Sacrilege at a sacred site by Damitha Hemachandra

The battle between the past and present in Pottuvil is about to leave one of the most important archaeological sites of eastern Sri Lanka destroyed forever.

Muhudu Maha Viharaya, situated in the heart of Pottuvil, is believed to be the place where Princess Devi, the legendary mother of King Dutugemunu, is said to have landed at the kingdom of Ruhunu ending her journey from the Kelaniya kingdom. Historians and archaeologists have discovered numerous villages and places which claim a direct connection to Princess Devi. They say that she is known as Vihara Maha Devi due to her arriving at a temple.

Yet the historical facts are heavily clouded with myths and legends. The story based on the arrival of Princess Devi claims that she was first spotted at a village near Pottuvil but when the king arrived at the spot the craft carrying the princess had drifted to the ocean and the disappointed king questioned the villagers 'Ko Kumari?' which eventually gave the village its name 'Komari'. "Later the princess drifted ashore at Arugam Bay and the villagers told King Kawantissa that the princess had landed at 'Ara Gama' which later changed into 'Arugam', " a villager at Pottuvil explained.

Shasthrawela Viharaya situated in Pottuvil is believed to be Devi's school while Magul Maha Viharaya is said to be the place where Princess Vihara Maha Devi got married to King Kawantissa. Although the legend has it all explained, the story is yet to be backed by archaeological evidence. But veteran archaeologist, Ven. Ellawala Medhananda Thera, the only archaeologist to conduct research at the site, is convinced about its authenticity.

According to Ven. Medhananda Thera, the temple is one of the oldest temples in the country with its history dating back to the early Anuradhapura period.

He believes the temple to have been constructed by an early line of kings.

"The temple could be almost 2000 years old," he pointed out, while adding that the majority of the artifacts still lie under the sand . During the initial excavations nearly 100 stone pillars were discovered buried under the sand suggesting a large Buddhist monastery and a temple complex buried under the sands of time.

Most of these stone pillars are no longer on site and were sold as artifacts to foreigners and antique dealers while the chief incumbent of the temple, Kataragama Siriratana Thera, watched helpless.

"Although the Archaeological Department appointed a watcher, much harm is being done by him than good," the Ven. Thera pointed out. He said that the Archaeological Department authorities have not taken any step to stop the deliberate sacrilege unleashed on Muhudu Maha Viharaya.

These planned acts of vandalism began in the mid '90s when a leading politician of the SLMC bulldozed nearly 1000 years of a stupa in the temple, he pointed out.

"The stupa was strong proof that there was an age of temples and monasteries in the area and this politician who was planning to eliminate the traces of a temple, destroyed the stupa overnight leaving just a pile of bricks at the premises," said the Ven. Thera. The uninvestigated archaeological reservation, which surrounds the temple, amounts to 30 acres according to the gazette notification issued in 1965. "The majority of the temple's artifacts were discovered during a two year excavation initiated in 1960 and the area was gazetted as an archaeological reservation after the discovery of wide spread monasteries buried underground," said Sirirathana Thera.

However, the archeological reservation of the Muhudu Maha Viharaya has been diminished to a mere five acres today with planned and rapid encroachment by many Sri Lanka Muslim Congress MPs in the area, he pointed out. According to Sirirathana Thera, the encroachment started in the early 1980s when the East was a focal point of terrorism and violence.

"The chief incumbent and many priests living in the temple were forced to abandon the temple due to the rising violence," he said. On his return in the early '90s he found the temple land encroached upon.

"However, I did not complain since I did not want to deprive the encroachers of a living space," he said. But the dimension of the problem dawned upon the Ven. Thera when Muslim Congress MPs started distributing the temple land among more and more people and encroachment surrounded the archeological conservation left, right and centre.

The encroachers are using most of the invaluable artifacts for their home construction while destroying proof of a temple on site.

An encroacher who destroyed two statues at the statue house of the temple believed to be of King Kawantissa and Queen Devi later pleaded insanity and was released by the court on directions to follow a course of treatment. "This man was not insane and he is not following any treatment," Ven. Sirirathana Thera said adding that it was act vandalism. Meanwhile repeated complaints to the Department of Archaeology, Cultural Ministry and Ministry of Buddasasana have gone unheard or unattended.

According to the Department of Archaeology, the Ampara regional archaeological director has informed the main office that no such encroachment is taking place and authorities are negotiating with the incumbent Thera to give the temple another 30 acres with no archaeological value.

However, the Ministry of Cultural Affairs and Ministry of Buddasasana has initiated another inquiry against the chief incumbent of the temple on a complaint made by a former SLMC MP

In his letter to the authorities he had pointed that he is greatly distressed by the vandalistic acts of the monk in charge of the temple. He alleges that the Ven. Thera is selling the artifacts of the temple and is involved with drug dealing and smuggling.

