Adam’s Peak: the mountain of the Sacred Foot Print

Adam’s Peak: the mountain of the Sacred Foot Print

Prof. W. I. SIRIWEERA

The Mountain known as Sri Pada Kanda (the mountain of the Sacred Foot Print), Samantha Kutha (the domain of God Saman), Samanala Kanda (Butterfly mountain) and Adam’s Peak located 40 Kilometres North East of Ratnapura is 2,244 metres in height and is Sri Lanka’s fourth highest mountain. Being the main watershed of the island, it is the principle source of four main rivers including the largest; the Mahaweli.

The sanctity of the mountain has been held aloft by adherents of Buddhism, Islam, Christianity and Hinduism. According to the Mahavamsa when the Buddha visited Kelaniya on the eighth year of enlightenment, went to this particular mountain on the invitation of God Saman and left his foot print on the Summit.

Sri Pada Kanda (the mountain of the Sacred Foot Print)

However, it was only from about the 11th Century A. D that the cult of Sri Pada or Sacred Foot print has gained popularity among the Buddhists. Why the summit remained obscure for so long, and why Buddhists did not pay attention to it earlier, cannot be explained with any degree of certainty. The questions such as who covered the ‘Foot Print’ with a larger than life size copy and a concrete slab, and when was it done, also remain unexplained.

Worship by Muslims

Nevertheless some Sinhala Buddhist rulers extensively patronized the Foot Print from the time of Vijayabahu I (1070-1110) of Polonnaruwa. The Mahavamsa states that he granted the village called Gilimale (presently in the Kuruvita Korale of the Ratnapura District) for dispensing of gifts to people who trod the difficult road to worship the Foot Print.

The Ambagamuva inscription while recording grants of Vijayabahu I, specifically refers to improvements made by him to the platforms of pilgrims on the summit. Nissankamalla (1187-1196) and Parakramabahu II (1236-1270) too went on pilgrimage to Samanthakutha and extended their patronage by grants of lands and villages to the shrine.

The increasing interest shown in Sri Pada by Sinhala Buddhists can be gleaned by the Pali text Samanthakutha Vannana written by Ven. Vedeha in the 13th century.

It was in or around the 9th century that Samantha Kutha became associated with the first spot on earth where Adams set foot when he was driven out of paradise. The Muslims who consider Adams as their forefather, popularized the term Adams Peak around this time. The term was used for the very first time by Sulaiman, an Arab trader and explorer who visited Sri Lanka in 850 AD.

When Samanthakutha became Adam’s Peak, gem seeking Muslim traders turned out to be pilgrims too and ingratiated themselves to the Sinhalese who were always tolerant in spiritual matters. They could pay homage to the sacred Foot Print and acquire the gems of profitable international circulation on their return.

A fragmentary Arabic inscription datable to the thirteenth century which states ‘Muhammed may God Bless him… the Father of Mankind’ has been found in the Bhagava Lena, a cave about 100 feet below the summit of Adam’s Peak.

It is written by the side of an earlier Sinhala inscription of Nissankamalla granting land to the Shrine. Both these inscriptions indited in the same cave are testimony to the spirit of religious harmony between Buddhist Sinhalese and the Islamic Muslims.

Ibn Batuta on his journeys in Sri Lanka, in 1344 ascended the holy mountain and his itinerary testify to the fact that a considerable number of Muslims had gone on pilgrimage to Adam’s peak during and prior to his time.

According to him one of the ten iron chains fixed for ascending the summit was called the ‘chain of the Muslims’. The Italian traveller Marco Polo too has commented on the chains which facilitated the ascent.

The Christians also believe that the footprints are in the place where Adams set foot on earth after being exiled from Eden. Father Marignolli who arrived by ship at the port of Perivills (Beruwala) on his way to China in the 14th century states that “when Adams was expelled an angel took him by the arm and set him down…” and he descended at the most famous mountain of Sri Lanka. On the other hand the Hindus consider the Foot Print to be that of God Shiva (Sivan Adipadhan).

