Hansi's World

OPEN LETTER TO MEN

2007-08-23T20:51:00.000-07:00

My Dear Men folk,

You may know or not know, that your wife, your mother, sister or fiancée struggles to tally with your life bearing a very sensitive question in their minds - to be devoted or not to be is the question.

Are we really allowed to raise our voices against you? Stand against on wrong actions by very many men? And simply are the majority of men ready to come out from the male ego of dominating women?

Yes, many will raise their brows against these questions. One may argue that Sri Lankan women generally enjoy a higher degree of gender equality than many women in other countries in the region.

But is it really true? Yes, only to some extent. Don’t you agree?

In terms of education levels, women holding management positions, women in professions and even in normal social norms, Sri Lankan women enjoy a better position than those in Pakistan, Bangladesh or India. But still the tragic stories of violence against women have been continuously reported in nowadays media.

Of course, the modern generations of men are broader in their views in dealing with women and they have come in to terms with equal rights for women and many men are ready to take woman as a partner not a worker under him.

But there is need to awaken some of them who does not have the modernized overview on women and do believe they are blessed to have their own way with women. Thereupon, I would like them to consider this, in short my purpose of this letter is for them to stop and think and to other who believe in women’s equality to broaden their view on the violence against women.

When I mean violence, there are many actions attached to it. According to UN conventions, ‘violence against women’ takes a dismaying variety of forms, from domestic abuse and rape to child marriages and female circumcision. All are violations of the most fundamental human rights.

The flight of Sri Lankan women in this regard has been named as both a public and private matter in Sri Lanka by the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women, a body of global experts which monitors whether governments are honouring their commitments to the 1981 United Nations’ Women’s Convention.

That is why it is very important to clarify to those who do not believe on this aspect of gender equality of the meaning of gender and sexuality and the balance of power between women and men at all levels of society.

Therefore, combating violence against women requires challenging the way that gender roles and power relations are articulated in society.

Changing people's attitude and mentality towards women will take a long time - at least a generation many believe, and perhaps longer. Nevertheless, I personally believe that awaking men against their own short comings, (sometimes committed unknowingly) might add some importance to an issue which is larger than what can be expressed through words.

Let us take a closer look at the Article 2 of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), to comprehend more on what it suggests as violence against women.

"pursue by all means and without delay a policy of eliminating discrimination against women" "refrain from engaging in any act or practice of discrimination against women and to ensure that public authorities and institutions shall act in conformity with this obligation" and "take all appropriate measures including legislation, to modify or abolish existing laws, regulations, customs and practices which constitute discrimination against women." These are some of the obligations against the violations against women suggested to be referred by the authorities.

Sri Lanka as signatory to the CEDAW is obliged to ensure that the rights of women are protected and promoted. Yet, a study of the national legal framework clearly highlights that "the law" continues to discriminate against women in many aspects.

Where violence against women is concerned the lack of specific domestic violence legislation and the law on rape which leaves unprotected certain groups are just some of the legal provisions which need to be repealed.

This is a major reason which leads me to raise the questions in the beginning of this letter to you all. Well, what are these holes in our legal system?

Domestic violence and the divorce law are some of the main fragments in Sri Lankan legal system which requires tougher laws to prevent the violence faced by women in Sri Lanka.

Down here, there is not specific legislation on domestic violence and the Penal Code too does not criminalize domestic violence. Prosecution of domestic violence therefore has to be undertaken under other general sections such as Section 324-assault or Section 311-causing grievous hurt.

When we consider the domestic violations in Sri Lanka, Many Sinhalese Buddhist and Tamil Hindu women rationalizes their predicament in terms of destiny. Many women do this because, conventionally they are made to believe that a marriage as a private matter; the common perception is that men are superior and their sexual urges indomitable.

That is a major reason that other than changing the legal aspect, a cleansing should be brought up for the general overview of the society.

In her study on violence against women Ameena Hussein has pointed out that the remaining legal provisions are rarely used as social conditions to prevent women from reporting incidents of domestic violence and even when they do, the complaints are not taken seriously by the authorities or informal mediation mechanisms are utilised to settle cases.

Also the effectiveness of any proposed domestic violence legislation will be dependent on amendments to the laws relating to divorce. As the concept of "no fault" divorce does not exist in Sri Lankan law, those seeking divorce have to prove malicious desertion, which has been interpreted to include cruelty, adultery or incurable impotence.

As the definition of constructive malicious desertion has been held also to include spousal abuse, it is possible to use this ground to apply for divorce, but once again the woman carries a heavy burden of proof as she will have to prove she was forced to leave the matrimonial home due to fear of harm to life and limb.

These aspects should really change, since these are some places where women do get a chance to voice against men.Rapes are another fragment of violence against women, of which many Sri Lankan girls under goes and their voices are subdued against the rapist for the fear and the thought that voicing against these issues may lead towards social infamy.

are another fragment of violence against women, of which many Sri Lankan girls under goes and their voices are subdued against the rapist for the fear and the thought that voicing against these issues may lead towards social infamy.

Here is the legal definition as in Section 363 of the Penal Code; as "sexual intercourse with a woman without her consent; or where her consent has been obtained by use of force, threats or intimidation; where she is judicially separated from the man; with her consent when her consent was obtained when she was of unsound mind, in a state of intoxication induced by drugs or alcohol; with her consent when the man knows he is not her husband and she is under the belief that she is married to him; with or without her consent when she is under 16 years except when she is his wife who is over 12 years and not judicially separated from him. There is no need to show evidence of resistance by the victim, penetration is sufficient to establish sexual intercourse."

Yet, there are many instances where the women’s mind is wounded in a way which could never be repaired. Some starts to hate the entire male population, some becomes mentally handicapped and very many drops in to prostitution hence at the aftermath of a rape; the society tends to look down upon the victims.

Many girls suffer from these kinds of mal beliefs of the society over them, mostly at the end people start to look at the victim as if she had done the crime to attract the rapist towards them and these negative egos are highly brought up in the case of entering matrimony.

The girls who were raped are looked down as non virgins and the marriage is always a hard topic for these girls. I have come across many marriage proposal columns in news papers, where to-be- brides seek for ‘waradata samawadena- excusing for past mis-conduct’ grooms.

This situation is pathetic, have we got to condemn ourselves this much for a crime that was not committed by our consent. Ironically, in the modern society, many men do have sexual relationships before they enter marriages, sometimes they may not end up with the girl they had courted, in that means the question is why don’t they ever crave for a bride who will be excusing for past mis-conducts which were done knowingly.

Sometimes, these things are not done by men with the mean of doing so, but they are also going by the trend, that is why programmes should be introduced to educate them on these kinds of social dilemmas. I assume, with the context society, young men do not rely so much on these facts, in that case with board knowledge on these issues, majority of men do have the possibility of changing their overview.

It is highly essential to take steps against this kind of negative beliefs and ban them from our society. On the other hand positive methods should be used to cure the wounds of the terrible experience and introduce the rape victims to a world where they will be able to breath freely, forgetting that once in their lives they were the lure of hungry wolves.

Most rapes are the precedent incidents of sexual harassment. Something which can frequently occur on the street, in the workplace, in educational institutions and on public transportation. At many occasions these kind of sexual harassment ends up with the objected women being forced out of the workplace or school, striking at the heart of women's economic self-sufficiency and disrupting women's earning capacity.

Sexual harassment is a personal attack on women's minds and bodies instilling fear and violating a woman's right to bodily integrity, education and freedom of movement. This is a situation which is commonly practiced by many men in our island nation.

According to the Section 345 of the Penal Code, A person who, by assault or use of criminal force sexually harasses another person or; by the use of words or actions causes sexual annoyance or harassment to another person commits the offence of sexual harassment. The explanation to the section states that unwelcome advances by words or actions used by a person in authority, in a workplace or any other place shall constitute sexual harassment

But the question is, are we allowed to voice ourselves against these? If we do, what would be the out come? Even the definition itself is unclear. It is without guidelines as to what constitutes sexual harassment difficulties might be encountered in determining whether sexual harassment has taken place. It has to be pointed out that the explanation by highlighting actions by a "person in authority" precludes sexual harassment by colleagues and subordinates.

The Constitution provides for equal employment opportunities in the public sector. Yet, we have no legal protection against discrimination in the private sector, where they sometimes are paid less than men for equal work, often experience difficulty in rising to supervisory positions, and face sexual harassment.

This is the time all of us as Sri Lankans should grow up on this issue. We are a country which had the honour of electing the first woman prime minister and the first women president in the world. Still, the plight of the women who were exposed towards the violence against them is still the same as it was in the beginning of the twentieth centaury. We, as women of Sri Lanka who represent a 35.7% of the Sri Lanka labour Force (2006). Do have the right to be treated as our male companions.

Another facture is that, 50.8 % of the Sri Lanka’s population of 19 million populations (2001) is women, excluding North and East. Hence, it is important to introduce better living standards for them.

For their contribution to this world and to you my dear men folk, at the beginning as a mother, then as a sister, a friend, a fiancée, a wife and a daughter, they are the thread of your lives since your birth to death. There is a huge debt to be paid off.

Let us move forward and put a full stop to the long chain of violence against women, let us (the women) get a chance against what happens against us and give one second to consider whether your overview on women is the correct version. It is never too late.

Yours truly,

A woman.

Sacred Tooth Relic; a journey from Kalinga in India to Senkadagalapura Temple of Tooth.

2007-05-04T22:54:00.000-07:00

Without any doubt, the Sacred Tooth Relic (Dâlada) of the Buddha is the most venerated object of worship for Buddhists.

Its present house, the Temple of the Tooth Relic (Dâlada Mâligâwa) in Kandy, Sri Lanka (Ceylon) is considered the foremost sacred place of worship in the Buddhist world.
It has come through a long and hard journey through all these years to rest in safety inside a sanctuary inlaid with silver and ivory, where the bell-shaped shrine that protects the Tooth is placed.

