Life style
A 30-year odyssey of a Buddhist monk to protect a national heritage
by Saman Indrajith
Ven Vanawasi Rahula Thera is not a person who needs an introduction as his legendary role in founding the National Ironwood Forest (Jathika Namal Uyana) at Galkiriyagama in Dambulla and protecting it for the past three decades is well known. But for him Namal Uyana would have been bulldozed and the trees would have been cut down as the country had witnessed a widespread deforestation with blessings of those in power in those 30 years.
March 28 of this year marks the 31st anniversary of the Namal Uyana. In 1991, Ven Rahula made his ashram at this site in the dense forest which has historic, archaeological, geographic as well as religious value. The site is considered very rich in biodiversity. Today, the Namal Uyana is considered the largest ironwood forest in the country and the home to the largest Rose Quartz Mountain Range in South Asia.
To coincide with the anniversary Ven Rahula Thero took the lead to form JNUIEO (Jathika Namal Uyana International Ecological Organisation) to ensure the sustainability of the campaign he started three decades back. “It is not sure that those in power understand the value of this site except in rupees and cents. People of this generation will stand by me to prevent any harm to it. The site is now internationally recognized and forming an international organisation will ensure its protection and benefits for the future generations,” Ven Rahula Thero said in an interview with the Sunday Island.
Excerpts of the interview:
Q: A period of 30 years is almost a generation. You have been protecting this site for that long. How would you describe that past?
A
: This site was not populated when I arrived here. I think it was I who first brought it to the notice of the public after the times of ancient kings. According to the legend, King Devanampiyatissa had plans to set up a religious park somewhere near Dambulla. It is said that the work had commenced but owing to some unexpected reasons the King’s plans did not succeed and he was compelled to move the proposed site for that park to his capital city in Anuradhapura.
He established that religious park and named it as Mahamevuna Uyana. What happened to the abandoned site in Dambulla for the next few centuries was a mystery. Later during the times of King Dappula IV, the abandoned garden was found and it was declared as a human sanctuary and a monastery was said to have been set up. An inscription by the King Dappula IV declaring the religious site as a human sanctuary can still be seen at Adiyagala at the entrance to Namal Uyana.
When I arrived here it was dense forest. I was determined that this site should be protected for the posterity and built a hut on a Mora tree and started living there on March 28, 1991. There had been many threats to the environment and especially the pink quartz site. I fought against those threats and with the help of the media and people so that we could protect this site. Today school children, local and foreign tourists arrive here because it is now known as the largest ironwood forest in the country and the home to the largest Rose Quartz Mountain Range in South Asia.
The site covers around 2,000 acres. Surrounding areas have benefited with infrastructure development because the Namal Uyana has become a tourist attraction. I think I have done my duty as a Bhikkhu as well as a citizen. I did not build sky-scraping stupas or Buddha statues but protected and preserved a forest that can help all beings to breathe the oxygen they need. In addition, the park is rich in biodiversity. Although there is no complete documentation on the fauna and flora species found in this forest, it is believed that there are over 102 plant species out of which 85 per cent are of medicinal value. In addition there are over 18 species of birds and a large number of animals except the leopard and the bear. Many reptile, insect, butterfly and fish species are also found here. The Mesua nagssarium (Batu Na) is endemic to Sri Lanka. The ironwood tree was declared the national tree by former President Ranasinghe Premadasa on July 26, 1996.
Q: What is the need and objectives of the forming of an international organization?
A:
I have been protecting this park now for three decades. Later I handed this over to the Central Cultural Fund. By doing so I thought of reliving myself of all ties to it to further my religious aspirations. Yet, it seems that my task is not completed because I have doubts whether the future generation would be able to benefit from this park as many of those in power see only the monetary value of natural resources.
This park with the pink quartz mountain is said to be over 550 million years old. According to archaeologists the site had been in existence even during the proto-historic period of this country. One of the objectives is to allow any student whether Sri Lankan or foreign to come here and study its natural and other resources. This park is open to anyone irrespective of religion, colour, politics and race. It may serve the need of an educational centre while its protection is ensured. Currently, the site has become a centre promoting environmental and nature tourism and education. This status should continue with further facilities. The new organization will allow not only Sri Lankans but also foreigners to take part in preserving this heritage for posterity.