Roads network

Roads leading to Adam’s Peak in historical times had been tracks or foothpaths but in and after the twelfth century certain stretches of these roads gradually developed, so that ox wagons and carriages drawn by horses could pass along those stretches. The Mahavamsa attests that there were three pilgrims routes to Samantha Kutha in the reign of Vijayabahu I. The first was through Gilimale and the second, the Rajarata Road, was via Kadaligama, present Kehelgamuwa near Ginigathhena. The third was from Huva or Uva, which was used by pilgrims coming from the Ruhuna region.

Certain stretches of these roads were improved from time to time. During the reign of Parakramabahu II, the Minister Devappatiraja improved the road from Gangasiri Pura (Gampola) to Bodhitale or Botale. At Botale he built a bridge of 35 cubits (riyan) in length and proceeded to Kanamadiri Oya, where a bridge of 30 cubuits in length was built at Ulapane. Devappatiraja also built a bridge of 35 cubits in length at Ambagamuva. Some of these roads and bridges were further developed during the era of Gampola and Kandyan Kings.

Several of the Kandyan kings such as Vikramabahu, Vimaladharmasuriya, Narendrasinghe, Vijaya Rajasinghe and Kirti Sri Rajasinghe had gone on pilgrimage to Samantakutha and had extended their patronage to the sacred precincts. During this period and after, Sri Pada increasingly became important. Therefore at times the position of the High Priest of Sri Pada was held by most eminent bhikkhus in the island such as Hikkaduwe Sri Sumangala (from 1871 to 1911) and Morontuduwe Sri Dhammananda (from 1954 to 1970).

Even in the recent past, the state has patronized the Sri Pada by various donations. Its properties are managed by a lay trustee nominated by the High Priest and under the control of the Public Trustee. Pilgrims from all over the country who visit the Peak during the season; January to April, too contribute in their own way to upkeep the roads and the sacred precincts in a good condition.

Underwater giant on the brink

Underwater giant on the brink

www.dailymirror.lk

Background

The leatherback turtle has survived for more than a hundred million years, but is now facing extinction. Recent estimates of numbers show that this species is declining precipitously throughout its range, particularly in the Pacific over the last twenty years: as few as 2,300 adult females now remain making the Pacific leatherback the world's most endangered marine turtle population.

Although Atlantic populations are rather more stable, models predict that they, too, will decline due to the large numbers of adults being killed accidentally by fishing fleets. In the Atlantic, the fact that they are widely distributed during the migration process and that they do not dive very deep increase the risk of interaction of leatherback turtles with longline fisheries.

WWF is working to conserve leatherback turtles and their habitats in Central and South America, and the western Pacific through concerted pan-Pacific and trans-Atlantic approaches that aim to protect critical nesting beaches and migratory pathways. This is being achieved by:

• protecting nesting beaches and nearshore habitats by establishing and strengthening sanctuaries and wildlife refuges;
• raising awareness so that local communities will protect turtles and their nests;
• promoting regional agreements to conserve marine turtles;
• reducing longline bycatch through promoting and facilitating gear modification, using new migration and genetics information to develop and trial management measures and ensuring that any traditional take is sustainable.

Physical Description

The leatherback turtle is the largest marine turtle and one of the largest living reptiles. Leatherbacks are one of the most migratory of all marine turtle species, making both trans-Atlantic and trans-Pacific crossings. They are easily distinguished by their carapace, which is leathery, not hard as in other turtles, and by their long front flippers.

Leatherbacks have a unique system of blood supply to their bones and cartilage. This enables their body temperature to stay several degrees above the water temperature and allows them to tolerate cold water, rather like a mammal. They can dive to depths of up to 1,200m, much deeper than any other marine turtle.

Recent DNA analysis confirms that Atlantic and Pacific populations are genetically distinct lineages of a single species. In turn, nesting Pacific leatherback populations are separated into two genetically distinct populations (eastern and western populations).

A leatherback was recorded to have descended to a maximum depth of 1,230 metres, which represents the deepest dive ever recorded for a reptile.