This sanctuary also adds in to the significance of the Tooth Relic with its two pairs of elephant tusks on either side and the six inner shrines inside it which are ornamented with precious stones of rare value.

Sri Lanka’s Sacred Tooth Relic is the left canine of Lord Buddha’s bodily remains. This worship of corporeal remains of the Buddha, as recorded in the Mahaparinibbana-sutta (the Record of the Demise of the Buddha), was sanctioned by the Buddha himself on the verge of his passing away.

The Buddha declared that four noble persons are worthy of their bodily remains being enshrined and honoured, the Buddha, the Personal Buddhas (Pacceka Buddhas,) the Arahanths (Buddha's disciples) and the Emperors ( Cakkavatti kings). The bodily remains of the Buddha, after their distribution among various states that claimed for the relics, were enshrined in the funerary mounds known as stupa.

However, the four canine Teeth were said to have been separately enshrined and worshipped. The right canine was worshipped in the heavenly domain of the king of gods, Sakra, while another was worshipped by the king of Gandhara in modern Pakistan. The third was taken away by the Nagas and worshipped placing it in a golden shrine room. The fourth, the left canine was removed from the funerary ashes by a monk and was handed over to the king of Kalinga in Eastern India, as recorded in the Digha Nikaya. It is this left canine which is now resting inside the Temple of tooth in Kandy.

Thenceforth, the Tooth relic of the Kalinga became an object of great veneration by generations of Kalinga kings until it earned the wrath of brahmanical followers. Other states attempted to possess the Tooth relic for personal veneration. Thus, from the beginning itself, the Tooth relic came to be considered as an important symbol of veneration. The last Indian ruler to possess the Tooth relic was Guhasiva of Kalinga (c.4th century AD).

However, at the region of Guhansiva in which the neighboring states reinitiated a war for the possession of the Tooth relic caused it to leave the Indian shores. By this time, Buddhism was well rooted in Sri Lanka, and the island rulers maintained close relations with the Indian states. After about eight centuries of its Existence in India, the Tooth relic was secretly taken away by Prince Danta and Princess Hemamala, said to be the son-in-law and daughter of Guhasiva. It is recorded that the prince and the princess donned the garb of ascetics and carried the Relic hidden within the coiffure of Hemamala not to be noticed by passersby. A twentieth century wall painting of the well known monastery of Kelaniya (about 5 miles east of Colombo), depicts this episode in a classic style executed by a local artist (Solius Mendis).

The Relic was reported to have performed several miracles en route on the ship itself, thus being venerated by human and superhuman beings. The Tooth Relic finally reached the Sri Lankan capital, Anuradhapura, and according to the Sinhala text, Dalada Sirita, the Relic was kept at the Megagiri vihara in the park Mahameghavana.

At the time of its arrival, the Indian ruler Guhasiva's friend, king Mahasena had passed away and his son, king Kirti Sri Meghavanna (4th century AC), who himself was a pious Buddhist, had succeeded him. The Tooth Relic was well received by the king and placed on the throne itself with much veneration. The king built a special shrine and enshrined the Tooth Relic therein. This shrine has now been identified as the ruined edifice lying almost next to the great refectory known as Mahapali.

The next great ruler to build a formidable Relic shrine for the accommodation of the sacred Tooth and Bowl Relics was Nissankamalla (1187-1196). As recorded in his inscriptions, he had the Relic Shrine Hatadage built and this edifice lying almost adjoining the Atadage, represents a larger version of the Atadage.

At the end of the Polonnaruwa region of which’s glory was waned with the invasion of Kalinga Magha, the Tooth Relic and the Bowl Relic had again been taken away by the monks to a safer location in Kotmale in the central hills. Later, King Vijayabahu III, in the Dabadeniya period, is reported to have brought down the two Relics and enshrined them in a beautiful edifice built for the purpose on the hill top of Beligala.

After him the guardianship of the Relics was handed over to his elder son, who succeeded to the throne under the name Parakramabahu II (1236-1270), who was well known for the compilation of classical literary texts, including the Kavusilumina.

Parakramabahu II brought down the Relics from Beligala in a procession with great veneration and placed them in a shrine built near the palace at the Damabadeniya rock According to the text Dalada Pujavaliya, Parakramabahu conducted the Relics to Srivardhanapura, the city of his birth, and held a great ritual worship. He was responsible for the building of the Tooth Relic shrine at the Vijayasundararama at Dambadeniya, where the Relic was deposited and festive rituals were conducted by the king.

sacred Tooth Relic also had to under go more discomfort because of the invasion of Chandrabhanu of Java. However, the king was able to expel the enemy and bring back the country to a stable status again. It is recorded that during a severe drought, the sacred Tooth Relic was taken out of the shrine and a great procession held. He placed the Relic on the throne and having worshipped the Relic for seven days, offered the kingdom to the sacred Tooth Relic, which resulted in the termination of the drought. This incident indicates the esteem that the sacred Tooth Relic enjoyed as a symbol of kingship.

Yapahuva (ancient Subha-pabbata) comes into prominence around this time with the appointment of his brother Bhuvanekabahu as the sub-ruler of this province. This location, simulating the well known Sigiriya rock fortress, found itself to be a very secure place for the Relics. However, Chadrabhanu of Java invaded the country for the second time and after defeating the local sub-ruler at Yapahuva, demanded the Tooth Relic from Vijayabahu of Dambadeniya. Yet, the Sri Lankan ruler was able to defeat him and bring peace to the island again.

After Vijayabahu, Bhuvanekabahu built a shrine for the sacred Tooth Relic at Yapahuva with a grandeur stairway the ruins of which still portray the aesthetic achievement of the 14th century. As the chronicle records, he continued the tradition of paying homage to the sacred Tooth Relic daily.

With the end of his region there was again a devastation caused by an invasion from the Pandyan country in South India, under the great warrior Arya Cakravarti. He devastated the country and plundered much wealth and treasure, including the Tooth and Bowl Relics, which he handed over to the Pandyan king Kulasekera.

However, the next king, Parakramabahu III visited the Pandyan capital and after friendly discussions, brought back the Relics and initiated the traditional rituals.
According to Marco Polo, the well known traveller, the Chinese Emperor, Kublai Khan, sent a messenger to obtain the Tooth, Hair and Bowl Relics from the king. However, the king was able to please the Chinese Emperor by dispatching two fake teeth, which were graciously received by the Emperor who established ritual worship for the objects.

The next important scenario in this spectacular history of the Tooth relic is in Parakramabahu IV’s region in which there was a religious revival. He reorganized the rituals connected with the sacred Tooth Relic in a systematic manner as recorded in the text Dalada Sirita. Thereafter, Bhuvanekabahu V (1372-1408) shifted the capital to Jayavardanapura Kotte closer to Colombo. Although he did not bring the Tooth Relic to the capital, he is reported to have conducted many ritual performances for the Relic. It was his successor, Virabahu, who brought down the Tooth Relic to Jayavardanapura Kotte from Gampola.

The subsequent period, which saw the arrival of the first colonial power, the Portuguese, in 1505, brought about the deterioration of Buddhist activities. The calamitous situations resulted by their invention leaded to the Tooth Relic to be secretly carried away by the faithful monks to safer locations.

Thus, the Relic was shifted to the next kingdom, Sitawaka ruled by Mayadunne. According to Dathadhatuvamsa, prior to the bringing of the Tooth Relic to Ratnapura, it was taken as far south as the Mulgirigala Vihara and then to the Ridivihara in the Kurunegala District. The Tooth Relic was finally hidden in a coirn located in the Delgamuva Vihara in Ratnapura, and it was from this temple that the Tooth Relic was brought to its final and present resting place in Kandy by Vimaladharmasuriya I (1592-1603).

Still the Sacred Tooth relic has been resting in Senkadagala Pura for more than four centuries. It is considered as the palladium of kingship. No one can attain the power of Sri Lanka without owning a direct link to it. Presently, President Mahinda Rajapaksa is the guardian of the Sacred Tooth Relic. The Diyavadana Nilame Hon. Pradeep Nilanga Dela Bandara (2005- to date) is the present representing warden for it.

Through out the years it has been regarded as a symbolic representation of the living Buddha and will be remaining in the same position until the time in which the Buddhist faith in Sri Lanka will reach its termination. Until that time it is our duty to safeguard it as our forefathers did.
sources- www.sridaladamaligawa.lk
www.fromoldbooks.org
www.wikipedia.org

Sri Lanka to totally eliminate drug abuse by 2010.

2007-05-04T22:50:00.000-07:00

Government determined to effectively deal with the problem of drug abuse and, in the light of current development will be working towards the total elimination of the drug abuse from the Sri Lankan society by 2010.

This goal will be pursued relentlessly by all drug law enforcement agencies; the government agencies directly involved in drug demand reduction including provincial and local administrations; other agencies which have a potential for contributing to the end objective and NGOs and private sector agencies

Under the President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s concept of ‘Mathata Thitha’, Government is conscious of the illicit production, trafficking and abuse of drugs in the country; adverse effects of drug use on health of drug dependents; the upsurge in drug related crime; the draining of human, natural and financial resources and the destruction of individuals, families and communities due to drug abuse.

If we take a brief summery of the drug related statistics of Sri Lanka for the year 2006, the total number of cases of drug related arrests was 47, 298 in 2006. More than half of them were aged 30 years or more and a third of them were in their twenties. The man to woman ratio of drug arrests was 28:1. Of the drug related arrests, 12,551 were for heroin, 34,728 for cannabis. Most of the drug related arrests, (72%) was reported from the Western Province followed by the Southern province (8%) and the Central province (6%). The Colombo district reported (60%) of the drug related arrests followed by the Gampaha district (6%) and the Kalutara district (6%).