Q: Could you please explain the structural and organizational nature of JNUIEO?
A:
JNUIEO is registered body managed by a board of directors. Apart from that board we intend to open the membership to 100,000 Lankans countrywide in three categories – honorary, lifetime and working. We hope to appoint organizers in foreign countries as well as in Sri Lanka at electorate and district levels. This would be a secular organization since we are against religious extremism. It would remain non-political because we do not support any political party. There are many other organizations in the country to achieve such objectives.
I do not think ensuring of environmental and natural resource protection could be done by an organization that supports a political agenda. We are not against the development like some other green organizations but emphasize the need to strike a balance between the environment protection and development. This has been made an international body because the handful of environmental protection bodies in the country have no proper management skills. We may be able to bring in international persons with such skills and knowledge to ensure the protection of Namal Uyana.
Q: Do you think that the government would help you in this endeavor?
A:
Well…I have experiences of working with all Presidents since 1991 and other public officials. I could say that I have received lot of assistance rather than hindrances. Since I am non-partisan I had no problem of approaching or working with any of those heads of state and government so far. They have helped me time to time and sometimes have provided resource persons too.
Q: Any special message to our readers?
A:
I must thank Upali Newspapers Ltd and other media organizations for standing by me during the past whenever I campaigned to protect Namal Uyana. I hope that they would continue their services to protect this site in future. I invite anyone with an interest to preserve this national heritage to join hands with us.
Institute of Hospitality Sri Lanka
The 32nd Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the UK-based Institute of Hospitality’s Sri Lanka Chapter was held recently at the Ramada Hotel Colombo,.The event provided an evening of camaraderie , reflection of the past and present achievements,setting new benchmarks for the future
The AGM had the presence of two distinguished guests, the Chief Guest Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa, and the Guest of Honour British High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Andrew Patrick. Their inspiring speeches were lauded by all hoteliers who were present at the occasion
A special thanks was extended to Robert Richardson, CEO of the Institute of Hospitality UK, along with his team, sponsors, committee members, and all attendees for making the event memorable.
Dr. Harsha Jayasingh, Past President of the Institute of Hospitality (UK) Sri Lanka Chapter, emphasised the Institute’s longstanding history and the strength of its Sri Lankan branch. “The Institute of Hospitality (IH) UK has a history of 86 years, and we are proud to be the Sri Lanka Branch. IH Sri Lanka is much stronger now with many members from all areas of the hospitality industry,” he stated.
Dr. Jayasingh highlighted the significant role of tourism in Sri Lanka’s economy,. He said tourism it is the third-largest source of revenue for the country. “Tourism accounts for about 13.3% of total foreign exchange earnings and employs 450,000 people directly and indirectly. The hospitality industry in this island of pearl holds tremendous potential for economic growth, job creations, and cultural exchange,” he added.
He also pointed out more women should be attracted to the industry and advocated for the use of technology in hospitality sector to attract the younger generation.
The newly appointed Chairman Ramesh Dassanayake spoke about the challenges faced by the industry, including the reluctance of youth to join the sector. . Dassanayake expressed concerns over the migration of staff between hotels and the overall ‘brain drain’ in the sector. ” We must maintain high standards in the hotel We must try to attract tourists to Sri Lanka, we must have with many facilities Hence, hotel schools and other professional institutions involved in skills development mustincrease their intakes,” he pointed out.
Chief Guest Sajith Premadasa emphasised the importance of eco tourism and said “We need to have an environmental policy related to tourism in place,” . .
The 32nd AGM of the Institute of Hospitality UK, Sri Lanka Chapter, was a testament to the strength and potential of Sri Lanka’s hospitality industry. The insights and commitments shared during the event set a new benchmark for the future.(ZC)
Pix by Thushara Attapathu
Life style
He recognizes human identity beyond boundaries of gender, race, nationality and religion.
