Mahindagamanaya in real life:

Heralding a new era of Buddhism in Sri Lanka

Mohammed NAALIR in Tanthirimale

Mahindagamanaya, the arrival of Arahat Mahinda in Sri Lanka with the noblest gift of Buddhism changed the country's history and laid the foundation for a civilization based on Buddhism.

Although the story is well-known and commemorated every year on Poson Poya Day, there have not been many attempts to portray it artistically, through film or television. Who in Sri Lanka, regardless of his or her religion, does not know about the meeting between Arahat Mahinda and King Devanampiyatissa, who was hunting deer when the Great Arahat called him from atop the Mihintale rock?

This artistic lacuna is about to be filled, as several leading film personalities are making a film which depicts the advent of Buddhism to Sri Lanka. Although the film is based on Mahindagamanaya, it is also an attempt to explore the norms and values of Buddhism. It will be a film for all Sri Lankans, not only Buddhists.

Shooting on "Mahindagamanaya" commenced in the precincts of historic Tanthirimale Raja Maha Vihara precincts in Anuradhapura District last week. According to the Director 75 per cent of the shooting of "Mahindagamanaya" has been completed so far.

This is the maiden directorial effort of Sanath Abeysekara, who has 32 teledramas to his credit. The idea of making a film on this great event in the country's history came to him when he was reading the Mahavamsa. He has remained faithful to the Mahavamsa account when making this movie. According to the Director the film "Mahindagamanaya" will highlight the advent of Arahat Mahinda Thera to Sri Lanka and the social, cultural, religious and economic developments that occurred in our country afterwards. The film will depict the period 2250-2010 BC.

After King Devanampiyatissa ascended to the throne King Asoka of India, himself a warrior King who embraced Buddhism and became non-violent, sent Arahat Mahinda Thera to Sri Lanka to preach Buddhism. Although various beliefs existed in Sri Lanka even at that time, the concept of a religion was unheard of.

After the advent of Ven. Arahat Mahinda Thera to Sri Lanka, people who venerated trees and devils started to embrace Buddhism to correct their path and lead a peaceful life. Buddhism laid the foundation for a vibrant society that valued the Buddha Dhamma.

It paved the way for the creation of an Order of the Maha Sangha, who guided the people on moral uplift. The film Mahindagamanaya will depict this transformation.

President Mahinda Rajapaksa has taken a keen interest in the film and instructed the relevant authorities to make funds available for the film. Veteran film star Jeevan Kumaratunga plays the role of King Devanampiyatissa and veteran actress Dilhani Ekanayake is playing the main female role Anuladevi.

Kumaratunga, who is Posts Minister, told the Sunday Observer that although he has played many roles in his cinematic career, this is the first time he is playing such a pivotal historical role. This will be especially significant as next year marks the 2600th Sambuddha Jayanthi. The film too will be released next year.

Roshan Pilapitiya who plays the role of Maha Aritta Kumara in "Mahindagamanaya" is also very happy to play such a character in a historical film. Maha Aritta Kumara was the first Sri Lankan who was ordained as a Bhikku in the history of Buddhism in Sri Lanka.

Dilhani Ekanayake who is playing the role Queen Anuladevi said that this is a new experience for her. She is keen to try out ancient dresses and to visit ancient historic places. She described her character as a tough one. Roshan Pilapitiya, Roshan Ranawana, Oshaoli Hewamadduma, Chinthaka Kulathunga, Dulika Marapana, G. R. Perera, Sarath Dikkumbura, Hemasiri Liyanage, Jayani Senanayake, Kumara Thirimadura, Palitha Nanayakkara, Gnananga Gunawardane and several other actors will be featured in "Mahindagamanaya".

The film is being produced by Best Life Films. Music is by Rohana Weerasinghe. The Art Director is Sunil Wijeratne. The Costumes are designed by Heenatigala Premadasa, while cinematography is handled by Chamara Dammika Ratnayake and Channa Deshapriya.

The Assistant Director is Jayantha Bopitiya. Kulasiri Budawatta is the choreographer. Dialogues have been written by Puravidya Chakravarthi Ven. Ellawala Medanandha Thera. The playback songs are performed by Uresha Ravihari, Karunaratne Divulgane, Sunil Edirisinghe, Nanda Malani and Amarasiri Pieris.

The lyrics are by Ven. Pallegama Hemaratana Thera, Ven. Ellawala Medananda Thera, Prof. Sunil Ariyaratne and Sanath Abeysekara.

The film will also be released internationally, especially in countries with large Buddhist populations.