniously walk in the procession, the whip crackers also signal the arrival of a pageant.

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However the large number of caparisoned elephants - tuskers - are the main attraction. They are draped in gorgeous fabrics, their ears are covered with colourful brocade and the tusks with shiny brass covers. In fact there are records of nearly 500 caparisoned elephants walking in this procession in the past. Due to the threat of extinction and problems pertaining to elephants in captivity, at present the procession carries

Caparisoned tuskers

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KANDY ESALA PERAHERA – 2013 The Programme - Randoli Perahera Day

06

07

08

09

10

11

Date

Start time from SDM

Friday 16th August

07.21 p.m

Saturday 17th August

07.33 p.m

Sunday 18th August

Monday 19th August

Tuesday 20th August

Wednesday 21st August

06.52 p.m

07.15 p.m

07.51 p.m

02.17 p.m

Route Dalada Veediya,D.S.Senanayake Veediya, Pansal Para, Deva Veediya, Srimath Bennet Soysa Veediya, E.L. Senanayake Veediya, Cross Street, D.S.Senanayake Veediya, Raja Veediya and return to Sri Dalada Maligawa along Maligawa Chathurasraya Dalada Veediya,D.S.Senanayake Veediya, Srimath Bennet Soysa Veediya, Yatinuwara Veediya, Raja Veediya and return to Sri Dalada Maligawa along Maligawa Chathurasraya Dalada Veediya, E.L.Senanayake Veediya, Srimath Bennet Soysa Veediya, Yatinuwara Veediya, Kumara Veediya, E.L.Senanayake Veediya, Cross Street, D.S.Senanayake Veediya, Raja Veediya and return to Sri Dalada Maligawa along Maligawa Chathurasraya Dalada Veediya, Yatinuwara Veediya, Cross Street, E.L.Senanayake Veediya, Kande Veediya, Raja Veediya and return to Sri Dalada Maligawa along Maligawa Chathurasraya Dalada Veediya, Yatinuwara Veediya, kande Veediya (Hill Street), D.S.Senanayake Veediya, Raja Veediya and return to Sri Dalada Maligawa along Maligawa Chathurasraya From Gedige Viharaya, D.S.Senanayaka Veediya, Pansala Para, Deva Veediya, Raja Veediya, Circle round Maligawa Chathurasraya three times, return to Respective Devales

only about 100 elephants and tuskers and three tuskers - namely Singha Raja, Nawam Raja and Nendungamuwa Raja -have been deemed to be the most eligible to carry the gold casket of Relics of the Lord Buddha (the casket of the procession). The elephants, as a whole, symbolise the clouds in the sky.

It is said that no other event in the entire world can lay claim to as long an annual continuity as the Esala Perahera• (Special thanks to C.W. Karunarathne – the Secretary General of Sri Dalada Maligawa, Krishantha Hissella – Director (Media and Special Projects) Sri Dalada Maligawa, Gamini Bandara – Director (Internal Affairs) Sri Dalada Maligawa, Jayamal Attygala – Head (Projects and Operations) Media and Special Projects Bureau of Sri Dalada Maligawa and K. Meegahakumbura Secretary of the Local Buddhist Affairs Bureau of the Sri Dalada Maligawa )

Pictures – courtesy of Media and Special Projects Bureau of Sri Dalada Maligawa JULY 2013 • SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND • 41

PERSONALITIES

The last tailor to the Elephants

By Rathindra Kuruwita Not many stop to ponder the craftsmen behind the intricately illuminated, heavily and gaily decorated, huge and regal, gowns, or canopies, that the tuskers wear with pride, dazzling with gold and sequins, in their ceremonial walk in the Kandy Esala Perahera.

K C Thadani has been tailoring elephants for 40 years. Born a Hindu, Thadani has been a devout Buddhist since his early youth and although he is pushing the wrong side of 60, he oozes youthful exuberance.

Says Thadani, “My parents were Hindu but they were very close to the Asgiriya Temple. When I was a child, I associated closely with the Buddhist monks and many thought that I might don the yellow robes one day,” Thadani reminisced. “But I was the only child in the family and my parents wanted me to marry. They met the Mahanayake Thera at that time and asked him to advise me to marry.”

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Moved by the tale of the elderly couple, the Mahanayake Thera asked the young Thadani to return to India and marry. “I went to India and met Rita who had just completed her university education. She understood that I could not be anything but a Buddhist and supported me wholeheartedly to carry out my work.”

The garments worn by the elephants were not always this ornate or glamorous. “Pre 1965 the costumes worn by elephants resembled rectangular boxes rather than anything else,” he says.

He calls his designing of the garments worn by elephants during peraheras nothing short of a miracle. “I didn’t possess any tailoring experience and then in a sudden surge of inspiration I knew just how I had to cut the cloth to give both the garment and the elephant more definition.”