The mostly consummated drugs in Sri Lanka are Cannabis, Heroin and Opium. When considering Cannabi, it is the only drug that grows in Sri Lanka. It is mostly grown in the dry zones of the country in the Eastern and Southern provinces. The estimated land area under cannabis cultivation is 500 hectares.

Though Cannabis is the most consummated drug in Sri Lanka, the majority of cases of drug related arrests were for heroin. Before 1980s, heroin use was restricted to few locals who had traveled abroad and to some foreign tourists. Heroin use became more common among other social strata from early 80s. Thereafter the number of users had increased. Even though, its use was initially confined to Colombo city and few provincial towns, now it had spread to remote towns and rural areas as well. Also, it has become a major health and social problem in the country, cutting ethic, religious and geographical lines. With the return of normalcy, heroin use had reached the Northern and Eastern provinces as well.

The other popular brand, Opium is used in the Ayurveda (indigenous) medical pharmacopoeia and the Government makes it available to Ayurveda Medical Practitioners through Government Hospitals. However, taking a much larger portion than the prescribed medical measures of this brand is also considered to have adverse impacts on one’s health.

The average street price per kilogram of heroin in 2006 was 2.8 million Sri Lanka

Rupees. For locals and it was rupees 4.0 million for foreigners. The street level price per kilogram of cannabis was between 6000-7700 Sri Lankan rupees for locals and 8500-11,000 rupees for foreigners. The average street level price of cannabis is 6816.67 Sri Lanka rupees for locals and 8208.33 for foreigners. The average street level price per kilogram of opium was 0.5 million of Sri Lanka rupees for locals and 0.8 million for foreigners. The average street level price per kilogram of hashish was about 12,000 Sri Lanka rupees for locals and it was about 19,000 rupees for foreigners.

Considering this situation the Government has extended its concern to the illicit production, trafficking in and abuse of drugs in the country, and the adverse effects of drugs on the health of those addicted to them.

In addition, drug abuse has led to the upsurge in drug related crime; the draining of human, natural and financial resources; the destruction of individuals, families and communities, and our cultural norms, all of which need urgent attention.

Further, the Government has become fully aware of its international obligations, particularly those stemming from the Single Convention on Narcotics Drugs 1961, Convention on Psychotropic Substances 1971, and United Nations Convention Against Illicit Trafficking Narcotics Drugs and Psychotropic Substances 1988 ratified by the government.

Thus, the Government has reaffirm its political will and determination to tackle the drug problem locally and internationally by reviewing the existing national policy, which was formulated more than a decade ago,

That is the key facture which lead to the insistence that, all the institutions that come under Government purview should adhere to this national drug policy. The concerned non-government agencies are expected to be active partners in the implementation of the government policy. Fulfillment of the social responsibilities of private sector institutions within the framework of this policy is also critical in drug prevention and control.

The revised national policy which was approved by the Cabinet of Sri Lanka on 23rd June 2005 consists of the following strategies.

a. Effective monitoring of imports, exports, distribution of drugs and precursor chemicals under control.

b. Effective enforcement of law against production, smuggling, trafficking, sale, and use of illicit drugs.

c. Preventing the use of drugs and reducing the adverse consequences of drug abuse.

d. Supporting regional and international initiatives.

According to this policy, the Government will adopt a broader approach to drug abuse control within the context of human development, focusing particularly on the links between drug abuse and poverty reduction, crime prevention, and improving health.

The Government believes that the most effective approach to the drug problem would comprise of a comprehensive, balanced and coordinated strategy. In such a strategy supply control and demand reduction will reinforce each other. A high sense of shared responsibility will be the norm.

Also the new National Policy for the Prevention and Control of Drug Abuse does provide an immense scope in regional and international initiatives

It is accepted that no country can tackle its drug problem in isolation. The Government will encourage the relevant agencies to actively engage in formal international cooperation through bilateral, regional and international collaboration.

Accordingly, all institutions concerned will support, assist, and participate adequately in regional and international initiatives recognized by the Government. Regional and International co-operation will also be encouraged through NGOs which have regional/international collaborative mechanisms.

Apart form the involvement of the National Policy, in the process of eliminating drug use in Sri Lanka, another key role is played by the National Dangerous Drugs Control Board (NDDCB).

As per mandate given by the National Dangerous Drugs Control Board Act No.11 of 1984, the Board will monitor and review the Sri Lanka National Policy for the Prevention and Control of Drug Abuse. The Board will function as the national focal point and coordinate the drug control activities of all relevant organizations.

To uphold the role to be played by the Board, it will be emphasized by articulating and advocating evidence-based policies and strategies, catalyzing change and enhancing partnerships, managing information, conducting research, setting and validating norms and standards, and developing and testing new technologies, tools and guidelines.

To make the widening role viable, the Board will secure necessary funds from the government and other sources, and encourage partnerships of government, private and NGO sectors.

To combat the growing problem of drug abuse effectively, it is vital that all agencies of the government, provincial councils and non-governmental organizations join in a cooperative endeavour. The Board will co-ordinate the implementation action based on the policies and guidelines approved by government. To this end the NDDCB Secretariat

will be expanded and will consist of the following substantive divisions.

(1) Enforcement

(2) Preventive Education and Public Awareness.

(3) Treatment, Rehabilitation and after - care

The Board will, in addition also have the following divisions

(4) Research and Training,

(5) Drug Analytical (to facilitate law enforcement, treatment, and research)

Accepting that prevention is more efficient and cost-effective than either enforcement and/or treatment, the Government will facilitate better use of all preventive educational opportunities. Focus will be on formed curricula, informal and non-formal education activities and the use of mass media. Awareness and educational programmes will utilize all mass media. Measures will also be taken to impart relevant, facets of knowledge, positive attitudes coping skills, particularly to young people.

The preventive measures are based through the Mass Media, Education institutes and workplace holds a highly important façade in the elimination of the drug use in our country. Through mass media, guidelines and ethical codes will be evolved with regard to the portrayal of drug abuse related incidents. In considering the education field, access will where necessary be made available for the testing for the presence of drugs in the body and for treatment and rehabilitation. Also in the work place, employers will publicize among the work-force the information regarding consequences of peddling or use of drugs. Employers "and workers' organizations will develop joint action programmes for this purpose.

However, whatever the action taken to eliminate the drug use in Sri Lanka, would not be successful if the social reaction towards the former drug addicts are not changed positively. In other words if the after-care is not positive and supportive towards a new chapter in their lives, the rehabilitation process would turn out bogus. This means that in order that the process of treatment to be completed, the phase of treatment and detoxification must be integrated with the phases of rehabilitation and after-care.

In achieving that target, the active co-operation and collaboration of the non-governmental sector is encouraged. Treatment / detoxification will be supported with counseling, educational and other social measures. Also the Legislation will be enacted and facilities will be provided for compulsory treatment where appropriate.

Hopefully, let us hope that these joined ands of the Government and us as the civilians of Sri Lanka will concrete the aim of totally eliminating the distasteful and unorthodox use of drug abuse from our country forever.

“Recent COPE report was only a sub- report,”- Member of UNP dissident group; Gamini Lokuge.

2007-02-28T19:40:00.002-08:00

“Recent COPE report was only a sub- report,” stated the Minister of Sports, Gamini Lokuge today, briefing the media over the allegations on the United National Party (UNP) dissident group that they joined the Government to dissolve the Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE).

Minister Lokuge stated that their joining with the Government was based on lively contributing towards bringing in peace to this country in accordance to the Government’s negotiating path.

Further he rejected the recent media reports that said Minister Karu Jayasooriya and Minister Milinda Moragoda are responsible for the privatisation deals and misappropriation carried out during the 2001 UNP regime, saying that the ministers were compelled to taken up those actions due to the ‘Economic Affaire Committee’ which was assigned by then Government under their ‘Yali Pubudamu Sri Lanka’ programme.

He stated that none of the members from their UNP dissident group did malpractice or misuse of public property during the UNP tenure from 2001 to 2004 and however if there are any allegations made through the COPE on them, their group have informed the Government to conduct the appropriate investigations.

Minister Lokuge assured the media that they would not interfere with the process.

The COPE Chairman Wijedasa Rajapaksa recently presented a damning report in parliament, giving details into corrupt practices in several privatisation deals and other malpractices in government enterprises during the 2001- 2004 UNP Government.

Minister Lokuge also stated that the certain reports which alleged that some of the 19 members of the UNP dissident group are re-joining with their party as bogus, saying that they joined the Government with the mission of establishing long lasting peace and the actions of the present Government headed by the President Mahinda Rajapaksa has proven to be significant in implementing peace through negotiation scheme in Sri Lanka. Hence forth non- of the UNP dissident members will leave it now.

Meanwhile he added that they are now carrying forward another project along with Government which pays compensation to those UNP followers who became disparate during 2004 to today. Under this scheme people from Health sector, Education sector, Ceylon Transport Board, Lake House will be compensated.

China and Lanka enters in to 8 MoUs.

2007-02-28T19:40:00.001-08:00

Sri Lanka and China yesterday entered in entered in to eight key Memorandums of Understanding which concerned on areas which are important to both nations.

Subsequent to the bilateral discussions between the two countries, ministers and representatives of the Sino-Lanka delegations signed the agreements in front of Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa and Chinese President Hu Jinthao.

China and Sri Lanka entered in to their first bilateral agreement, the Sino- Lanka Agreement on Rubber-Rice exports in 17^th December in the year 1952 which was even before the two countries entered in to diplomatic relationship.

The centuries long Sino-Lanka inter relationships turned in to diplomatic relations in 07^th February 1957 under the Government of late S.W.R.D. Bandaranayaike in which he initiated ambassador relationship with the Republic of China.