Range States

Albania, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Aruba, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Brazil, Cayman Islands, China, Colombia, The Democratic Republic of Congo, Costa Rica, Cuba, Cote d'Ivoire, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Eritrea, Fiji, Fench Guiana, Ghana, Grenada, Guadeloupe, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, India, Indonesia, Jamaica, Liberia, Malaysia, Martinique, Mexico, Montserrat, Mozambique, Myanmar, Netherlands Antilles, Nicaragua, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Puerto Rico, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Senegal, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Suriname, Taiwan, Thailand, Togo, Trinidad and Tobago, Turks and Caicos Islands, United States, Venezuela, Virgin Islands, British Virgin Islands, U.S.

Ecological Region

Mediterranean Sea, Northeast Atlantic Shelf Marine, Southern Australian Marine, Benguela Current, Humboldt Current, Agulhas Current, Western Australia Marine, Gulf of California, Canary Current, Sulu-Sulawesi Seas, Bismarck-Solomon Seas, Banda-Flores Sea, Great Barrier Reef, Palau Marine, Andaman Sea, East African Marine, West Madagascar Marine, Mesoamerican Caribbean Reef, Southern Caribbean Sea, Northeast Brazil Shelf Marine.

Why is this species important?

As a major jellyfish predator, the leatherback turtle provides natural ecological control of jellyfish populations. Overabundance of jellyfish may reduce fish populations as jellyfish can feed on fish larvae and reduce population growth of commercially important fish. Hence, the presence of leatherback turtles benefits fish, fisheries and people.

Interesting Facts

The biggest ever recorded leatherback turtle was a male stranded on a Welsh beach that reached 256 cm long and weighed 916 kg.

The symbol of Sri Lankan Independence

National flag :

The symbol of Independence

by Rupa Banduwardena

http://www.sundayobserver.lk/

The national flag or Sinha Kodiya continues to flutter in homes, shops, schools, temples, churches and other institutions to mark the Independence of our paradise isle, especially after the dawn of peace after three decades of turmoil, conflict and confusion. The national flag was flown high on Friday in every nook and corner of Sri Lanka as a symbol of true freedom.

The significance of the flag was truly felt on this landmark day. The national flag showed the pride of freedom with the people of Sri Lanka. When the first Parliament was inaugurated, the Duke of Gloucester represented his brother King George VI of Britain and together with the Dutchess were welcomed, at a royal ceremony, at the Independence Square.

At the proceedings, when the Duke read out the message, to officially declare Lanka’s Independence, the first Prime Minister of Independent Sri Lanka D.S. Senanayake hoisted the national flag which flew at high mast amidst the blue sky, bringing tears of joy to those who watched the lion flag flutter with a deep sense of pride and patriotism.

The historic first Independence Day celebrations is the first occasion when the nation saluted, honoured and venerated the national flag which stood as a monument of true freedom. The Lion flag which had been used by the early royalty of Lanka went up majestically on the flagstaff at Independence Square, signifying the independence of yet another worthy crown colony of the Imperial Regime.

It was also hoisted at the Dalada Maligawa Octagon by the then Prime Minister and a special perahera had been organised to mark the occasion. The royal visitors too were present at the special function held, thus the national flag flew high in Kandy too (the last bastion to fall) amidst the sounds of Magul Bera and the chanting of Seth Pirith to invoke blessings on the country.

Origin and history

The Vijaya episode has been the beginning of Lankan history. When Vijaya, banished from his native land, arrived in Sri Lanka in 486 BC at Tambapanni, he planted on the sea-shore a flag with a symbol of a lion on it. Ever since, this symbol had played a vital role throughout the history of Sri Lanka.

According to ancient chronicles, it had been widely used by the subsequent kings as a symbol of freedom, unity and harmony.

Brisk sales for the national flag close to Independence Day

E.W. Perera, a prominent figure in the freedom struggle, states in his book that the three lions on the gateway of Sanchi Stupa have been identified as the royal arms of Ceylon. The arch depicts the despatch of the Bo tree to then Ceylon and the symbols on either side depict the royal flags of Asoka and Devanampiyatissa. Even the Mahavihara, the Buddhist Monastery at Anuradhapura, was laid out in the shape of a lion.