The Pottuvil police have failed to find any evidence to back these allegations. The Ven. Thera has had several death threats since the '90s. A chat with the encroachers revealed that they had been 'planted' at the temple site which is close to Pottuvil town, from other areas. Many of them are Muslims and believe that the declaration of an archaeological reservation is just leaving good land wasted.

Many were eager to distance themselves from vandalism but felt that more temple land should be spared to built an access road to their homes. The unspoilt beach line behind the temple is becoming rapidly encroached thanks to the politicians.

An inhabitant of Peanut Farm, one of the few beach lines in Pottuvil, which still remains the same, told us the 'secret' behind the encroachment. According to him, two former ministers had tried to remove them (a small fisherman group) from their own lands in the forests of Peanut Farm on grounds of conservation "while we came to know that they were planning to sell the lands to a Korean hotelier." A lengthy court case has stopped the threats at Peanut Farm but the threat looms the same in Muhudu Maha Viharaya, where environment and history are at the mercy of political encroachers and
vandals.

A temple unlike any other by Damitha Hemachandra

It is a place where history was made when the daughter of King Kelanitissa, the ruler of the Kelaniya kingdom married the King of Rohana, King Kavantissa, which unified Sri Lanka.

Built to celebrate this union which changed the face of Sri Lankan history forever, Magul Maha Viharaya hosts many characteristics not found in many a temple.

Situated in Lahugala, amidst an elephant infested forest reserve of Lahugala Kithulana, Magul Maha Viharaya carries the look of a lost city hidden amidst the towering trees of the jungle.

The 200-acre archaeological site scattered with temple complexes and granaries sets it apart from any other temple.

According to the chief incumbent of the Magul Maha Viharaya, Ven. Hulannuge Ratanasara Thera, the temple had been home to 12,000 arahants some 2000 years ago.

According to him, the temple had been designed to serve the purpose of a monastery and a fortress where food, weapons and animals were kept in preparation for the Dutugemunu-Elara war.

Moreover, the temple complex itself consists of three courtyards, exterior, interior and centre.

The outer yard comprises a heavy stone wall with seven ponds which provided water to the temple. The interior was house to the bhikshus who inhabited the temple, while the central courtyard comprises of the main interests of the temple.

The image house with an unusual sandakadapahana where the mahout accompanies the elephant and a bodhi-ghara, which was originally the poruwa of Princess Maya and King Kavantissa, are the main attractions of the central courtyard.

The central courtyard or the vihara maluwa also comprises a vihara geya, with a statue of the Buddha sculptured in moonstones, and a dagoba, which is greatly tried by time and weather. The side entrances to the Vihara Maluwa stand upright while the main entrance is a pile of ruins today.

The story of Princess Maya and King Kavantissa is yet to be proved by archaeological evidence. The oldest archaeological evidence found in the form of a stone inscription states that the temple was constructed by King Datusena and was renovated by a second Vihara Maha Devi, who was the wife of Buwanakabahu 4 and Parakramabahu 5 during the 14th century.

" Although the historical importance of the temple was known to the authorities the Cultural Ministry and the Archaeological Department is yet to take strong steps to protect the site," said Ven. Ratanasara Thera, pointing to the rare sandakadapahana covered by earth.

While blaming the authorities for their inaction to preserve the artifacts the Thera also accused the authorities of hindering the development work at the temple site.

"We are not allowed to build or develop inside the archaeological reservation," he said adding that attempts to build a resting place for the pilgrims outside the reserve grounds too were not allowed by authorities.

The temple grounds are being encroached by farmers in Pottuvil who are searching for more farming land.

Ven. Ratanasara Thera, the last of five generations who were the guardians of the temple, seems to be fighting a losing battle with nature, authorities and encroachers.