The amount of hard work that goes into making the garment is as colossal as its wearers. “It takes several weeks to finish one garment even if five or six people work on it. It is hard to work more than five hours a day because the work is very difficult.”

Thadani says that of all the tuskers he has clothed thus far, the tusker Raja was the most special. “When Raja was beautifully adorned, every eye fell upon him and he could feel it as well. The way he walked was unique -- he never sauntered off the carpet laid for him.”

He mentions that he cried the day Raja dies.

He also worries about there being no one to continue his work. “My son is working in Colombo as an executive in a multinational company. He has no time for this. It is hard for me to teach

just anyone how to do this either because this is a gift. I don’t take any measurements. I know the size and cut required just by looking at an elephant. I don’t know who will make these garments after I’ve passed on,” he laments•

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TREASURED

The specimen 1000 Rupee bill (LKR) printed during the 80s with the picture of Raja the tusker beside Umaru Lebbe Panikkar

RAJA:

A NATIONAL TREASURE OF A TUSKER

R

aja was a Sri Lankan tusker who belonged to the Sri Dalada Maligawa in Kandy.

He participated in the Esala Perahera in Kandy for about 50 years and was responsible for carrying the casket of the Sacred Relics of the Lord Buddha from 1950 to 1987.

Today, not many of us know that the tusker appearing on the Sri Lankan 1000 Rupee bill issued during the latter part of the 80s is an image of Raja.

It is believed that Raja was born in 1913 in the jungles of Eravur in the Batticaloa District. He was captured by one Umaru Lebbe Panikkar in 1925 and was later purchased by Tikiri Banda Manampitiya Dissava who donated the tusker to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic on July 31 1937.

The man seen standing beside the tusker in the 1000 rupee note is Umaru who raised Raja. It is said that soon after being brought to the Temple, Raja escaped and went in search of Umaru in Eravur. The tusker was later brought back.

Raja not only brought fame and honour to the Temple he served so nobly but also to Umaru who was a panicker.

Panickers are people who capture wild elephants and then rear them in captivity. In Eravur descendents of panickers

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are still called after it – such as panicker thathi and panicker kithara.

Even a road in Eravur is named after them – Panicker Veediya.

The late president J. R. Jayawardene, declared Raja a national asset in 1984 in order to honour the long services rendered by him.

Raja died in July 1988 due to an illness. His death prompted the government to declare a day of national mourning in Sri Lanka. At present, Raja’s stuffed remains are kept in a dedicated museum within the premises of the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic•

HISTORIC

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Queen’s Hotel

steeped in history and modern luxury Pics by: Harsha Udayakantha Peiris

T

he Queen’s Hotel in Kandy was originally the Governor's mansion with a small structure of buildings constructed to house troops.

It would later become the main complex of the Ceylon Rifle Regiment.

Since the only street of importance was Malabar Street, the main complex gave rise to Malabar House in the 1840s.

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At present the hotel is set on 217.5 perches of land in the heart of Kandy town. It is one of the grandest architectural buildings of its kind in Kandy, with its 54 spacious rooms, the King Narendrasinghe Hall (mini ballroom), the Queen of Hearts restaurant – in tribute to the late Princess Diana, the Lord Mountbatten Lounge Bar, the Royal Ballroom and the Pub Royal - the only British Pub in the city that offers true colonial flavour.

The royal stairway and the old passenger lift beside it at the lobby.

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Bedrooms come in a variety of categories of luxury

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The spacious lobby area, the Royal stairway and the old passenger lift still in perfect condition.

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Artefacts and ornaments exhibited at the museum in the hotel.

An ancient ceramic artefact at the hotel – only one amongst many.

The Malabar House, in turn, became a Royal Boarding House, and in the 1870s the entire complex passed onto the hands of Miss Piachaud who converted it to a hotel that became a popular spot for British planters, army officers and visitors to Kandy.

In 1895 it was acquired by Kandy Hotels Company Limited and is today, one of the Kandy’s most exclusive properties. As the hotel grew, the British architectural style mellowed as the Kandyan influence grew stronger. This is quite evident in the west wing that was constructed between 1900 and 1908 and the 280 feet long three storied east wing that was built subsequently.

At present the hotel is set on 217.5 perches of land in the heart of Kandy town. It is one of the grandest architectural buildings of its kind in Kandy, with its 54 spacious rooms, the King Narendrasinghe Hall (mini ballroom), the Queen of Hearts restaurant – in tribute to the late Princess Diana, the Lord Mountbatten Lounge Bar, the Royal Ballroom and the Pub Royal - the only British Pub in the city that offers true colonial flavour.