In the past half a century, China and Sri Lanka entered in to many trade agreements and Memorandums of Understanding. In this recent past China has become one of the major investment promotion partner of Sri Lanka by providing financial aids in some of Sri Lanka’s major development projects.

Having been able to enter in to eight key Memorandums of Understanding during the President’s current eight day visit can be named as a vital point in the years long diplomatic relations between China and Sri Lanka.

Yesterday the two countries entered in to the following Memorandums of Understanding,

01. Agreement on Economic and Technical Cooperation Grant Aid from China between Sri Lanka Foreign Affaire Minister Rohitha Bogollagama and Chinese Foreign Minister.

02.MoU on Urban development between Chinese Minister of Construction Vang Tao and Sri Lankan Minister of Urban Development and Sacred Area Development Dinesh Gunawardana.

03. MoU n Friendship between Hambanthota District and Guaugzhou Cit between Chinese Assistant Minister on Foreign Affaires Tian Kai and Sri Lankan Secretary of the Foreign Ministry Palitha Kohona.

04. MoU on Two-way investment Promotion between Chinese Director of Investment Agency Liu Ja Jun and the Secretary of the Treasuary Mr. P.B. Jayasundara.

05. Agreement on Cooperation between Film Industries Chinese Bureau Director Tong Gang and the Sri Lankan Ambassador in China Nihal Rodrigo.

06. MoU for Donation of Eye Corneas between DCE China Red Cross Society Jiang Yiman and President of Sri Lanka Eye Donation Society Hudson Silva.

07.MoU on Agriculture and Agriculture Mechanization between Chairman of the Chinese CAAMS Chen Zhi and Sri Lanka Secretary of Foreign Affaires Dr. Palitha Kohona.

08.MoU for Student Exchange between Kelaniya University and Beijing Foreign Studies University between the Chairman of the Beijing Foreign Studies University Hang Ping and the Sri Lankan Ambassador Nihal Rodrigo.

SL army guides displaced students back to school.

2007-02-28T19:38:00.000-08:00

More than 4000 students in Vakarai, who were displaced due to the brutal war created by LTTE in Sri Lanka, went back to school with the aid of Sri Lanka Army.

These students have been enrolled in to schools which have been specially opened for them under the security of Army. They are also providing transport for these students to and from Mankerni.

Secretariat for Coordinating the Peace Process (SCOPP) reports that around 4206 students have been displaced due to confrontations between the LTTE and the Security Force in Vakarai. Out of this number, around 2228 students from Vakarai have been assigned to these special schools.

These students have been provided facilities to attend classes from 1.30 p.m. onwards. Special classes have been organized for Senior Grade students. Teachers from Vakarai and 17 other teachers displaced from Muttur are now attached to these special schools to coach displaced students.

The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) has made arrangements to provide all the displaced students of Vakarai with uniforms and school equipment. According to the Director of Education in Vakarai, there is no shortage of text books in the area.

Meanwhile, students from un-cleared areas in Thoppigala who have also crossed over to Vakarai seeking security from the Security Forces have also been provided with temporary classroom facilities.

Though it is through them that the rights of the innocent Tamil children have been violated, LTTE is now ironically charging the Security Forces of disrupting the education of Tamil children in the North and East.

Today, out of the 80 schools in the Trincomalee division, 68 are functioning. 11 schools had remained closed since 1990. Students of these schools had been given alternative schools. Only St. Anthony's College at Kuchchaveli remained closed since 2006 for security reasons.

In the Kanthalai Education division, out of the 63 schools only 01 remains closed.

Contrary to widely held misconceptions, 102 out of the 114 schools in the Jaffna Education Zone continue to function. Only 12 schools remained closed temporarily. However the education authorities have allocated other schools for those children. The Union College despite being situated within the High Security Zone is open to students. It has become one of the most secure areas for school children to pursue their education without any hindrance.

It is also reported that around 70% of the students in LTTE active Kilinochchi had received government supplied free text books. However, the distribution of uniforms has been hampered due to obstacles placed by the LTTE.

Although the Government and the Security Forces have taken steps to restore normalcy and create a favourable environment for education in the North and East, the LTTE has not stopped its atrocities against children. They continue to abduct and forcibly conscript children to wage a war against Government Forces for the sake of Prabakaran's glory.

Thus, it is the LTTE who ruined the future of the innocent Tamil children in the north and east. They have simply robbed the innocence off these children and turned them into terrorists. Velupillai Prabakaran has to be held accountable for the atrocities against these children. The LTTE and those who support them have so far failed to realize that they are annihilating their own race in the process of this so called 'liberation struggle'.

President arrives in Beijing

2007-02-28T19:36:00.000-08:00

President Mahinda Rajapaksa and the Sri Lankan delegates, who left to China, arrived in Beijing at 6.30 a.m in local time, the special news reporter of the President Media unit report from Beijing.

The President and the delegates were cordially welcomed by Chinese Deputy Foreign Minister Shuwei Tian Khai.

The team of Lanka envoys includes representatives from tri-secretion sects, First Lady Shiranthi Rajapaksa, Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama, Minister of Petroleum A.H.M. Fawzie, Minister of Urban Development and Sacred Area Development Dinesh Gunawardana, Minister of Tourism Milinda Moragoda, Minister of Enterprise Development and Investment Promotion Sarath Amunugama, Minister of Cultural Affaires Mahinda Yapa Abewardana, Minister of Transport Dullas Alahaperuma, several other Ministers accompanied by Officials from Board of Investment (BOI) and Government Officials.

President and the delegates were marched off in a motor rally to the Diyotha Palace where the state heads are honoured.

It is reported that the President will donate the baby elephant ‘Migara’ born in Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage in Sri Lanka, to the zoo in Beijing.

FM explains Government’s view on peace to foreign ambassadors.

2007-02-06T23:09:00.000-08:00

Government’s view on the peace process was explained to the foreign ambassadors based in Sri Lanka yesterday by the Foreign Minister, Rohitha Bogollagama.

In this meeting which was held just hours after assuming duties at his ministry, with his predecessor, Minister Mangala Samaraweera, also in attendance.

Minister Bogollagama pointed out to the ambassadors that the Sri Lankan Government is looking for a negotiated settlement.

“We have not given up on the ultimate goal of peace. We are pursuing the goal of ensuring the LTTE gives up terrorism and become stakeholders to resolve the burning issue,” said Minister Bogollagama.

He added that with the consensus reached among several political parties in Sri Lanka, with the formation of an All Party Conference (APC), the country was in a strong position to address the national question and added that the ultimate resolution will be based on a Sri Lankan model.

“Once the proposals are put to the APC, a final solution will be reached,” Minister Bogollagama said.

The new Foreign Minister has a busy schedule ahead of him, with visits to the Maldives, China, Iran and the US, as part of his schedule for the next two months, while he is also expected to have one on one meeting with several diplomats in the country.

Government’s approach is realistic’- Mr. Reiichiro Takahashi.

2007-01-31T03:41:00.000-08:00

"The Government’s ten year development frame work, ‘Mahinda Chinthana’ is a realistic approach towards the implementation of stable economy in Sri Lanka," said Mr. Reiichiro Takahashi, the Deputy Director General of the International Economic cooperation Bureau, Ministry of Foreign Affaires, Government of Japan.

Mr. Takahashi in an exclusive interview with the Government Official website said that the Japanease Government is impressed by the contents of the ‘Mahinda Chinthana’- the vision for Sri Lanka, and its directness and it’s closeness to the reality were marked out by him as the key factures which he has identified.

"Government of Japan is impressed by the proactive approach taken by the Government of Sri Lanka in presenting this ambitious ten year development framework," he added.

According to Mr. Takahashi the comprehensive discussion carried out at the previous sessions and today’s presentation made by Dr. P.B. Jayasundara has made a positive impact upon the Japanese delegation in donating aid to make the Sri Lanka’s development framework a reality.

He added that the delegation had identified two major points which are important in carrying out this development framework. Those are the need of a policy consistency and the need of flexibility in the development frame work.

He explained further that if the development framework is to be successful, it has to be consistent to the period of time it is being implemented and it should be flexible to the situational changes and the demands of the citizens of the country.

He also said that as he explained in his keynote address in the inaugural ceremony, the Japanese Government is hopeful that the much needed peace will be implemented in Sri Lanka, which will be an asset in achieving the development goals of the ‘Mahinda Chinthana’.

He concluded that Japan as the oldest bi-literal development partner of Sri Lanka, is looking forward in extending their helping hand in the succession of the ‘Mahinda Chinthana’ in the future.

World Community applaudes Government policies to achieve development

2007-01-31T03:37:00.000-08:00

The Global community highly appreciated the Government's policies in developing the Sri Lankan economy and carrying the country towards prosperity.

Top-level delegates from development partners and financial institutions stated this view today at the inauguration of the second Development Forum of Sri Lanka, which is being held at the Light House Hotel, Galle.

"Sri Lanka's achievement in its development goals in this much of a higher level despite of the long lagging ethnic crisis should be highly appreciated since if these problems were solved, it would have easily reached towards its development goals" said Vice President of the Asian Development Bank, Mr. Liqun Jin addressing the distinguished gathering.

He further added that the President of Sri Lanka should be proud for its achievements in the past period of post tsunami rehabilitation process, which can be clearly seen through the successive rehabilitation of the Galle district.

Mr. Frederick Lyons, the United Nations Humanitarian/ Resident Secretary addressing the opening ceremony stated that UN system in Sri Lanka highly appreciate the ten-year development plan of the Sri Lankan Government and said that it is a great document, which carries the country towards the intended development goals.

The theme of the development Forum 2007 - 'Mahinda Chinthana' vision for a New Sri Lanka'- a ten year Development horizon framework for 2006- 2016. This document sets out medium term strategies of the government and will be discussed in detail between the delegates and the government officials.