Archaeological site in danger claim historians by Damitha Hemachandra

The archaeological site at Kuragala off Balangoda where a Muslim shrine popularly known as Jailani and also where ruins of a Buddhist monastery are located is in the midst of a dispute. The sheer negligence of the Archaeological Department and the provincial authorities was destroying the 2000-year-old Kuragala Monastery, claimed historians and archaeologists. Kuragala, which was known as 'Thandulayia Pabbatha' was a Buddhist monastery built in the second century BC, claimed archaeologist Ven. Ellawala Medhananda Thera. "The Brahmin rock inscriptions in these caves indicate that two princes had first built this monastery and it had evolved into a Buddhist temple and monastery system in the 16th Century AC," Ven. Medhananda said. The 33 acre archaeological conservation site still consists of an old Stupa, cave systems, remains of temple buildings while a 450 metre road leads to further ruins. Legend connects the Kuragala monastery with the mythical King Ravana, while it is also claimed to be Divaguhava, where Lord Buddha spent the noontime after establishing his footprint at Adams' Peak. The All Ceylon Buddhist Conference (ACBC) alleged that the Muslim community living around the temple had encroached into the archaeological conservation during the past decade. According to historian Matugama Seneviruwan the community had built two mosques within the conservation, claiming the grounds held religious importance to them. "They had built a mosque destroying two caves, which are of historical importance while the stone inscriptions, which are some of the oldest Brahmin inscriptions in the country, had been covered with cement and concrete," he said. The Secretary of The Lanka Buddhist Conservation Council of the Asgiri Chapter Ven. Meddagama Dammananda Thera alleged that the Bhikku, who was in charge of the temple had fled in face of violence and threats from encroachers. Meanwhile Ven. Medhananda Thera denied claims of the monastery holding Islamic roots while adding that the Archaeology Department was evading its duty by failing to take action on illegal encroachments and constructions within the archaeological conservation.

National Patriotic Movement volunteers to assist in conserving ancient Abhayagiri Dagoba by Athula Bandara

The National Patriotic Movement (Desha Hithaishi Vyaparaya) has volunteered to assist in the conservation of the ancient Abhayagiri Dagoba, a project undertaken by the Central Cultural Fund.

A shramadana campaign organised by the National Patriotic Movement was conducted throughout Wednesday.

A large number of activists including Venerable Elle Gunawansa Thera, Dr. Gunadasa Samarasekera, Cyril Wickremage, Piyal Parakrama, lecturer Sena Nanayakkara and N. Karunaratne participated in the shramadana campaign together with more than one hundred trainees from the Lakwiru Sevana disabled war heroes vocational training centre.

They assisted the employees of the Central Cultural Fund and the youth of the National Youth Services Council who are engaged in the Abhayagiriya conservation project.

In addition to the shramadana campaign, a health clinic was also held by the National Patriotic Movement in which free treatment was afforded to a large number of persons, including the employees at the project. At the inauguration of the shramadana campaign Ven. Elle Gunawansa Thera said that every one should contribute to the preservation of Abhayagiri Dagoba as it is a need of the day.

The Thera appealed to the devotees who come to Abhayagiriya to bring clay from ant hills and tile powder, as much as possible because according to the officers of the project they are required for the preservation work of the Abhayagiri Dagoba.

The Thera added that the new Minister of Cultural Affairs intends to complete the project within two years and the National Patriotic Movement has decided to make contributions whenever possible.

'Sinthathirai Maatha' feast celebrated in Kayts by S. B. David

The Shrine of Our Lady of Good Voyage is situated in a village called Chatty in Vellanai, Kayts, in the Jaffna. diocese. It is said a Portuguese vessel lost its direction in the Indian Ocean and found it difficult to reach the shore. The Captain of the vessel a firm, believer of Blessed Virgin Mary carried a statue of Blessed Virgin Mary on board and he prayed for their safety and by the miraculous act of Blessed Virgin Mary the ship and its crew safely reached the shores at Chatty.

History records that they took possession of the place and built a fortress in Chatty with a chapel inside and placed the miraculous statue of Mother Mary which was with them on board and venerated her with much piety and devotion and propagated her devotion among the inhabitants.

During Portuguese regime the developments in the area created Vellanai to be a Town and Chatty became the centre of commercial activities with a harbour and many Catholics from other parts of the island settled in Chatty for employment.

Portuguese missionaries came to Jaffna in 1544 to propagate Christianity and built few churches in the peninsula and the church built at Chatty was dedicated to Our Lady of Good Voyage. During the Dutch rule in Ceylon they destroyed all places of worship and churches built by the Portuguese and persecuted the Catholics.

It is believed when the vandals burnt this church the Catholics of the area removed the miraculous statue of Mother Mary and hid it inside a nearby well for safety. After a long period of abandonment a devotee learnt in her dream the presence of the miraculous statue of our Lady of Good Voyage inside the well and informed the other faithful about her dream. By an act of grace they found the statue inside the well and with the help of the other villagers erected a cadjan shelter for worship and placed this statue of Mother Mary and venerated her with piety and homage. The Catholics around the neighbouring villages learnt the presences of the miraculous statue and flocked to pay their homage and devotion Rev Fr. Antony who was much respected with reverence for his religious activities maintained this church with the help of his aide Manuel and conducted Holy Mass and other services to propagate Blessed Virgin’s devotion.

Late Rt. Rev. Dr. Gyomar, the then Bishop of Jaffna rebuild the Chatty church in 1928 with the help of devotees and well wishers near the unique well where the statue was found. The depth of this well cannot be traced and it never goes dry even though bowsers of waters drawn out and distributed for drinking purposes throughout Lyden. Parish Priest was appointed to look after churches at Allaipiddy, Mandaithivu and Chatty.

