Discussion:

Sigiriya back on the map

by Bandulal Nonis
 

[email protected]

The feature article by Aditha Dissanayake of Sunday Observer of February 10, on Sigiri graffiti opens wide space for discussion on this historical subject.

Although Sigiriya was not declared as one of the 7 wonders it stands today as a centre for civilization, philosophy, culture and art of excellence by people who inhabited this land some 1500 years ago.

New measurements have to be made to accommodate Sigiriya on the heritage map or the promotion agencies should come out with a realistic promotion plan to accommodate Sigiriya back on the map. It is a living pyramid only second to the pyramids of the Nile basin showing the wonders of the civilization that existed then when there was less technology.

How could they have found the material for paintings equal to the paintings of Michael Angelo of Italy 1000 years back, on the walls of St. Peter's. We cannot fathom an iota of evidence to establish that the architect of the project lived in the fear of Indian invasions.

This art gallery and the literature on the mirror wall are all proof of the level of intelligence of the people of Anuradhapura in the latter part of its history.

There are so many interpretations of the Sigiri maidens and some believe that they were the queens of King Kashypa picking flowers for worship in the Park that extends to the North as it is even seen today. Sigiriya is a museum of culture & art not second to any artistic & cultural project in Asia.

It has been a centre for multi religious dimensions. May be there were so many relations between the Anuradhapura administration and other foreign countries in the 6th and 7th centuries.

Although the civilization was confined to the main city of Anuradhapura during the arrival of the Aryans by the time of Sigiriya the civilization extended to the southern region of Anuradhapura up to Dambulla. Sigiriya was a centre for meditation and spiritual up-liftment.