The Kandy lake and the Dalada Maligawa are both located in the near vicinity of the hotel and the Esala Perahera proceeds along its east and west wings, offering guests a unique view of the grand pageant• JULY 2013 • SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND • 51

NATURE

UDAWATTA KELE PLEASURE GARDEN GONE WILD

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a distant view of the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic

Udawatte Kele or the Royal Forest, in Kandy, is located behind the temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic. It was declared a forest reserve in 1856 and a sanctuary in 1938. The extent of this forest is about 257 acres. ‘Udawatte kele’ translates to ‘royal park of the royal palace’. It has been recorded that a hermit called ‘Senkada’ who meditated in a cave - later named Senkada lena after him - invited the King Wickramabahu to establish the Kandyan kingdom in 1371 AD. The kingdom was named Senkadagalapura.

The forest was used as a royal pleasure garden used by the Kandyan kings and was restricted to the public. Even today the Kandy Lake gets its first waters primarily from this forest’s catchment areas.

During the colonial era, the Kandy garrison cemetery had also been built in the vicinity - near the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic. It was here that the dead soldiers of the British Army were buried. In 1834, Governor Horton built a path here in memory of his beloved wife the Lady Horton. Several such paths have now been abandoned today and have been grown over.

The forest is located between the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic and the Uplands at Aruppola in the suburbs.

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The forest is located between the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic and the Uplands at Aruppola in the suburbs. Several Buddhist monasteries are to be found inside the forest. The old giant liana found here is recorded to be 200–300 years old.

The shady Lovers’ Walk lies along the banks of the Royal Pond.

The highest peak is called Kodimale. In ancient times, peaks of such nature were used to hoist different flags during special occasions of the Royal Family.

a ground view of the Giant liana

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Several Buddhist monasteries are to be found inside the forest. The old giant liana found here is recorded to be 200– 300 years old. The shady Lovers’ Walk lies along the banks of the Royal Pond.

The highest peak is called Kodimale.

In ancient times, peaks of such nature were used to hoist different flags during special occasions of the Royal Family.

The Udawatte Kele sanctuary is rich with a diverse variety of fauna and flora. The sanctuary is famous for its avifauna. The vegetation types consist of canopy, subcanopy and ground layer. The ground layer is moist and consists of seedlings.

There are 460 plant species recorded inside the forest. 135 species of trees and 11 liana species are amongst them.

Out of these, nine are endemic. The most common species are ankenda (Acronychia pedunaulata), milla (vitex pinata), na (mesua ferrea), kitul, katu ibul and sapu. The giant liana (Entada pusaetha) in the forest is endemic to Sri Lanka. Full grown rattan palms can also be seen here. A number of species of flowering and non-flowering plants such as orchids and large ferns, respectively, also grow along the paths and banks within.

The forest is also well known for bird watching. Many species of small mammals can also be seen. Nearly 80 avifaunal species have been recorded within the sanctuary. The red faced malkoha, Kashmir fly catcher, tree toed kingfisher, brown capped babbler, layard’s parakeet, Sri Lanka myna, spotted dove, emerald dove and the black backed kingfisher are some of them.

Amongst the many nocturnal mammals in the forest endemic species are also found. The pale fronted macaque, golden palm civet, mouse deer, porcupine, slender loris, Indian flying fox and the bandicoot rat are some of them.

Butterflies and a lot of reptile species are also found in the forest. The cobra, green pit viper, hump nosed pit viper and green vine snake are common.

The green forest lizards, whistling lizard, kangaroo lizard and some species of geckos, frogs, toads and skinks can also be seen• Text by: Chamalka Kothalawala Pics by: Tarindra Jayanetti

BIRDWATCHING

Changeable Hawk Eagle – Spizaetus cirrhatus

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Sri Lanka

a birdwatcher’s delight

Text and pics. by: Chandima Jayaweera

There exist several reasons why a birdwatcher would prefer Sri Lanka as a bird watching destination. One prime reason is the fact that the country, within its territory of 62,710 square kilometers, offers an unsurpassed opportunity for the birding enthusiast to spot a larger number of species of birds within a minimum period of time. Despite being a small country Sri Lanka is home to 33 species of endemic birds alone.

Along with the other resident species, an experienced birdwatcher could possibly spot them all in a fortnight.

Birds belong to Kingdom Animalia, and the 9,200 species recorded thus far are subdivided into 7 orders. Birds found in Sri Lanka however are categorized into two groups: terrestrial and oceanic. Oceanic birds – of which Sri Lanka

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Stork-billed Kingfisher – Pelargopsis capensis

Currently, 470 species of birds have been identified in Sri Lanka, of which 240 are residents – the rest are migrant birds. One hundred of these migrant species however are known as vagrants for they are not regular visitors.

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Sri Lanka Frogmouth – Batrachostomus moniliger

Sri Lanka Blue Magpie – Urocissa ornata

has 31 species - live on the coast whereas terrestrial birds live further inland. Resident birds in Sri Lanka are also categorized into two groups of endemic and non endemic species. Sri Lanka is home to 33 endemic species, accounting for 14% of the overall population.