The late Bishop of Jaffna Rt. Rev. Dr. Emilianus Pillai realizing the accommodation inside the church was inadequate for the congregation during festivals built an extension porch attached to the main entrance with an altar to conduct services.

Opening on to the yard making it possible for the large crow to follow the Holy Mass and services.

Late Rt. Rev. Dr. Deogupillai, Bishop of Jaffna Shepherd with dynamic vision believer in Mother Mary’s protection in all difficulties, propagated her devotion in all the parishes proclaiming Blessed Virgin Mary as the Mother of Refuge and Security when the Catholics were disturbed in their faith by the demands of the situation which prevailed in the country and inspired the Catholics to sustain their faith in Mother Mary.

Present Bishop of Jaffna Rt. Rev. Dr. Savundranayagam son of the soil a believer in Mother Mary followed firm his predecessors in propagating the manifestation of Virgin Mary. He restored the damage caused by the ethnic violence and built huts, water tanks, rosary shops and also provided welfare facilities for the convenience of the devotees and pilgrims who flocked the shrine throughout the year.

The Church of our Lady of Good Voyage is dedicated as a shrine for the pilgrims in the Jaffna diocese with a resident Parish Priest with public transport up to the shrine.

The environment with soft sand calm sea with shallow water and palmyrah palms around enable the pilgrims to spend more days in prayer and relaxation.

Our Lady of Good Voyage is called in Tamil "Sinthathirai Maatha" The statue portrays Blessed Virgin Mary having child Jesus on one hand and a ship on the other. Blessed Mother of Good Voyage is popularly known as the Mother and Protector of Navigators and many invoke her for their safe voyage. The miraculous statue which was treasured and venerated by our ancestors can be seen majestically adorned in gold and placed on a beautifully decorated altar inside the newly renovated church.

The feast of our Lady of Good Voyage "Chatty Sinthathirai Maatha was celebrated an on 24th September or the previous Sunday in a glamorous and jubilant atmosphere.Devotees from all over the island flocked to the shrine during the feast and invoked her blessings. After nine days of vespers and devotions the feast culminate on the tenth day with solemn festive High Mass celebrations.

After the mass the statue of our Lady of Good Voyage was placed on a gaily decorated chariot and taken round the church in a colourful procession with devotes singing Veruththam in Tamil and reciting players. On its return to the shrine is the final act of prayer a very touching prayer recited by all with wet eyes for all the favors and blessings received through her intercession. The feast ends with the final blessing with the miraculous statue making it the biggest festival of the parish.

President: Protect our cultural heritage by Dasun Edirisinghe

President Chandrika Kumaratunga, at the occasion of the ceremonial handing over of the Dutch Reformed Church in Galle Fort, said we must contribute to protecting our cultural heritage as in other countries in the world. After the formation of the Central Cultural Fund, we successfully completed the Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa and Sigiriya cultural sites, she said.

The government of the Netherlands funded the renovation of the Dutch Reformed Church. "They have made a significant contribution to enriching Sri Lanka’s cultural heritage, specially in the field of architecture. They spent 14 million rupees on this renovation.

I must thank the Netherlands government for their contribution to protecting and conserving our cultural heritage. I also thank Susan Blankhart, the Netherlands ambassador, for her efforts in making this venture a success," the president added.

Deputy Minister of Cultural Affairs and National Heritage Samantha Vidyarathna addressing the ceremony said there were two cultural heritages in Sri Lanka, one of our own history and one received from foreign countries.

"We have contributed to protecting the whole cultural heritage, not only the Buddhist," Mr. Vidayarathna said.

For the past four centuries the Dutch-Sri Lanka alliance has had profound effects on the social, cultural, religious, economic and political spheres of this country, Susan Blankhart said. She also said that Sri Lanka has the best collections of Dutch fortifications and one of the most tangible and outstanding features of our mutual heritage is Galle Fort and the Dutch Reformed Church. "We started a joint programme to renovate the Dutch Reformed Church in Galle in the year 2000, financed by the Dutch Cultural Fund.

Now this mission is completed and I wish to pay tribute to all people both in Sri Lanka and the Netherlands who have contributed to this endeavour," She said. The new training project for Sri Lankan archaeologists will be finalised this year, at a cost of 66 million rupees, funded by the Netherlands government, Blankhart added.

Wajira Abeywardana, MP for Galle district, Kingsly T. Wickramaratne, governor Southern Province, Shan Wijayalal de Silva, chief minister Southern Province, parliamentarians and Southern Provincial Council members were present at the ceremony.