New graffiti found in Sigiriya

Through our Heritage Splendour pages, you would have read and learnt a lot about Sigiriya, which is widely recognised as the eighth wonder of the world.

This architectural masterpiece is again in the news now.

Archaeological experts, continuing work on a conservation project of the Sigiriya rock, discovered another set of new Sigiri graffiti ('sigiri kurutu gee') recently.

Accordingly, a set of 400 new Sigiri graffiti was discovered during this work study conducted by Dr. Benil Priyankara.

This brings the total number of Sigiri graffiti already discovered, to over 1,000.

According to former Assistant Director, Department of Archaeology, Sirisaman Wijethunga, Dr. Senarath Paranavithana had succeeded in reading and describing over 685 Sigiri graffiti during his time.

For over 28 years (1928-1956), Dr. Paranavithana had dedicated himself to the task of discovering and understanding 'sigiri gee'.

Meanwhile, this conservation study had also resulted in the discovery of a painting of a woman carrying a hand-fan, two years ago.

A similar painting had also been discovered from the Ajantha Caves in India.

Programmes to protect coastal belt

The coastal belt of Sri Lanka has been under threat for a long time, as you may have heard and read in the newspapers.

Some of the reasons for this destruction are unauthorised constructions being set up in these areas, sand mining, the destruction of coral reefs and pollution caused by nearby business and residential complexes.

The Coast Conservation Department (CCD) has now initiated several long and short-term programmes to conserve and protect Sri Lanka's coastal belt.

According to CCD sources, conserving the coastal belt will be considered as a priority in the Government's agenda.

All unauthorised buildings in the coastal belt would be demolished as part of this plan. Over 200 such buildings have already been identified and their owners notified, that unless they are demolished immediately, the CCD would demolish them with Police help.

Fourteen unauthorised buildings in Negombo have already been demolished by the CCD. An appeal was made to everybody planning to set up building structures along the coastal belt to seek approval before setting up their structures.

A green belt covering the coastal line is being planned by the CCD, while there are also plans to take action against sand miners. The coast guards and police will also take action against those who destroy coral reefs, as the destruction of coral reefs is another major problem affecting the area.

Plans are under way to strengthen the protective barriers situated along the coastline too.

"The responsibility of protecting the coast is of utmost importance and we have to gather the support of all in this regard," the sources said.

The voice of children

Children, as we stressed last week, are the worst affected by war. They are orphaned due to their parents being killed in wars, they become refugees due to the destruction of their homes and properties, they are denied the right to an education and a decent life, and are even forcibly recruited to fight in wars as child soldiers.

However, despite being the victims, their problems don't receive much attention, and their grievances are not heard. Children find it difficult to make their voices heard in society. Although this has been the case for a long time, now there are signs that the situation is changing. Gradually, the children are gaining a foothold on society and making their voices heard, in an increasingly loud way. This is amply demonstrated by the pictures shown here.

Of course, it's upto the adults to take note of what they are saying, and to act upon them.

Fun event for families

Surf Excel, the detergent powder brand marketed by Unilever Sri Lanka, launched its fun activity for families, 'Surf X Sellam Family Fun' at the Sri Bodhi Kreedanganaya, Gampaha recently.

The event, the first of many such planned ventures, focused on fun and experience rather than competition, and provided a fun-filled day, not only for children, but for their parents as well.

The playground had 54 game stations with over 24 games like wheelbarrow games, ball games, tug-o-war and filling the beaker. Games were organised to promote the concept that children need a balanced approach to life, and also to counter the traditional 'cleanliness' barriers. Similar events have been planned by the company in Embilipitiya (June 17), Mahiyangana (July 8), Matara (July 29) and Kalutara (August 19).

Stamps honouring St. Anthony

June 13 is a special day dedicated to St. Anthony of Padua. He is said to be the most popular Saint among the world's Catholics.

Thirty four stamps have so far been issued in his honour. Portugal issued 15 stamps in 1895, to mark the 700th birth anniversary of the Saint. Again, six stamps were issued to commemorate the 700th death anniversary of the Saint, in 1931. These six stamps were re-issued in 1933 as surcharged stamps.

Italy came out with seven stamps to mark the 700th death anniversary of the Saint, in 1931. Brazil issued a stamp to honour St. Anthony in 1981, marking his 750th death anniversary. This stamp is shown here (the second in the third row).

All the other stamps had been issued by Italy and Portugal. On the back of one of the stamps, a short prayer to St. Anthony has been inscribed. This is the only stamp in the world where a prayer to a Saint is found.

Francis P. Gunasekera