The Government's policies which cater to the vexing problems which are attached to the ethnic crisis of the country were appreciated in the address of Mr. Robert O'Blake, the Ambassador for United States of America in Sri Lanka.

Ambassador Blake further added that the USA is very much impressed by the President Rajapaksa's approach towards establishing peace in Sri Lanka believing in a negotiated settlement to the ethnic crisis.

Japan, one of the four co-chairs ,stated that they are very impressed by the active development policies taken by the Government through its ten-year development framework 'Mahinda Chinthana'.

Mr. Shri Dinesh Kumar Jain the Additional Secretary (Economic Relations) Ministry of External Affairs of the Government of India stated that India is ready to go that extra mile along with the development of its neighbours.

He further explained many of the successful development ventures that were jointly operated by the two countries, are the best examples for the bi-literal relationship between the two neighbouring countries.

Sri Lanka's successive comeback after the destructive tsunami in the year 2004 was appreciated by the Vice President of the World Bank, Mr. Praful Patel in his address for the inauguration ceremony.

He added that the Government should find the correct path to development for which the World Bank is ready to support at each and every step.

Gathering of the forum will hold a detailed discussion on development projects based on the President Mahinda Rajapaksa's Presidential policy document, 'Mahinda Chinthana' and it's ten-year development strategy.

The first Development Forum was held in Kandy on 16th and 17th May 2005 and it was crucial for Sri Lanka since the post tsunami reconstruction and rehabilitation process and mid term- development strategies of Sri Lanka were reviewed in line with commitments for future assistance particularly for tsunami reconstruction.

The Development Forum 2007 will be held from 29 to 30 January .

Galle has been selected as the conference venue considering the fact that it is one of the worst hit districts in 2004 tsunami and one of the successful examples for the mega infrastructure projects, initiated so far.

SLA proceeds 1km from Vakarai repelling terror attacks.

2007-01-19T22:14:00.000-08:00

Sri Lanka Army (SLA) after their successful victory in Vakarai town, is currently repelling the terror attacks and has proceeded 1 km from the town in the process.

According to the latest reports from the security sources, the terrorists are currently firing mortar shells from north of Vakarai – Komathalamadu and Kadiraweli, 5 km and 10 km respectively from Vakarai town.

SLA yesterday successfully rescued the Vakarai town from the LTTE terrorists including the Vakarai hospital that was under siege since 17th January this year.

It is recorded that the LTTE terrorists have fled the town with a large number of casualties. They have also left behind much of their logistics.

Meanwhile, the civilians, who were so far trapped in the town of Vakarai, are being consolidated by the SLA.

These civilians are currently been helped out of their hiding places and taken to IDP camps until the town is restored back to resume normal civil life.

According to confirmed Military sources, yesterday the Tigers were firing artillery at the Army placing themselves in the vicinity of the Vakarai Hospital and using the civilians as a human shield.

The military success of clearing Vakarai of terrorists is considered a major setback to the LTTE because Vakarai is a significantly strategic coastal strip for the sea-tiger bases.

Since 1996 Vakarai- in the Eastern coastal part of the island between the cities of Trincomalee and Batticaloa, was under the control of LTTE.

The town has been experiencing various problems from the terrorists since 1996. However, it is from early October, 2006 Vakarai life was disturbed with a visible terrorist movement. Totally disrupting the civilian life, the terrorists began to convert the civilian populated areas into a battle compound. The terrorists forcibly occupied civilian homes and converted these into bunkers.

Troops thus launched a rescue mission in early November 2006 and since then were flushing away the terrorists from the area.

Indian investments an asset for Sri Lankan economy – Says investment minister

2007-01-19T21:22:00.000-08:00

Indian investments an asset for Sri Lankan economy said Minister of Enterprise Development and Investment Promotion, Rohitha Bogollagama.

Minister Bogallagama said this while addressing the second session of Partnership Summit.

Minister of Enterprise Development and Industrial Promotion is representing Sri Lanka at the Partnership Summit which is the flagship event of the Confederation of Indian industries (CCI)

Minister added that India has come a long way in the investment field and has been able to achieve a higher standard among the other competitors in the world. India has become one of the largest invest stake holders in Sri Lanka.

Direct Foreign agreement between India and Sri Lanka annually bring in positive benefits to the country while opening up new windows for investors to enter in to the Indian market and enlarge their profits through Sri Lanka.

Further addressing at the summit Minister Bogollagama said that in the year 2006 Sri Lanka was succeeded in earning 600 US Dollars through direct foreign investments and it has been a record of achievement more than the targeted goal.

This 13^th Partnership Summit is consisted of a 30 member delegation, which is led by Minister Bogollagama.

The Summit aims to build new partnerships and further strengthen existing partnerships between business entities, and will be held from the 17th – 19th of January in Bangalore, India. Prof. Lakshman R. Watawala – Chairman/Director General of the Board of Investment of Sri Lanka is a member of the Sri Lankan delegation.
The theme for this year’s summit is “Emergent India: New Roles and Responsibilities”. There will be over 25 business delegations from across the globe with 1000 strong delegations from India and 200 from other countries.

The Summit will also involve a high level networking platform which has attracted internationally acclaimed speakers from a number of countries. Among the key speakers will be UK’s Chancellor of the Exchequer – Gordon Brown, UK’s Secretary of State and and Industry Alistair Darling, WTO Director General Pascal Lamy, former Hungarian Prime Minister, Peter Medgyessey, Foreign Minister of Singapore George Yeo and Minister of Industry of France, Francois Loo.

The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) works to create and sustain an environment conducive to the growth of industry in India, partnering industry and government, through advisory and consultative processes.

CII is a non-government, not-for-profit, industry led and industry managed organisation, playing a proactive role in India’s development process. Founded over 111 years ago, it is India’s premier business association, with a direct membership of over 6300 organisations from the private as well as public sectors, including MNCs and CMEs, and an indirect membership of over 90,000 companies from around 336 national and regional associations.

Cabinet has not yet granted approval for the re-structuring of the BCC- Media Minister

2007-01-18T04:35:00.000-08:00

“Cabinet has not yet granted approval for the re-structuring of the BCC,” said the Minister of Mass Media and Information Anura Priyadharshana Yapa addressing the media today.

He added that though a memorandum has been submitted to the Cabinet regarding the issue, the cabinet is still considering the matter.

According to the Minister Yapa, the BCC has been facing a critical debt crisis in the recent past. The total debt of the company is Rs. 850 million.

In the mean time the company does not own enough any capital to modernize the equipment to yield a sufficient production to increase profits. He said that the loss from the production of soap has been 33%.

However, according to the Minister Yapa, the Government has made proposals to lease this BCC to a Malaysian Company for 30 year period with the aim of developing coconut oil based products.

Wings of Harmony.( This is a narrative i translated for a documentry for SL Army)

2007-01-18T00:17:00.000-08:00

Sri Lankan history provide ample evidence to prove that the citizen of North and South have lived in peace and fraternity for centuries. It is obvious that for the pilgrims in the history the journey from North to Katharagama and Adams Peak and from South to Nagadeepaya and Kandathodaya was a regular bustle.

All three, Hinduism, Buddhism, Christianity and Islamic religions do teach one doctrine; it is Peace, Harmony and Fraternity.

The civilian of Jaffna, who earned their living through agriculture, continues with it regardless of the melancholy tone of the artillery fire because of the accordance of the Security Forces. Even today, they earn a fruity harvest of Onions, Chili, Plantains, Carrot, Beetroot and Grapes.

Jaffna Town is repopulated thanks to the security measures taken by the Security forces. It had dawned to those civilians who are their true enemy. There is well organized transportation scheme which is at their door step. There is both government provided transport facilities and private buses operating in the town.

There are many islands surrounding the Jaffna peninsula. The civilians of these Kayts, Naynathiv, Mndathiv, Annathiv, Carthiv, Pulinthiv, Padangthiv always arrive to fulfill their various necessities. They are constantly provided with protection of the Sri Lanka Army and Navy.

The fishermen of the Jaffna do carry on their duty in the shallow sea. It is the Sri Lanka Navy provide the constant security to those fishermen who are at the risk of being attacked by the terrorists.

Security forces were able to shun the terrorists’ brutal attempt to starve their own ethnicity by closing the land gateway to the A9 route.

Essential goods are continuously provided by both land and air routes. All these tasks are fulfilled because of the hand of amorality extended by the security forces.

Security forces do conduct 25 welfare boutiques in Jaffna at the moment. Those boutiques provide consumer goods to the same amount they are sold in Colombo. Jaffna civilians welcome the security forces with flowering visages because they very well understand the invaluable service which is provided to them by these soldiers.

Security forces were also successful in destroying the terror plot of pampering the normal day to day life of the Tamil civilians by attacking the Muhamalai check point. It is because of the Navy that the Tamil civilians who were refuged in other places were able to return to their regions through sea routes. But Prabakaran, who continuously utters that he is the savior of the Tamil society, gave orders to attack the ships which were carrying his own clan. That is why the Tamil civilians question the LTTE’s genuineness in bringing liberty to them.

Army even conducts medical camps in Jaffna to look in to the malfunctions of the Jaffna general public. They are ready to destroy the roots of terror and certify the peace in Jaffna. Jaffna civilians through providing information, try to support the army in accomplishing this task. They really do need peace. From every child to the elder is the anticipation to live and die in honour.

A child generation who will receive the necessary education and achieves the mission in the future will be bared in the Jaffna soil. That is why while facing the threats of the LTTE leaders who send their children for higher education, the innocent civilians in Jaffna sends their children to face the exams and cement a concrete base for their future. The Security Head Quarters in Jaffna have taken every possible measure to lighten up their dark lives. It is this scarifies of the soldiers of the three forces in providing normalcy in Jaffna, that a day will arrive on where the lives of the Jaffna civilians are painted with the colours of peace and harmony. It is the joint hope uttered and mesmerized in the minds of every peace living citizen of Sri Lanka.