Currently, 470 species of birds have been identified in Sri Lanka, of which 240 are residents – the rest are migrant birds. One hundred of these migrant species however are known as vagrants for they are not regular visitors.

Migrants – mostly from North Indian territories, Siberia and Europe - begin their flight to Sri Lanka in October and finish their journeys by November. Thus the period between November and April is the best season for bird watching with rare species such as the Kashmir Flycatcher, Pied Thrush and the Indian Pittle to be sighted. June to July is JULY 2013 • SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND • 61

There are two kinds of birding enthusiasts to be found: the regular birdwatcher who simply loves the sight of a bird, enjoys seeing the same bird several times though perhaps at different locations, and doesn’t fail to shoot them – with a camera, and the ‘twitcher’. A twitcher will not hesitate to travel the world, so keen is he to spot an avian species he is yet to see with his naked eyes. He carries with him a list of all the species he has sighted and yearns after the rare species he is yet to sight. A successful twitcher may have a record of 2,500 – 3,000 birds sighted; in Sri Lanka there are twitchers with records longer than 8,000 species. Being a twitcher is a lifetime’s work.

however the best time to catch sight of endemic birds.

Sri Lanka offers them three entry points for these birds: migrants from North Indian territories enter the country from the west and south whilst those from Andaman Islands enter from the Northwest. They call an end to their stay in April-May and birdwatchers can quite easily spot them during this period.

Sri Lanka is divided into three geographical zones – dry, wet and mountainous zones – and several bird species are endemic to the particular zones. The jungle fowl, the national bird of Sri Lanka, however is common to all three geographies. Migrant species too are found in all three zones. Large flocks of migrant species are found close to lagoons in areas such as Bundala, Mannar and Jaffna. They also gather in the wetlands, like Aanavilunduwa.

Thus Sri Lanka is a prime destination for any type of birding enthusiast at any time during the year• Spot-billed Pelican - Pelecanus philippensis

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33 BIRDS, IN 7 DAYS, ACROSS A GEOGRAPHICALLY DIVERSE ISLAND. ARE YOU UP FOR IT? I recently conducted a bird watching tour called the '33 Endemics Challenge’ when Michael Grunwell, a British national currently based in Qatar and who is a keen birdwatcher, wished to spot all 33 endemic avian species within a week's time - one half of the most optimistic number generally agreed upon for doing so.

The tour took place over several locations including Kitulgala, Sinharaja, Tissamaharama and Nuwara Eliya.

“Although it took about 25 hours in a vehicle over the one thousand kilometres we covered in a week, the experience was amazing and truly worth it,” Michael said.

The abundance of bird life in Sri Lanka makes it an ornithologist’s paradise.

Of the 435 recorded species, 230 are resident, and no less that 33 are endemic to the island. Most of the endemic birds, like the Sri Lankan mynah or the yellow eared bulbul, are restricted to the wet zone. Others, such as the striking red-faced Mal Koha and the Sri Lanka spot-winged thrush, can be found throughout the island, although confined to small areas of humid forests.

On the very first day we began, we recorded about a dozen common species spotted. By the time we were driving some 200metres beyond the Kitulgala Police Station darkness had already begun to set in. However as the sun momentarily rose with a fresh burst of light, we were able to spot the chestnut backed owlet and the green billed Coucal.

Following breakfast the next day, we drove the two kilometres down to the ferry crossing at the Kitulgala Rest House where we spent the next few hours walking the easy surface tracks around the small village. And there, among the commoner birds, we were treated to excellent sights of the Sri Lankan grey hornbill.

We began the long drive to Sinharaja the same day where we were accompanied by Ranjith – a tracker from the Department of Forestry. The four wheel drive track that we followed is an essential crossing for any birder.

In the morn of day three, as we set out from Martin’s Lodge - the inn inside the forest where we were staying - we spotted a wood pigeon just outside the Lodge. As we continued to walk, we encountered the scimitar babbler, red faced Mal Koha, drongo, Sri Lankan mynah and the blue magpie, all of which are endemic to Sri Lanka. After lunch, Ranjith found a large flock of brown capped babblers as well as a spotwinged thrush in their midst.

Although it rained heavily as dusk began to fall, we nevertheless managed to also sight the white faced starling and the crimson backed woodpecker. The next day we counted off the Sri Lankan green pigeon, Layard’s parakeet and yellow fronted barbet off our list.

We set out to Tissamaharama on the fourth day, taking in the many changes in climate and habitat, as we passed through lush rainforest, high altitudinal plantations and then parched dry plains, passing fruit stalls in front of and hungry elephants behind the electrified fence of the Uda Walawe National Park.

