Category: Articles
By Ama H. Vanniarachchy “The most effective way to destroy people is to deny and obliterate their own understanding of their history.” – George Orwell My last visit to Mullaitivu was in the year 2018 while I was returning back from Kayts. The latest archaeological work commenced in Mullaitivu those days by the Department of … Continue reading In search of the lost Buddhist heritage in Mulle-Duwa or modern day Mullaitivu →
In Search of the Lion at Sigiriya by Ama H.Vanniarachchy Part 4 The tragedies of Sigriya do not end after the death of Kasyapa. Previously known as the Akasapawa (the sky rock), Sigiriya was home to many more tragedies and conspiracies woven around the Sinhala monarchy. After the God-king was gone… The death of Kasyapa … Continue reading In Search of the Lion at Sigiriya – Part 4 →
In Search of the Lion at Sigiriya by Ama H.Vanniarachchy Part 3 “The subject matter of Archaeology is threefold—the Oral, the Written, and the Monumental.” – Sir Charles Thomas Newton We witnessed great conspiracies and tragedies surrounding the Sinhala monarchy of Anuradhapura. Sigiriya emerged amidst these turbulences under the powerful rule of Kasyapa, the God-King. … Continue reading In Search of the Lion at Sigiriya – Part 3 →
In Search of the Lion at Sigiriya by Ama H.Vanniarachchy Part 2 Anuradhapura 5th century CE Royal assassinations and betrayals… The well-known physician king Buddhadhasa’s son Upatissa was reigning as king when he was assassinated by his own queen in 412 CE. The Mahavamsa (second-half) says, she had an affair with the king’s brother Mahanama. … Continue reading In Search of the Lion at Sigiriya – Part 2 →
In Search of the Lion at Sigiriya by Ama H.Vanniarachchy Part 1 Therefore Kasyapa fearing his brother Moggallana, fled away from Anuradhapura, built a fortress on the summit of a rock that is extremely hard to climb. The doorways of the many stairways to clamber the rock were built after the fashion of lion faces. … Continue reading In Search of the Lion at Sigiriya – Part 1 →
Sigiriya, pride of Sri Lanka; under risk is an article about the threats and challenges caused to this World Heritage site due to a construction within the vicinity of this precious archaeological site. The incident was first revealed by Ceylon Today. The major investigation and results were originally published in Ceylon Today newspaper in the … Continue reading Sigiriya, pride of Sri Lanka; under risk →
Sigiriya Before and Beyond Kasyapa By Ama H. Vanniarachchy Sigiriya, the mysterious Lion’s Rock is no doubt the crown jewel of Sri Lanka’s cultural heritage. Considering its uniqueness and its ‘Outstanding Universal Values,’ Sigiriya was declared as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1982. Its archaeological, historical, cultural, and environmental value is not limited … Continue reading Sigiriya Before and Beyond Kasyapa →
Folk tales of Sri Lanka – Part 4 Witty Man and Silly Devil – By Ama H.Vanniarachchy “Why do mythological heroes of past civilizations have a thousand faces? Is it because each one of us takes a heroic journey of self-discovery?” Kilroy J. Oldster A glimpse into Sri Lankan folk tales was a journey we … Continue reading Folk tales of Sri Lanka – Part 4 Witty Man and Silly Devil →
Folk tales of Sri Lanka – Part 4 The flying wax horse – By Ama H. Vanniarachchy “Storytelling is the art of weaving ordinary words into extraordinary worlds.” – Jack Dublin, The Lost and Found Journal of a Miner 49er: Vol. 2 The tale we shall present to you today is about a flying wax … Continue reading Folk tales of Sri Lanka – Part 4 The flying wax horse →
Folk tales of Sri Lanka – Part 3 Tragic Tale of Giri Devi – By Ama H.Vanniarachchy “Everyone creates realities based on their own personal beliefs. These beliefs are so powerful that they can create [expansive or entrapping] realities over and over.” – Hope Bradford, Beneficial Law of Attraction: The Manifestation Teachings Folk tales are … Continue reading Folk tales of Sri Lanka – Part 3 Tragic Tale of Giri Devi →