Hay guys this is a translation i did for the approching Independence day , (There is only some parts of the whole publication).

2007-01-18T00:12:00.000-08:00

Literature.
It is clear that the inaguaration of the literal works in Sri Lanka started with the arrival of Indian religious messengers. Writing down the Buddhist religion in the Sri Lankan local tongue instead of its original ‘Phali’ scripts marks the beginning of the Literatre in Sri Lanka. Though it is considered that theses mesenegrs wrote books which are commenly known as ‘Sinhalatta Katha’ those volumes are not found in Sri Lanka anymore. However, some quotations taken from these stories were found in another set of books which were written in tenth centaury. It is recorded that theses books wee preserved in ancient Buddhist temples and the teachers in the latter stage of the history had amended the original text by adding new parts to it. In the 5^thB.C these books were translated in to Phali by a Thero named, Buddhagosha. The translated version is even now popular as ‘Pali Attakatha’.

There are two historical tomes which have been written in 4^th and 5^th A.D. Those are ‘Dipawansaya’ and ‘Mahawansaya’. Those two tomes were based on the references made towards some manuscripts written in the language of the islanders. The ancient sinhala stories were also the source for some books which reveals the history of sacred goods. Other than that there are some reports in the chronicle that a range of Sri Lankan kings have been authoring books from the beginning of the 1^st A.D. There is also a list of 12 scholars who authored books in the sixth centaury.

Though we have not found out yet, it is the Sigiri Mirror Wall which contains the most ancient creative works written in Sinhala language. There are more than one thousand fivehundred graffiti in the Sigiri Mirror Wall. Most of the graffiti are written as poetry and some contains short prose. It is identified that a larger proposition of these graffiti were written in sixth and tenth centaury. Majority of the poets have taken the paintings of the Sigiri maidens as their theme in writing in the graffiti. Some even gives out the reflections made after being spell bounded by the beautiful scenery around the sigiriya rock. Though each and every one of these graffiti can not be considered to be having a literal value, there is of course some poetry which can be referred as poems which are at the peak of literal value.

Though there has not been any perseverance for the Sinhala books written in this era, an Epic named ‘Janakiharana’ written in Sanskrit in the seventh centaury has been preserved.

The most ancient book which was found to be written in Sinhala is ‘Dampiya Atuwa Gatapadaya’ authored by a Sinhalese King named ‘Debisewda Abaselamevan’ in tenth centaury. It is considered that this King Debisewda Abaselamevan is the King Kashyapa the fifth. It is a key point for the learners of Sinhala language and History learners. ‘Sikavaladha Ha Sikavaladha Vinisa’ is a Code of Conduct written in the same period. Even the ‘Heranasika Ha Heranasika Vinisa’ another Code of Conduct was written for the novice was also written in the same era. There has also been a literal master piece written in this era which provides evidence for the popularity of poetry and poetic works as a subject in ancient Sri Lanka. It is the ‘Siyabaslakara’ which was written as a translation of the glorification volume ‘Kavyadarsh’ which was written by the Indian scholar Thandi. Its translator is also considered to be a king. This translater who is connoted as ‘Salamevan Sen’ is considered to be King Sena the Fourth who reined Sri Lanka in the middle part of the tenth centaury.

We also come across some Sinhala and Phalli book written in the period of twelfth and thirteenth centaury. ‘Sasadawatha’, ‘Muvadevdawath’ and ‘Kavsilumina’, which are considered as ancient poetry volumes of Sri Lanka, have been written centering the Jathaka Katha and the Sanskrit Poetry style. This great sinhala poetry has been written a lucrative language style which was especially made to write these great epics. Among all these ‘Kavsilumina’ is considered as the pre-eminent poetic work of all time in Sinhala Literature. Most ancient prose works found in the history of Sinhala Literature are ‘Daharmapredipikawa’ and ‘Amawathura’ written by the scholar Gurulugomi, and ‘Buthsarana’ written by the literate Vidyachakravarthi. The volumes such as ‘Sidath Sagarava’ and ‘Elusadas Lakuna’ are still used as education materials in higher education institutions. Among the two books, the former is a Grammar Review while the latter deals with the concept of poetry writin in par with ….. These volumes include the names of the poetic volumes which we have not come across and quotations taken from those poetic works.

In the thirteenth and fourteenth centaury the authoring of the long prose and four versed poetry began. The ‘Saddharmarathnawaliya’ written by Dharmasena Thero and ‘Pujawaliya’ written by the head of the Mayurapada missionary can be considered as the initial poetry of the poetry in this era. The ‘Pansiya panas Jathaka potha’ which was written referring to ‘Jhathakattakathawa’ written in Phalli is considered as the root which modulated the sinhalise Buddhist lifestyle.

The ‘Mayura Sandeshaya’ and ‘Thisara Sandeshaya’ which were written in fourteenth centaury are considered as the earliest four stanza works in Sinhala Literature. These were written as epistles send to a God through a bird. There are several poetic volumes found in the fifteenth centaury which tagged on to the same poetic technique. The epistle poems which belong to this category are Parevi, Gira, Salalihini,Hansa, Kokila and Savol epistle poetry. Among the most prestigious poetic works found in the Sinhala Lierature, ‘Kavyashekeraya’ written in the Kotte period, ‘Guththila Kavya’ and the ‘Parakumba Siritha’, which were written as an eulogy for the King Parakumba the Sixth, do hold a eminent position. This golden period of the prestigious works in the history does come to an end with the dusk of the Kotte era. Thotagamuwe Sri Rahula Sangarajha Thero is considered as the most expert literate in this era. Among the well known literates in this era, Vidagama Thero and his pupils and Vaththave Thero hold key positions.Alagiyawanna Mukeweti who lived in the Sithawaka reign is considered to be the last matrix of this chain of prestigious poets. ‘Kusa Jathaka Kavya’ is considered as the best of his works.

The development in the literal work seen from the beginning of the Sri Lankan History and till the beginning of the eleventh centaury is based on the sponsorship provided by the King.

Among those literature loving kings Kashyapa v, Sena iv of the Anuradhapura era, Parakramabahu ii in the Dabadeni era and Parakumbaha vi in the Kotte era are well known. The chronicle also marks King Mugalan ii as a great literate. Even the King Buddhadasa, Parakramabahu iv and the Minister Devapathiraja who was in the cabinet of he king Parakramabahu ii have done great work in the upliftment of the Sinhala literature. There are evidences that the Manu scripting was considered as aspecial task which was gifted with allowances. The collapse of the development process of the Sinhala literature was caused by the invade of the Portuguese and the complexities aroused by their invention which extincted the educated monks. Even though there was a rise in the eighteenth centaury with the primacy of the Saranankara Sangaraja Thero, it was not enough to instigate the previous grandeur of the prestigious Sinhala literature. In the period which comprises of more than three hundred years, there are not volumes written by a scholar. From those armature literature works ‘Wessanthara Jathaka Kavya’ and “Yashodarawatha’ should be noted.

In the middle of the eighteenth centaury Dutch introduced printing technology to Sri Lanka. Preceding this event Portuguese have started translating stories in Bible to Sinhalese. Dutch who started the great task of translating Bible to Sinhalese went further in their mission by printing the Bible in Sinhala. In the nineteenth centaury English established few more presses in Sri Lanka. These presses published magazines, newspapers and English translations other than the Bible as a mean of evangelism. This allured the Sinhalese also to start their own presses and publish local publications. At the end of the centaury with the initiating of the Pirivens the ancient sinhala volumes were published. Sinhala Buddhists started authoring novals following the English tradition. It awoke them towards their independence. This marks the beginning of the modern Sinhala Lierature.

The pioneers of the modern Sinhala literature are Piyadasa Sirisena, W. A. Silva, Kumarathunga Munidasa, R. Thennekon, Martin Wickramasinghe, P.B. Senanayaka, Dr.Ediriveera Sarthchandra. They worked towards the enrichment of the sinhala literature by the help of the global literature. From the latter part of the nineteenth century centering Colombo and Jaffna a Tamil history was also inaugurated. Though it is being enriched by the South Indian literature and the world history, it is a great unfortune that Sinhala literates can not gain any use from it.

Education.

The regular education system of Sri Lanaka starts with the arrival of Indian evangelist. Before that it is recorded that distinguished used a special tutor to educate their children. These Brahmana tutors from India. It is clear that King Devanam Piyathissa was handed with the help of the Buddhist monks in establishing proper education system The Manahviharaya which centered the Mahamevna Park was centred in Buddhist teaching. According to the Phahiyan Thero who came to Sri Lanka in fifth centaury, there have been 3000 resident monks in the Mahaviharaya. At this era Abayagiriya and Jethawanya sects have also received a larger development. According to the Phahiyan Thero Abayagiriya was more expanded Education institute than the Mahaviharaya itself. According to the records of Phahiyan Thero there were about 5000 monks residing in the Abayagiriya. Among these monks there were tutors with kushashi knowledge in literal subjects. In later age Uththaramula and Kaparamula institutions were based on Abayagiri Education institute, gave out large community service to the education. ……………………………………………..It is obvious from the appointments of the educated scholars in advising the king about the matters concerning the religion. kIt is recorded that there had been institutions which educated the youth on succession of the worldly life. These institutions were also key figures in providing technology for the huge irrigational work and dagaba constructions. It is considered that there were institutions which did educate the women of the distinguished families on cookery and house hold chores.