We didn't forget our purpose for the trip however, also spotting the Malabar pied hornbill and a Jerdon’s leaf bird along

(The writer was named ‘Most Outstanding Chauffer Tourist Guide (nature and wildlife)’ at the 5th Annual Sri Lanka Tourism Awards in 2012 and counts over two decades of experience in the field. He is also the proprietor of ‘Birding Sri Lanka’ and can be contacted at + 94 777 805253 or chandima.jaya@gmail.com.)

the way. We were now well inside the dry zone where it had not rained for weeks. A variety of water birds dotted the few artificial lakes on the way to Tissamaharama, whilst closer to the town, at one particularly large tank with huge trees, we sighted a stork billed kingfisher, a changeable hawk eagle, a colony of Baya weavers, a family of Collard scops owl and a male coppersmith barbet. Hundreds of storks and parakeets passed close overhead as we took in the view from the roof of the Peacock Reach Hotel where we stopped for the night.

The following day, as we spent the first hour of light on the roof of the hotel, large numbers of parakeets, mostly rose-ringed, along with a few Alexandrine whizzed past. Amongst many other species seen was a singing wood shrike. During our first walk after breakfast, we also encountered a blue faced Mal Koha, a species that Michael had been looking forward to spotting. At a lake we stopped by, we came across many species of water birds including the spot billed pelican.

Following lunch we set off to Nuwara Eliya with the rain never letting up as we drove on. We arrived at Horton Plains – an 80 minute drive – early next morning, at 6 am. Although bird density is quite low there, by 9am we had covered the remaining species on our list including the dull bull flycatcher, Sri Lankan white eye, Sri Lankan bush warbler and the C-b woodpecker•

Chandima Jayaweera

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FALLS

OF DUST AND SPRAY

DOOVILI ELLA Text and pics by: courtesy of Sri Lanka Tourism | www.srilanka.travel

Hidden amidst the Mulgama forest reserve in Kalthota is the Doovili Ella, so called for the cascade of water droplets that shimmer in sunlight, conveying an impression of a shower of dust or doovili in Sinhala.

The waterfall is created when the Walawe River takes a leap – of 40 metres - down a broad rock creating a veil of water spray.

Doovili ella is a scenic apex and makes a charming walk to reach it. Although there is a more developed and easy route to reach the waterfall through Thanjanthenna many prefer the Kalthota route, which runs along the banks of the Walawe River as it winds through the Mulgama forest reserve, a catchment for the river. Nearly 100 ft tall Muguna trees tower over the path to the waterfall while many hardwood trees like ebony, satinwood, neem, milla and kone too are found in abundance.

The forest reserve is also home to monkey, spotted deer, wild boar, porcupine, mouse deer and the illusive rusty spotted cat, endemic to Sri Lanka and India while the Sri Lankan pea foul, serpent eagles and button quails roam the skies above Mulgama.

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Although the waterfall has diminished in size since the construction of the Samanala Wewa reservoir, it reaches its full strength in the rainy season when the Walawe River floods its banks making the roads impassable.

From Colombo the waterfall can be reached via Balangoda – on the Kalthota Road passing Thenna for 3km and turning right to 16th mile post and travelling for another 3km.

Kuragala and Budugala are two other attractions closer to the waterfall.

Filming, photography, sightseeing, hiking, wildlife and bird watching are recommended activities at the site and surroundings nearby• 66 • SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND • JULY 2013

PICTORIAL

Awaiting a go Revered faith

Living

Sri Lanka

Reunion by the waters of Arugambay an offering

T

he treasure island Sri Lanka is a country of diversity. Its people, flora and fauna, birds, animals, fish and all gifts of nature have their own unique authenticity. All walks of life here are an invitation to come and live by the tranquility of life and nature.

From this episode onwards SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND brings you this exclusive pictorial essay depicting vivid hues of this tranquil co-existance.

An invitation awaits the reader to forward whatever you catch in the third eye to publish in our coming issues in line with this pictorial essay of ‘Living Sri Lanka.’

Make sure to indicate your name, country, age, location of photography, your contacts and a small note of confirmation that the photograph you have taken has not been published before. Add a nice caption….. forward to us…….. e-mail: info@treasureislandsl.com 68 • SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND • JULY 2013

Terraces of prosperity

Nature’s expression to cover

The talipot spring (A rare scene at Peradeniya Botanical Gardens)

Bachelors

Till we set sails – Fishery harbour Trincomalee

Coconut trees and the ocean beneath Nature’s expression to cover

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Of green and other colours The greens and yellows

pipes and devotion

Bliss of floating

Flying the gap

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To make a cup of tea

EVENTS

TAPHOUSE

by R n R is the new barr in the city June 5, 2013

Dutch Hospital, Colombo Fort – The Launch Event of TAPHOUSE by R n R was quite the celebration. Held at the location, the entire evening which kicked off at dusk went way into the night and was devoted to providing guests time to relax and simply chill out over the best of wine, beer, vodka, cocktails and canapés. Guests mingled and chattered while being entertained by the band ‘Black’ with a guest performance later in the night by the much-loved singer, songwriter and music producer Mr. Kasun Kalhara. Not only was there entertainment to keep invitees happy but also four very lucky guests went home having won iphone5 and Galaxy3 mobile phones.

