Category: Articles

By Ama H. Vanniarachchy ‘Salvator Mundi’ was once thought to be lost forever. The painting vanished from 1763 until 1900 when it was purchased by Sir Charles Robinson, who believed it was by Bernardino Luini, a follower of Leonardo da Vinci. It resurfaced at a Sotheby’s auction in England in 1958, selling for 45 pounds (around The post An enigmatic masterpiece appeared first on Ceylon Today.

By Ama H. Vanniarachchy Anuradhapura developed into a fortified city over the centuries, starting from the 9th century BC as a small village, known as Anuradhagrama. It became the capital city of Sri Lanka in the 5th century BCE and lasted till the 11th century CE, becoming home to more than 100 kings and queens. The post Anuradhapura: The city of Anuradha (Part XVIII) appeared first on Ceylon Today.

By Ama H. Vanniarachchy Seruwawila, also known as Seruwila, is a significant historical and archaeological site located in the Trincomalee District of Sri Lanka. This site, primarily renowned for the Seruwawila Mangala Raja Maha Vihara, is deeply embedded in the cultural and religious history of Sri Lanka and offers a fascinating glimpse into the island’s The post Revelation via excavation (Part I) appeared first on Ceylon Today.

By Ama H. Vanniarachchy Milk rice has an ancient history in Sri Lanka. According to the Thupavamsa and the Mahavamsa King Dutugamunu (161 – 137 BC) had offered milk rice to the monks on many occasions for many years. The milk rice he made was referred to as Diyanumusu Kiribath, which means milk rice made The post The auspicious rice (Part VI) appeared first on Ceylon Today.

By Ama H. Vanniarachchy The Anuradhapura Kingdom was enjoying a time of splendour and prosperity under the rule of King Dutugamunu (161 – 137 BC) after he united the country under one rule. He defeated the usurper Elara and brought Rajarata under his rule. Known as a great Buddhist king, Dutugamunu is the creator of The post Anuradhapura: The city of Anuradha (Part XV) appeared first on Ceylon Today.

Exploring the history of Ruwanweliseya, the Maha Stupa of Sri Lanka By Ama H. Vanniarachchy The ceremonial placing of the first construction stone of the Maha Stupa was held in the month of Esala, according to the Mahavamsa. At the auspicious time, the king – all adorned in royal attire and precious jewels and accompanied The post Anuradhapura: The city of Anuradha (Part XIV) appeared first on Ceylon Today.

By Ama H. Vanniarachchy This week, Sri Lanka and many Theravada Buddhist countries in South and Southeast Asia and various Buddhist communities across the globe celebrated Vesak as the most important religious festival. Buddhists celebrate Vesak Full Moon Day as it is believed the birth of Gautama Buddha happened ona Vesak Full Moon Poya Day. The post The evolution of the lantern appeared first on Ceylon Today.

Untold secrets of our food By Ama H. Vanniarachchy Food, a significant and essential aspect of culture, brings people together and unites communities. Food is also about cultural identity and pride. A distinctive and complex culture is woven around food and that is called food culture. Food culture is a set of collective practices, myths, The post The stories of rice (Part IV) appeared first on Ceylon Today.

By Ama H. Vanniarachchy Leonardo da Vinci, an outstanding masterminded painter, has fascinated the world with his extraordinarily exceptional talent through his work. His ‘Mona Lisa’ is unarguably the world’s most famous, most valued, and most loved painting of the modern world. ‘Mona Lisa’ is a work of art and science, created by a genius. The post A mysterious masterpiece by a genius (Part I) appeared first on Ceylon Today.

By Ama H. Vanniarachchy Studies suggest that Easter, now a Christian religious festival celebrated by Christians around the world, has its origins in a Pagan Spring Festival held in honour of the Germanic Spring goddess Eostre. This was a festival celebrated during April – spring time – welcoming and honouring the spring and paying gratitude The post Grandeur of Easter appeared first on Ceylon Today.