The old Buddhist institutions were called ‘pirevan’. At first these pirivens were the places where the monks lived. …………………….. The converting of these institutions in to institutions which taught religious and worldly education is very well described in the epistle volumes of the fifteenth centaury. We also come across a term which refers to the education institutes as ‘palli’ in the ancient books. It is concluded that these palli’s were primary education institutes while pirivens were the higher education centers. The Ashtashthayana in the Anuradhapura era might have begun as pirivens and continued as Gurukula tradition. The most popular pirivens in the Sri Lankan history are Maurapada pirivena, Panchamula pirivena, prathidevaraja pirivena, vijayaba pirivena, Ghanananda pirivena, Mangala pirivena, padmavathi pirivena, sunethradevi pirivena and Dharmaraja pirivena. A famous institution in the Gadaladeniya era was Gadaladeni Viharaya. These institutions have been conducted continuously till the Kurunagala era and three of them have even continued till the Kotte era. Among the Pireven institutions which were highly popular in the Kotte era were Thotagamuve Siri Vijayaba Pirivena, Karagala Padmavathi Pirivena and Papiliyane Sunethra Maha Devi Pirivena do hold eminent positions. Among them the Thotagamuve Siri Vijayaba Pirivena has been an institution which gave shelter even to foreign students on carnal and religious education. According to the annotation found in the ‘Hansa Sandeshaya’ about the curriculum and the education level in the Karagala pirivena, it is clear that it had been an institution which held opposing doctrines against the Hindu and Vedic philosophy.

Due to the destructive behavior of the Portuguese and the internal crisis the traditional education procedure which was based on the Piriven education was collapsed at the eleventh century. Portuguese initiated their own school system in which the Portuguese clergy did the teaching while subjects such as Portuguese, Latin, Mathematics, psalmody and Catholic moress were taught. There had been two kinds of school systems initiated by the Portuguese. The schools which belonged to a parish of a chaplain were called ‘parish schools’ while the other schools were called Colleges. There have been colleges in Colombo, Jaffna and Halavatha. The term ‘palli’ which refers to the church in Sinhalese is believed to be established because these churches have been operating as education institutions.

Dutch who controlled the costal area of Sri Lanaka have also used education as mean of spreading Protestantism. They even began printing volumes as supportive equipment in fulfilling this task. The Dutch established a special committee named ‘ Scholachal committee’ to look in to the school administration. Besides lugging of the schools in the island nation Dutch have also carried on with a modus operandi of providing higher education in Dutch Universities for a selected group of students.

An invaluable service in rehabilitation of the local education was done by the Valivita Saranankara Thero and his pupils. However their attempt was not steady enough to compete with the high stakes of the Dutch in their school system.

The modern education system is a result of the actions taken by the British form their invade in 1796 towards the beginning of the 19^th centaury. At the governing age of Fredric North the British initiated schools under the guidance of the Rev. Cordiner, as a mean of converting the colonists in to the Catholism and practicing them on the Catholic moress. The ‘Colombo Academy’ was initiated as a result of this scheme. Starting from 1812 different schools belonging to religious sects such as Baptist, Wesleyan, Church Missionary and American Missionary were initiated. In the year 1831 in the Colebrook report the necessity of a National education process was emphasized. Accordingly in 1834 a special committee was appointed for the government school administration. As a turning point of the history of Sri Lankan education the initiation of the Colombo Academy and the Queens College which was an affiliated institute to the Calcutta University to provide the degree, can be marked out. Parallel to this process Girl’s schools and Teacher training institutes were also established. In 1841 Central School Committee was established because of the fruitlessness of the former School Committee. It has been identified that this new committee was centered in facilitating the English medium schools. The educational reforms introduced later in 1867 can be identified as the beginning of the modern education era in Sri Lanka. Under this reform the ‘Popular Education Department’ was established and later it was renamed as the “Education Department’ of Sri Lanka.

The establishment of the ‘Popular Education Department’ in the year 1869 can be named as the primer step taken to redeem the school education from religious administration. It also led to a state centered education process. Parallel to this the precursors of the National and Religious Independence movement, also inaugurated schools. In the 1838 the ‘Valane Buddhist School’ was established by the primacy of Valane Siddhartha Thero. The Rathmalana Paramadahmama Chethiya Piriven which was also established under the guidance of the above mentioned Thero, marks the origination of the modern Piriven Education system. In 1873 Maligakanda Vidyodaya Pirivena under the guidance of the Hikkaduwe Sri Sumangala Thero and Paliyagoda Vidyalankara Pirivena in year 1875 under the guidance of the Kalapaluvawe Dharmarama Thero were established marking this beginning. The first modern Buddhist school was established in 1886 at Colombo Port by the pioneers of the Buddhist palingenesis movement along with the ….It was this school which became to be known as ‘Ananda College’. In par with it the Tamil cultural activists, under the primacy of Mr. Arumuga Navalar began a Tamil school in Vannar Ponnei in 1872. In the year 1887 the Hindu College in Jaffna was initiated. The Sahira College in Colombo was initiated in the latter part of the 19^th century by the Muslim Community of Sri Lanka. These were the initial steps which guided towards the socioeconomic development of the country in the twentieth centaury.

The most prestigious turning point of the Sri Lankan Education history is the implementation of the Free Education Bill by the Minister C.W.W. Kannangara. Under that free education was granted from the grade one to the University level. This opened the door of higher education, which was limited to the rich, to the talented children of every echelon of the society. The most important step taken under this scheme was the establishment of one Central College per every electorate division in the country.

The governments take over of the private schools in the year 1961 is also another turning point in the history of Sri Lankan education. This task was accomplished through the establishment of the National Education Committee. Under that the necessity of an education system which responds to the local necessities as well as the universal standards was considered.

In 1921 Colombo University College was initiated. Later it was taken on as Ceylon University from the year 1942.With the aim of providing priority to the local culture and language, the two universities Vidyodaya and Vidyalankara were established in 1959. By this time the Technical College and the Teacher Training were also contributing immensely towards the Education system of Sri Lanka. The development of the national university system to a universally admired university system can be marked as the greatest tribute granted to the mammoth effort taken in the establishment of the education system in Sri Lanka.

Discussions between the President and opposition leader.

2007-01-16T04:11:00.000-08:00

A discussion was held between the President Mahinda Rajapaksa and the Opposition Leader Ranil Wickramasinghe was held today morning at the Presidential office.

The discussion was held in very cordial level and preceding discussion the Opposition Leader attended the meeting of the Governing body of the President Fund, which was chaired by the Prsident.

Technical College facilitating internally displaced youth in Puttalam

2007-01-12T04:16:00.000-08:00

A new Technical College will be built to facilitate the youth of the internally displaced communities living in the Puttalam district, Ministry of Resettlement reveals.

Resettlement Minister Rishard Bathurdeen said the Cabinet of Ministers had approved the project and that the Ministry had appointed a special committee to carry out this project funded by foreign aids.

Approximately five percent of the youth have been selected to the universities and the technical college would provide an advantage for their higher studies. According t the latest statistics there are more than 14,000 displaced persons in the Puttalam District, of whom 10,000 youth completed their Advance Level and Ordinary level exams.

Apart from the training college the Ministry is also planning to establish schools and needlework training centres too.

Minister Bathurdeen added that the training would provide overseas employment opportunities or assist for self-employment under the directive of the Ministry.

Amnesty Period for Army deserters

2007-01-12T04:13:00.000-08:00

Government has declared another amnesty period for Army deserters from January 20 to January 31of this year, Sri Lanka Army Headquarters stated in a media release.

Accordingly the Army personnel who deserted the service after December 31, 2003 are requested to take this opportunity and re-join to the service by reporting for duty at their respective Regiment Centres. Those who abandoned the service, while under basic army training since this date, should report at the respective training school.

At the time of reporting Army personnel should produce documents in proof of their identity.

They will be reinstated in the same ranks they held and are assured that they will not be subjected to any punishment for absconding.

The period of this amnesty will not be extended.

Italian Deputy FM congratulates President on successive effort in tsunami reconstruction.

2007-01-12T04:12:00.000-08:00

Italian Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Senator Gianni Vernetti yesterday congratulated the President Mahinda Rajapaksa on the successive efforts taken in the reconstruction in the tsunami aftermath.

Mr.Vernetti said after visiting many reconstruction projects in Peraliya, Thotagama, Akurala and Panadura undertaken by the Italian Governmental agencies and Italian Non Governmental Organisations, he was pleased to see that most of the projects were completed successfully on target.

President Rajapaksa thanked the Government and the people of Italy for their generous and prompt assistance provided in the immediate aftermath of the destruction caused by the tsunami.

"I am highly impressed of the complete and effective realisation in such a short time," he said.

President Rajapaksa briefed Mr.Vernetti on the Government's efforts towards formulating a framework for devolution and the effective role played by the All Party Conference (APC) in this regard.

He expressed his confidence that a comprehensive proposal would emerge towards this end shortly.

Briefing the visiting Deputy Minister on the current developments in Sri Lanka and the need for the security measures taken while pursuing a peace initiative, President Rajapaksa re-iterated the commitment of the Government to a negotiated settlement and regretted that despite all efforts of the Government to resume talks, the LTTE remain intransigent.

Mr.Vernetti appreciated the measures taken by the Government towards a political solution and emphasised the support of the Italian Government towards these measures.

At a press conference in the 'Villa Roma' yesterday, the Italian Deputy Minister appreciated that Sri Lankans are well received in Italy and the Sri Lankan expatriate community has well integrated into the mainstream.

He was of the view that people-to-people contact between the two countries should be further strengthened. The job quota for Sri Lankans would also be enhanced.

The Deputy Minister emphasised the importance of enhancing relations between the two countries by entering into mechanisms such as Memorandums of Understandings in the areas of economic cooperation, tourism, science and technology, Italian language teaching and the restoration of archaeological sites. A MoU on disaster management training for Sri Lankans in Italian universities would also be signed shortly.