Locally owned by R n R Restaurants, TAPHOUSE by R n R has begun operations at one of the oldest locations in Colombo Fort - the Dutch Hospital. Very well located and cleverly designed, TAPHOUSE by R n R offers you a sophisticated but comfortable bar for the perfect chill amidst the grandeur from a bygone era, dating back to 1677.

The entrance of TAPHOUSE bar leads to the open-air Courtyard 2 of the Dutch Hospital A spacious space for relaxing and unwinding. You can sip a well-crafted drink basking in an incredible ambience created by a star-lit night. While seating inside TAPHOUSE is cozy and swanky, seating outside is quaint and minimalistic complete with a choice of cement seats and tables or warm wooden furniture.

Whatever your poison, TAPHOUSE by R n R has a fantastic line up on its gritty drinks menu. This is further enhanced by live-band music on selected nights and an enthusiastic and friendly team of bartenders ever-prepared to serve.

Bottoms-up as-you-like-it and you will discover that the food and drinks are very well priced. The menu is up to the mark with a wide selection of the best beers, wines, vodkas, cocktails, mock-tails, food and everything else that make up one of the best bar menus.

TAPHOUSE by R n R is the second food and drink outlet to be opened in the city by its owners R n R Restaurants. The first is R n R @ Racecourse, an elegant café and bar in Colombo 7. Though a new restaurant R n R @ Racecourse managed to secure a Grade A+ at the Colombo Municipal Council Food and Safety Excellence - Awards 2013.

TAPHOUSE by R n R is ready to uphold its promise to offer you ‘the perfect chill’ experience to complete the perfect night out in the town. The location, the offering and the pricing is all so perrfect, it is a must-include when barhopping. You could look them up on Facebook to find out their day-to-day activity lineup•

The special edition issue of ‘Sri Lanka The Treasure Island’ launched at the World Crocodile Conference - 2013 The special edition issue of the high profile international travel and tour magazine ‘Sri Lanka The Treasure Island’ was launched at the World Crocodile Conference - 2013 held at Goldi Sands Hotel in Negombo on 23rd May 2013. ‘Sri Lanka The Treasure Island’ selected the official print media partner of the four day international conference and symposium commenced on 20th May 2013. The first copy of the special edition issue was Dr.Graham Webb – Chairman of the handed over to Dr.Graham Webb Crocodile Specialist Group of IUCN & SSC displaying the first copy of the special editi – Chairman of the Crocodile on issue of the high profile inter nati onal travel and tour mag Specialist Group of IUCN & SSC azine ‘Sri Lanka The Treasure Islan d’ to the audience at the World Crocodile Conference - 2013 at Goldi San by the Editor in Chief of the ds Hotel in Negombo. Editor in Chie f of the magazine Harsha Udayakantha Peiris, Consulta magazine Harsha Udayakantha nt Editor – Renuka Bandaranayake and the official representatives of the magazine are Peiris and the Consultant also present.

Editor – Renuka Bandaranayake.

Dr.Ruchira Somaweera – Senior Zoologist of the BIOLOGIC Environmental Survey in Australia, Anslem de Silva – the President of Amphibia and Reptile Research Organization of Sri Lanka (ARROS) and Raju Vyas – Wishwamitri River Project of Gujarat in India were also presented with complementary copies of the special edition of the magazine.

The special edition of the Bandaranayake magazine carried kantha Peiris and Consultant Editor – Renuka Editor in Chief of the magazine Harsha Udaya al travel and ation a dedicated intern al edition issue of the high profile handing over a complimentary copy of the speci and Reptile ibia Amph supplement on of ent Presid the ’ to Anslem de Silva – tour magazine ‘Sri Lanka The Treasure Island alist Group Speci dile crocodiles in Sri Croco the of man Chair – Webb n of Sri Lanka (ARROS). Dr.Graham izatio Organ rch Resea Lankan archeology of the magazine are also present here. of IUCN & SSC and the official representatives and history, their existence JULY 2013 • SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND • 73

Local and international delegate s and representatives listening to presentations at the World Crocodile Conference - 2013 at Goldi Sands Hotel in Negombo. reading the special edition of Delegates at the WCC – 2013 the magazine counter at the at ‘Sri Lanka The Treasure Island’ event.

in Indian culture and folklore as a secretive animal and the Government’s intervention in Australia to protect the species. Several local and international zoologists, professionals and veteran writes contributed to the success of the special edition of the magazine.