Visit of Sri Gurudev to Sri Lanka
Humanitarian, spiritual leader and Global Ambassador of Peace Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar (Sri Gurudev) was in Sri Lanka on a three day tour on the invitation of the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka Dinesh Gunewardene. Gurudev who inspired a wave of volunteerism and service to moot one of the largest volunteer-based organisations in the world – The Art of Living – visited the various projects under the aegis of the foundation and launched twelve vocational and technical centers around the island. He was accompanied by thousands of followers from Sri Lanka and around the world.
Gurudev who visited Sri Lanka for the sixth time also had a first day cover launched in honour of his visit. He is a strong proponent of spreading happiness, using the unique Sudarshan Kriya, yoga, meditation and practical wisdom to unite people, empower individuals and transform communities. His programmes provide techniques and tools to live a deeper, more joyous life, while his non-profit organisations recognize the human identity beyond the boundaries of gender, race, nationality and religion.
The Art of Living which has more than 30,000 teachers and over one million volunteers across 180 countries has touched in excess of five hundred million people around the world. CNN called it “Life Changing” and The Washington Post headlined it, “Fresh air to millions”.
In Trincomalee, Gurudev met with war victims and had a heartwarming engagement with the children from the children’s homes run by the Foundation. He also visited the Koneswara Temple in Trincomalee and graced the Kumbhabhishekam at Seetha ecogPnize the human identity beyond the boundaries of gender, race, nationality and religion. Amman temple at Nuwara Eliya. He held discussions with the trustees on the progress of the foundation’s social service projects, while also holding a special event – Ekamuthuwa – attended by a large number of dignitaries and his devotees from around the world.
His time with the Prime Minister was spent discussing the prospects of unity in diversity and uniting Sri Lanka by adding happiness into the formula of living. In addition he had discussions with the Speaker of the Parliament of Sri Lanka Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena, prominent business stewards and civil society leaders.
by Zanita Careem
Envison your dream wedding day come to life at the Epitome Hotel, a prestigious city hotel in Kurunegala offering an unrivalled luxury rendors experience for weddings.
The venue is designed to embody opulence and luxury from all quarters for a spectacular wedding in kurunegala,Thier ballroom is the largest banquet facility in Sri Lanka It can be divided into six luxurious pillarless wedding halls on the ground floor and 25pax smaller banquet halls.
It can be easily named as a five star heaven in the heart of the city contributing to a myriad of immense experiences tailored to inspire and delight wedding experiences.
From opulent décor set up to exquisite table decor, lavish food, every detail is meticulously curated to spark your imagination and ignite creativity for a perfect wedding. The previous prestigious wedding shows season one and season two attracted large crowds
were unique events which gave the wedding vendors and potential clients had an opportunity to connect and interact with each other. Beyond being a showcase it was a chance for the wedding vendors to unite and contribute to the vibrancy of the wedding industry. The wedding show covered all area of the bridal industry providing a comprehensive variety of bridal supplies from Sri lanka and became the most popular bridal exhibitions in Kurunegala.This bridal exhibitions allowed brides and grooms to experience first hand the products and services available from suppliers in Sri Lanka
These wedding shows held at The Epitome created a benchmark and gave an opportunity for vendors to create connections to the utmost satisfaction said Harshan Lakshita Executive Director. of the magnificent Hotel
Our wedding shows featured experts and professionals in every field‘ It covered all areas of the bridal industry provided a comprehensive variety of bridal supplies from Sri lanka and became most popular bridal exhibition in this region.We are always open to everyone to join us at our wedding shows in the future. It is an opportunity to discover the incredible talent within our local wedding and bridal vendors to make meaningful relationships and plan thier special day at our breathtaking hotel The Epitome said General Manager Kavinda Caldera
The Epitome Hotel’s bridal show which will be held end of June will buzz with great ideas,advice and inspiration for all those who plan thier dream wedding
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The Hotel Epitome’s Wedding Season 3 will marked excellence, celebration and inspiration for those in the wedding industry. The exhibition halls will resonate with ideas on exquisite bridal wear to decor, florists , photography etc and showshowcase the rich tapestry of talent within the local wedding industry. .
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