President Rajapaksa while agreeing to the proposal said such initiatives should be pursued without delay. Senator Vernetti also called on Prime Minister Ratnasiri Wickramanayaka, Ministers Nimal Siripala de Silva and Mahinda Samarasinghe, Opposition Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe and TNA Parliamentarian V. Sambanthan.

Italian Deputy Foreign Minister Mr. Gianni Vernetti is in the island on a three day visit. He arrived in Sri Lanka on Tuesday.

Deputy FM will hold discussions with the President Mahinda Rajapaksa concerning the Oslo- led peace process of the country and international issues. The Sri Lankan government would explain Mr. Vernetti of the government's ongoing effort to end the conflict.

Mr. Vernetti visit to Sri Lanka resulted as a response to the request made by Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera.

Spiritual leader of Bohra Community to visit Sri Lanka.

2007-01-12T04:10:00.000-08:00

The spiritual and temporal leader of the world wide Bohra community, His Holiness Dr. Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin Saheb (TUS) is to visit Sri Lanka.

According to the governing body of Bohra community in Sri Lanka, Anjuman E Saifi (Sri Lanka) Trust, the visit of their leader will lay a great significance to our country and the Bohra community in Sri Lanka hence, his visit will fall on the month of Moharram which commences from January 18^th 2007, this month is considered a period of mourning commemorating the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (A.S) the grandson of the Holy Prophet Mohammed (S.A.W) and also marks the beginning of the Islamic New Year 1428.

His Holiness Dr. Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin Saheb is expected to arrive in Sri Lanka on or about 13^th 2007.And will be spending about 14 days in Sri Lanka.

It is reported that His Holiness Dr. Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin Saheb will be conducting daily religious discourses to his followers.

This occasion will be attended by the Bohara community which is about 30,000.

The Bohra leader is visiting Sri Lanka on an invitation extended by the President Mahinda Rajapaksa to conduct the religious discourses on this occasion.

Sigiriya Frescos;the surviving verdict for the marval of human criativity

2007-01-12T02:30:00.000-08:00

John Still, an English explorer in 1907 had observed that; "The whole face of the hill appears to have been a gigantic picture gallery... the largest picture in the world perhaps".

He was referring to the world famous frescos in Sri Lanka’s Rock fortress ‘Sigiriya’.

Sigiriya itself is a living marvel, which some even consider as the 8th wonder of the world.
itself is a living marvel, which some even consider as the 8th wonder of the world.

The 200 metres high Sigiriya consists of an ancient castle used by King Kassapa of 4th century A.D. The Sigiriya site consists of the remains of an upper palace sited on the flat top of the rock, a mid-level terrace that includes the Lion Gate, the mirror wall and last but not the least, the frescoes.

It is these frescos, which are considered as the most famous features of the Sigiriya complex. It does not only awaken the artistic sense of the visitors but also is a place, which visualizes the lost splendour and the grandeur of the ancient Sri Lankan dynasty.

The great tapestry of paintings at Sigiriya, the palace on the summit and the lion staircase, is all part of a complex ‘sign-language’ expressing royal power and ritual status.

These paintings also represent the earliest surviving examples of a Sri Lanka school of classical realism, already fully evolved by the 5th century, when these paintings had been made.

According to calculations the paintings belongs to the fifth-century A.D. It is found in a depression on the rock face more than 100 metres above ground level. Today if a visitor wants to reach to the paintings there is a modern spiral staircase.

It is believed that the paintings would have covered most of the western face of the rock, covering an area 140 meters long and 40 meters high. There are references in the graffiti to 500 ladies in these paintings. The remaining paintings are considered as the fragmentary survivals of an immense backdrop of that huge collection of paintings.

The painted band seems to have extended to the northeastern corner of the rock, covering thereby an area nearly 140 metres long and, at its widest, about 40 metres high.

In the surviving paintings it is depicted female figures preserved in two adjacent depressions in the rock-face known as ‘ Fresco Pocket A’ and ‘ Fresco Pocket B’ (three other depressions: ‘Fresco Pockets C, D and higher up the rock face, also contain patches of plaster & pigment and, in at least one instance, fragment of a painted figure). Traces of plaster and pigment elsewhere on the rock-face provide further evidence of the extent of the painted band. They represent apsaras or celestial nymphs, a common motif in the religious and royal art of Asia.

These figures of women are depicted as rising from clouds and are known as "the cloud damsels". They are depicted in three quarter profile. Shown in three quarter profile, the paintings have striking diversity in mood and personality, face and body, clothes and make-up. Flowers are used in profusion in their hair, in baskets and in various forms.

An important and largely unanswerable question is how the present figures related to the entire composition of the painted band extending across the rock-face. Their fragmentary nature and unusual dramatic location have led to the Sigiriya paintings being interpreted in a number of ways, sometimes quite fancifully.

The Sigiriya frescos have been the focus of considerable interest and attention in both ancient and modern times. The poems in the graffiti on the Mirror Wall, dating from about the sixth to the thirteenth or fourteenth century, are mostly addressed to the ladies in the painting, who seem also to have been studied and reproduced in the eighteenth century by the Kandyan artists who painted the Dambulla murals.

Antiquarian descriptions of the figures in the ‘fresco pocket’ date back to the 1830s. The first proper descriptions in the nineteenth century are based on the examination of the paintings by telescope.

The first person in modern times to find his way into the fresco pocket and come face to face with the paintings was an engineer named Murray of the Public Works Department. He made tracings, copied them in pastel and published a paper in 1891.

The first real study of the paintings, however, begins with the commencement of archaeological surveys at Sigiriya by Mr. H.C.P. Bell from 1894 onwards and the facsimile copies in oils made by Mr. Muhandiram D.A.L. Perera in 1896-7.

Of the proposals that deserve scholarly consideration, the three most important ones are those of Mr. Bell, Mr. Ananda Coomaraswamy and of Dr. Senerath Paranavitana.

Mr. Bell’s idea that they portray the ladies of Kasyapa’s court in a devotional procession to the shrine at Pidurangala – a rock in the vicinity with an ancient temple – is considered as purely an imaginative reconstruction and has no precedent in the artistic and social traditions of the region or the period.

It seems quite likely, however, that the court ladies and their costumes and ornaments provided models for the Sigiriya artists and that, as such, the paintings reflect the life and atmosphere, the ideals of beauty and the attitude to women, of the elite society of the time.

Dr. Paranavitana’s suggestion was that they represent Lightning Princesses (Vijju Kumari) and Cloud Damsels (Meghalata) is an interpretation at once more literary and sociological. It forms part of his elaborate hypothesis, which attempts to explain Sigiriya as an expression of the cult of divine royalty, the entire palace complex being a symbolic reconstruction of the abode of the God Kuvera.

While these identifications may seem to us today an over interpretation too specific to accept in its totality, deriving from Dr. Paranavitana’s attempt to see the Sigiriya palace and royal complex primarily as an expression of divine kingship, they do draw our attention to important sociological dimensions in the understanding of ancient works of art. There is no doubt that the spatial organization and symbolism of the Sigiriya complex is profoundly determined by the cult of the king and the ideology of kingship.

Mr. Coomaraswamy's identification of the Sigiriya women as Apsaras is in keeping with well-established South Asian traditions and is not only the simplest but also the most logical and acceptable interpretation. Recent studies have reinforced this idea, showing that apsaras are often represented in art and literature as celestial beings, who carried flowers and scattered them over kings and heroes as a celebration of victory and heroism.

We can say almost with certainty that the Sigiriya ladies are celestial nymphs, very similar in essence to their successors thirteen hundred years later in the ‘daughters of Mara’ panel from Dambulla, but it is also likely that they had more than one meaning and function: as expressions of royal grandeur and status and as artistic evocations of courtly life, with aesthetic and erotic dimensions.

Such an interpretation, with its varying levels of ambiguity, allows us to accommodate both Bell’s and Dr. Paranavitana’s suggestions at either end of a semi-logical spectrum. It also makes it possible for us to view the painted band at Sigiriya as a rare and early survival of a royal citrasala, or picture gallery, well known in Indian literature and implicit in the Culavamsa account of King Parakrmabahu’s palaces and audience halls at Polonnaruwa.

The style and authorship of the paintings have been controversial, a question as that of their identity. Early writers such as Bell, and even Coomaraswamy, saw them as extensions of the Central Indian School of Ajanta or of several related traditions such as those of Bagh or of Sittanvasal in South India. Bell even suggested that ‘artists trained in the same school possibly the same hands – executed both the Indian and Ceylon frescoes’. These were views expressed at time when very little was known of the extent and character of early Sri Lankan painting.

Mr. Benjamin Rowland was amongst the first to observe carefully the actual painterly technique at Sigiriya and to note in what specific way it differed from Ajanta and other sub continental traditions.

‘The Sigiriya paintings, outside of their exciting and intrinsic beauty, are perhaps most notable for the very freedom they show at a time when they were tending to become more and more frozen in the mould of rigid canons of beauty. The apsaras have a rich healthy flavour that in contrast almost makes the masterpieces of Indian art seem sallow and effete in contrast almost makes the masterpieces of more vigorous than that of the more sophisticated artists of India, so colours are bolder and more intense than the tonalities employed in the temples of the Deccan’ (Rowland 1938-84)

These insights have been pursued and reinforced by contemporary Sri Lankan scholars, who rightly argue that, while the Sri Lankan paintings belong to the same broad traditions of South Asian art as the various sub continental schools of the time, the specific character and historical continuity of the Sri Lankan tradition give it its own distinctive place in the art of the region.

Thus, the Sigiriya paintings represent the earliest surviving examples of a Sri Lankan school of classical realism and remain a living verdict for a legend that can evoke fascinating hallucinations in the viewers mind of King Kassapa escorting those pretty maidens, who even now encompass the ability to evoke estimable sentiments in our hearts.

Hansima Vitharanage