Identifying the species

Out of the 23 species of crocodiles in the world, it is reported only 8 species attack the human. Among the 8 species only two species that live in the Nile river and Sri Lanka wet zone are identified as the main species that attack humans. The two species in Sri Lanka are known as the saltwater or Estuarine crocodile (Crocodylus porossus) and the Mugger or Marsh crocodile ( Crocodylus palustris). They are better known as ‘Geta Kimbula’ and ‘Hala Kimbula’ by the locals. The two species have been sighted from 113 locations from the country with a majority from ‘Yala’ and ‘Wilpattu’ National Parks.

The increasing number of crocodiles and encroaching crocodile habitat had recently created a serious threat for the people in the areas where the crocodiles are mostly seen, especially in southern Sri Lanka. Even though crocodiles have been man-eaters, crocodile is absolutely protected under the Fauna & Flora protection ordinance.

Crocodile is believed to be an intelligent animal and they suppose to be studying the behavior of the pray before attack.

Living with Crocodilians at WCC - 2013

The four-day event under the theme, ‘Living with Crocodilians’ attracted the participation of over 200 foreign delegates from Australia, USA, England, Germany, African countries, Iran, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Malaysia, Thailand, China, Japan and Philippines.

“The 22nd Working Meeting of the Crocodile Specialist Group, IUCN/SSC

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(International Union for Conservation of Nature – Species Survival Commission) was the biggest such event conducted in Sri Lanka. I have highlighted this fact in scientific literature and Sri Lanka could attract a huge number of tourists with the crocodile population in Sri Lanka,” said Anslem de Silva, the President of Amphibia and Reptile Research Organization of Sri Lanka (ARROS) at the event. Early this year, Anslem de Silva bid for this year’s Crocodile Conference at the Manila Croc Symposium and he had been extended with the assistance of the Sri Lanka Conventions Bureau and the Lanka Exhibition and Conference Services (LECS). Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau, Sri Lanka Convention Bureau ,the Dept of Wildlife Conservation and National Zoological Gardens have also extended their cooperation and assistance to associate with this international event.

Sri Lanka has its best wild mugger concentrations in Yala. It is also the best such location in the world•

NEWS

m in Kunming, Asia Friendship Organizations Foru icipants at the 3rd China South part r the President othe and and ent n lopm gatio dele Deve s an The Sri Lank of Fisheries and Aquatic Resource ster Mini the of d prise com n Rajitha Senarathne, Secretary – DSN China. The Sri Lankan delegatio p and Cooperation with China - Dr dshi Frien l ciation iona Reg n Asia th Sou nomic and Ethical Affairs) of the Asso of the Organization for Secretary (Ports) and President (Eco al etary tion Secr Addi , a, hne ekar arat Abes Sen nda tha ana Suja Indr Rajapaksha, Dr koon, Standing President – Wije a radh Anu – tion hina pera a–C Coo ural Lank etary General of Sri for Sri Lanka–China Social and Cult ident – Liyanage Sumanasena, Secr Pres Vice h, ts’ Jinit nalis R. Jour a Silva Chin De – – a da, President of Sri Lank of Sri Lanka–China Society , Vice President – Dinesh Kirthinan ena ward rma Dha athi Sum – on Friendship Associati Secretary Saranga Wijeyarathne.

Forum (SLCJF) – Nalin Aponso and

SL chosen as MICE destination for the 4th CSAFOF conference in 2015 The 3rd China South Asia Friendship Organizations Forum (CSAFOF) jointly organized by the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CCPAFF) and the people’s government of Yunnan Province, and sponsored by the Yunnan Provincial People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, was held in Kunming in China from 5th to 8th June, 2013.

It was decided there to hold the fourth such conference - in 2015 - in Sri Lanka.

Held under the theme of 'Together for a better future. Promote friendship, cooperation and exchange. Seek common development.' was especially designed to boost greater diplomatic ties through enhanced bilateral relations and friendship among countries. With around 60 delegates representing 27 friendship organizations from 6 South Asian countries including Sri Lanka, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal and China, 30 delegates from Chinese provincial municipal friendship associations, a total of 150 delegates attended the forum. The China-South Asia EXPO and the Kunming Import and Export Commodities Fair were also held parallel to the event.

Following careful consideration into the proposals forwarded by Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka as venues for the forum’s next session, and in recognition of the immense services rendered by the Chinese friendship associations, organizations and forums in Sri Lanka towards greater diplomacy through enhanced bilateral activities and friendship with China, the forum decided to hold the 4th China South Asia Friendship Organizations Forum in 2015 in Sri Lanka. It is to be jointly organized by the Sri Lanka–China Friendship Association, Association for Sri Lanka–China Social and Cultural Cooperation, Sri Lanka–China Society and the Sri Lanka–China Journalists’ Forum (SLCJF) as well as in collaboration with the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Sri Lanka. Discussions are also in progress to hold a Sri Lanka–China trade exhibition parallel to the oncoming event• JULY 2013 • SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND • 75

Minister of Environment and Renewable Energy Susil Premajayantha speaking at the occasion.