The Lion flag is considered the oldest national flag in the world. Historically the lion flag of King Dutugemunu is said to be illustrated in Cave 2 of Rangiri Dambulu Vihara which is supported by Professor Anuradha Seneviratna in his book on the subject. It is said that Dutugemunu’s flag has a lion and the sun and moon symbols. The flag of the kings of Kotte is said to have had a lion. The Perakumba Siritha composed during this period describes the flag with the lion fluttering on the Northern ramparts, used by King Parakramabahu of Kotte.

E.W. Perera states in his book that an ola manuscript records that a banner bearing the symbol of a lion holding a sword in the right paw was the flag of Sri Wickrema Rajasinghe, the last king to rule the Kandyan Kingdom, before it came under British rule. In 1815, they replaced the Lion flag with the Union Jack as the national flag of Sri Lanka.

Sakyamuni Siddhartha Gautama Buddha, 2,600 years ago, had referred to the use of flags in the Dhajagga Sutta and it is of very special significance to Buddhists. The flag is the identity of a nation, country and a kingdom. The flag is the reflection of a national and cultural adaptation in its true perspective.

An ancient lion flag

The flag of King Dutugemunu

Kandy (Udapas Rata) kingdom flag (1515-1597)

The 18th Century flag of Kandyan kings

Flag of the Kotte Kingdom

An old Lion flag

“National sentiments are borne out in the flag. History reports that the king was taken prisoner and deported to Vellore in South India, the Lion flag was taken to England and kept at the Royal Military Hospital in Chelsea. E.W. Perera among the galaxy of national leaders, who were at the helm in the quest for freedom had discovered the original lion flag at Chelsea. This was displayed in a special edition of the Dinamina and this focused the attention of the entire nation. Unaware of the former as to its actual design they were in great anxiety to see the present flag.

The true national flag

The national flag of Sri Lanka was designed on the recommendations of D.S. Senanayake, the Father of the Nation and the first Prime Minister. This masterpiece in national tradition is unmatched and is sacred to the entire nation. The national glory and culture is embodied very clearly. Each feature has its own distinctive meaning and significance. The brilliant crimson in the background indicates immortality. The gold border running right round represent the Sangha who motivated and guided the royalty. The four gold Bo leaves, at the four corners of the background depict Metta, Karuna, Muditha and Upekkha - the four noble qualities to be developed by humanity. The two equal vertical stripes in saffron and green represent the Tamil and Muslim communities.

The picture of a lion in gold in the centre reflects the strength of the nation while the gold sword held by the lion symbolises righteous rule, justice and fairplay to all, heralding a time of peace and harmony, for the welfare of all beings.

Our national flag is a symbol of Sri Lanka and its people. In short it has a message for each citizen. Our original flag has seen many changes over the years. History says that at one time, the royal flag had a red lion holding a sword in the right paw on a white background.

However, regardless of the colours of the lion or the background, the lion has adorned the flags of the kings of Lanka for over 20 centuries and still continues to be the symbol of the national flag of Independent Sri Lanka.

The existing flag since the dawn of independence is respected, honoured and held in high esteem by every citizen of Sri Lanka. Hence, it is revered in the country. With the passage of time, people have become the rightful owners of the national flag - the 2,000-year-old Lion flag belonging to a heroic, fearless and duty-conscious people of Sri Lanka. It is a genuine symbol of unity.

Travel time from Colombo-Matara to be reduced

Travel time from Colombo-Matara to be reduced:

Highway to the future opens in July

By Shirajiv SIRIMANE

A stretch of the completed highway

Work in progress

A section of the highway

P. H. Premasiri

Sri Lanka will move a step closer to becoming the "Wonder of Asia" during the last week of July when the country's first toll highway opens from Colombo to Galle.

Over 85 percent of the construction of this mammoth development project, which cost Rs. 100 billion, has now been completed. "We are confident that we can open the first stage by the end of July," said Chairman Southern Transport Development Project (STDP) P. H. Premasiri.

The highway from Colombo would start from Kottawa and end at Pinnaduwa, Galle covering a distance of 100 kilometres.