Sri Lankan component of UN-REDD National Programme launched GoSL puts forests at the heart of national strategy to address climate change Minister of Environment and Renewable Energy Susil Premajayantha officially inaugurated the Sri Lankan component of the UN-REDD National Programme, namely ‘Reduce Emissions from Deforestation and forest Degradation (REDD+),’ a programme to put forests at the heart of Sri Lanka’s strategy to tackle climate change on June 7 2013 at the Cinnamon Grand Hotel in Colombo. The programme will help Sri Lanka to prepare for an international mechanism to Reduce Emissions from Deforestation and forest Degradation (REDD+). The Government of Sri Lanka (GoSL), the Department of Wild-Life Conservation and the Forest Department of the Ministry of Environment and Renewable Energy are the main implementing partners of the programme launched as a triple collaboration of the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) of the United Nations. It will also be part of a future international comprehensive agreement to tackle global warming, which is currently being negotiated through the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

REDD+ will be implemented on a voluntary basis as no country will be obliged to take on such a commitment if they see no benefit in doing so. Under a REDD+ mechanism, industrialized countries are expected to provide positive incentives to Sri Lanka and other developing countries in exchange for verified information which proves that they have improved forest and land use management practices. Sri Lanka will carry out the procedures in this regard by measuring the emissions of Carbon Dioxide (CO2), a potent greenhouse gas, caused through clearance of forests or loss of forest quality. The country will aim to reduce the levels of these emissions over time, and thus qualify for the positive incentives.

Inaugurating the UN-REDD Sri Lanka programme, Minister Susil Premajayatha, expressed gratitude to UN-REDD for providing funding for the implementation of Sri Lanka’s REDD readiness proposal. He expressed that the programme would provide an opportunity to equip the country with knowledge and capacity 76 • SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND • JULY 2013

Hennanigala ‘Wed i Nayaka’ Thalawa ruge Gunabanda particip ating in the tradit ional lighting of the oil lamp at the event.

required to implement a national level REDD programme. While affirming Sri Lanka’s commitment to combating human induced climate change challenges, he added that the inception of the UN-REDD national programme was an important step forward in this regard.

Speaking at the launch, Subinay Nandy - UN Resident Coordinator and UNDP Resident Representative in Sri Lanka - said that in the post-conflict accelerated development of the country, initiatives like the UN-REDD Programme could provide opportunities to ensure the sustainability and resilience of the development. He also proposed ways to share the benefits of development with multiple stakeholder groups adding to the fact that through such initiatives, Sri Lanka would be able to become a global model in environmental management.

The REDD+ programme will equally be a much beneficial component in the country’s developmental impetus as a ecotourism destination in the Asian region•

(Pics. courtesy of UN FAO)

The Pictures show Mr.Delvin Pereira Deputy General Manag er-Zone I Seylan Bank PLC cutting the ribbon to declare open the branch.

Senior Management of Seylan Bank including Mr.Tila n Wijeyesekera Deputy General Manager-Marketing, Ms.Rohini Weerakkody Assistant General Manager-Ope rations, Mr.Susantha Kodithuwakku Area Manager Zone I (Uva Sabaragamuwa), customers and other disting uished invitees also graced the occasion.

Seylan Bank expands its network to Godagama Godagama is a rapidly developing area situated in the Homagama electorate in the Colombo district, which has a rich history past on from the kingdom of Kotte.

Seylan Bank commenced operations in Godagama as it’s 150th branch, on 01st July 2013,to fulfil all the banking needs of the residents and the business community of the area.

The new branch is at No.157/A , High Level Road, Godagama which has all the ultra modern banking facilities and conveniences and is also open on Saturdays to serve its loyal customers better• JULY 2013 • SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND • 77

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and Sri Lanka caught, tamed years ago, elephants were Welcome To Treasure Isl with Lankan kings over 2000 reservoirs have been built During the reign of the Sri the elephants. ces, temples and vast had a long association with they initiated. Large pala The Sri Lankan people have sive construction works that for the large scale and mas bers num large in used and the aid of elephants.

Assistant ed his career as a Research Vasantha Nugegoda start n Ripley from d famous Primatologist Suza under the guidance of worl served as the has ntha Vasa ton. hing Was the Smithsonian Institute ing and develiwela Zoo, for further learn General Curator of the Deh London zoo for three to t wen He ent. agem opment on Zoo Man d which was under the Jersey Channel islan Trust in years and was traiend at Durrell and at the Wildfowl ld Gera t ralis Natu n the well-know r Scott.

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