"When completed, it will reduce the time taken to travel from Colombo to Matara to one and a half hours from the current four hours," he said. A motorist would be able to travel to Galle in one hour.

The third stage of the project would connect the highway with the proposed Hambantota International Airport and the harbour. This would extend the highway by another 100 km (62 miles). A person travelling from the new airport in Hambantota would reach Colombo in two and a half hours.

The Asian Development Bank and the Japan International Corporation Agency are providing financial assistance for the express highway project, while the Government too is pumping finances for this project. The highway is expected to be completed in 2013.

One of the main reasons for the project delay was the relocation of families and providing them with alternative land. Even legal action had been initiated by some families which delayed the preliminary stage of this construction.

These families were subsequently provided with alternative land and the compensation paid to them was over Rs. 4.6 billion.

Environmental aspects were also a matter for concern and several meaningful steps were taken in this regard as well. "More culverts and mini bridges were built to ensure that the expressway would not create a flood situation in the area," Premasiri said.

The highway would have several access points. Residents of Colombo, Kotte and Dehiwela could use the first access point in Makumbura.

The Kahathuduwa entry point would be for motorists using the 120 bus route and those from Moratuwa.

The third exit point is from Galanigama and this would be beneficial for drivers in Panadura and Wadduwa.

Vehicles joining from Panadura and Wadduwa should take the interchange at Galanigama while traffic from Kalutara and Mathugama could join the expressway from Dodangoda. The fifth entry point is from Lewanduwa for the Beruwela, Aluthgama and Bentota area. One of the most picturesque interchanges is at Kurundugaha Hatakma and this is to cater to the traffic from Elpitiya and Ambalangoda.

Tourists to Hikkaduwa could use the Nayapamula interchange. With the Colombo-Katunayake expressway to be completed next year, a passenger from the airport could come to Hikkaduwa in less than one and a half hours. Pinnaduwa is the eighth interchange and is the link to Galle. A new 6km access road to Galle has already been built."Each of these points would have toll collecting centres which may be an alien concept to Sri Lanka. We are yet to decide on a toll fee. However, we have decided to charge more from containers and have decided to ban three-wheelers, motorcycles and tractors from using it," he said.

The area near the interchanges would soon be converted to mini town-ships with restaurants, hotels and shops being put up by the private sector. "New employment opportunities too would emerge for the residents of the area, increasing their cash flow," Premasiri said.

Land values too would rise in these areas, letting the benefits of development trickle down to the villages as well. A dedicated expressway patrol team would be deployed to check its safety and monitor the traffic. Emergency exit points would be available every five kilometres in case of an accident and the subsequent evacuation.

Ambulances and special police teams too would be available round the clock. Special lighting would be available for the night and a back-up system too is in place. Over 200 people are expected to work in the highway. Two big bridges of 700 and 500 metres were being built across Bentara and Kalu Ganga in Kalutara.

Provisions have also been made to expand the present four lanes to six.

In addition to cutting down the travel time to Galle and bringing it even closer to the city of Colombo, the heavy traffic in the Galle road would be reduced by almost 40 percent during peak hours. "This would also save considerable fuel to the nation," he said.

The highway, most importantly, would add one of the most 'wanted' pieces of infrastructure to the country.

http://www.sundayobserver.lk

Making Independence more meaningful

Sri Lanka celebrated its 63rd anniversary of Independence on Friday with pride and joy as the country is marching towards new economic horizons after terrorism was eradicated.

Coincidentally, the 83rd anniversary of the Sunday Observer also fell on the same day. Sri Lanka's flagship English newspaper published its first issue on February 4, 1928 and on this same day after 20 years Sri Lanka gained its independence.

The Sunday Observer continues to remain the undisputed market leader for over eight decades due to the implicit trust reposed by millions of readers from all walks of life. During this period, the Sunday Observer made a worthy contribution to the nation and its well-being as a responsible national newspaper.

We note with a sense of pride that the Sunday Observer, through thick and thin, backed the Security Forces in its battle against the terror unleashed by the LTTE. Despite the local media turning out to be firm supporters of the Security Forces when the final battle was being fought in the Nandikadal lagoon, those with vested interests attempted to brand us as warmongers when we supported the battle against terror at its very early stages in Mavil Aru.

Nevertheless, even those who branded us warmongers in the early stages of the battle, eventually understood the crucial need and joined hands with us to fulfil a national obligation by getting all Sri Lankans to rally round our valiant Security Forces.

When President Mahinda Rajapaksa took over the reins of Government over five years ago as the First Citizen, the country was in a state of near collapse due to the heightening terrorist activities and a crumbling economy.

In sharp contrast, President Rajapaksa has now transformed the country into a booming economy after eradicating terrorism. Sri Lanka is now triumphantly marching towards achieving its objective of becoming the Wonder of Asia.

Sri Lanka scored a first and became the only country to eradicate terrorism due to the valiant efforts of the Security Forces and the indomitable leadership they received from President Rajapaksa as the Commander-in-Chief.

Sri Lanka's Security Forces not only eliminated the scourge of terrorism, but also achieved all those magnificent victories against the world's most ruthless terror outfit which had indiscriminately killed thousands of hapless people apart from political and religious leaders. The successful battle against the LTTE to end three decades of terrorism was indeed a landmark achievement in the annals of Sri Lanka's history.

This is all the more significant when one considers the increasing internal and external pressure exerted on Sri Lanka - both militarily and diplomatically. Despite all overwhelming odds, President Rajapaksa directed the Security Forces to step up the battle against terror and meet the aspirations of the entire nation.

When President Rajapaksa took office on November 18, 2005, people across the length and breadth of the country sought just one thing - to liberate the country from the clutches of terrorism which took Sri Lanka to the brink of disaster.

This seemed to be a Herculean task and only a handful of people believed that the LTTE and its leadership could be vanquished in less than four years. However, when President Rajapaksa declared that the island was fully liberated from LTTE terror on May 18, 2009 Sri Lanka gained her 'second independence' to unite its people under the Lion flag. Protecting the territorial integrity is as important as gaining freedom.

This paved the way for a new era of development as the President evinced a keen interest in rebuilding the nation and raising it from the ashes. The initial task of resettling over half a million people displaced due to terrorism, was achieved in next to no time, thereby setting an example to the international community. Following the liberation of the North and the East and having rescued those who were held captive by the Tigers, the Government launched mega infrastructure development projects in the North and the East. Those timely investments paid dividends for the people in the two provinces to return to their normal life.

In doing so, President Rajapaksa simultaneously took on the challenge of waging the war against terror and embarking on massive development projects. Development work was not hampered due to the battle against terror and the wherewithal was found to set up new projects.

This was precisely how Sri Lanka got back to business swiftly and recorded a remarkable economic development within a matter of months after terrorism was eradicated. No country which had confronted such a devastating situation before had bounced back so fast as Sri Lanka did. The visionary policies of President Rajapaksa and his Government helped Sri Lanka reap the dividends of peace.

The President not only won the battle against terrorism, but also ushered in a peaceful environment for all to unite in harmony. The President is now even more determined to win the economic war as well. Sri Lanka would achieve that goal as well during President Rajapaksa's second term in office.

Against this backdrop, this year's Independence Day celebrations were of greater significance since people even in the remotest areas of the country are making optimum use of the prevailing peace and are working steadfastly towards economic development. The results are now crystal clear and the encouraging economic indicators portray an encouraging overall picture on economic prosperity.

The future belongs to one and all and unity should be promoted at all costs. Social injustice is today a thing of the past.

Promoting stronger bonds of unity among communities in Sri Lanka is the need of the hour. Sri Lankans must work together irrespective of caste, creed and political affiliations and make Independence more meaningful.

http://www.sundayobserver.lk

Independence splendour

President Mahinda Rajakasa with Chief of Defence Staff and Air Force Commander Air Marshal Roshan Goonetileke, Army Commander Lt Gen. Jagath Jayasooriya and Inspector General of Police Dr. Mahinda Balasooriya standing to attention for the national anthem.

Military parade by Forces personnel Pix by Sudath Silva /www.sundayobserver.lk