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| Sunday, 29 August 2004 |
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Business |  |
| News Business Features Editorial
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Wonderful work of our craftsmen to be seen at Gadaladeniya by Chanuka Mannapperuma and Gamini Warushamana
Gadaladeniya,one of our best known rock temples is situated 1Km off the Colombo-Kandy road in Plimatalawe, and provides a destination of great interest to tourists,especially for its would famous stone carvings. Gadaladeniya is a stone temple built on a rock.It is characterised by its stupa-like stone structure on an octagonal base with a moonstone (sandakadapahana) at the entrance,lacquered door and numerous carvings and frescoes. The moonstone at Gadaladeniya is not adorned with any animal carvings.According to legend it proves that buildings at Gadaladeniya were influenced by Hindu cultural traditions. The temple was built in 1344 A.D, during the period of influence era and belongs to the 'Pallawa' tradition.The granite temple was built during the reign King Buwanekabahu 4th.It took 30 years to built the temple and took the services of 1000 stone carvers.The caretaker of Gadaladeniya said that, according to legend, the main stone carpenter, Ganeshwarachara, gave advice on building temple of this particular style. The entrance to the 'Budumedura' is decorated with various stone carvings on pillars depicting moonstones,lions ,elephants and dancers as well as triangular pillars adorned with traditional artistic forms.According to the legend the two main pillars were sculpted by a student and his teacher. As you enter the temple three chambers known as 'Pita Mandapaya', 'Antharalaya' and 'Garbagruhaya,face the visitor.
'Diggeya'a large hall adjoining the Budumedura is used to perform 'puja' and 'thewa'. Another main feature is the Buddha statue depicts rued opened eyes,due to the Hindu influence.This sedentary statue is approximately 18 feet in height. The temple has two Devalayas namely, 'Vishnu' and 'Aluth Nuwara Dedimunda Devala'.It has a natural granite pond filled with lotus flowers. The temple was vandalised by treasure hunters a few years ago. A caretaker said that the two 'blue sapphires' depicting the eyes of the Buddha statue were removed by the vandals.Gadaladeniya temple and its historic monuments are still not safe.The lighting joss-sticks on the side of the temple is destroying the paintings which are a feature of Gadaladeniya.These days the archaeological department is doing some construction work,but the lack of proper care and attention can be clearly seen. Travellers who visit Gadaladeniya rock temple enjoy the bonus of seeing the traditional brass industry at work. Gadaladeniya village is famous for the work of its craftsmen in brass. As Sri Lankans we have to protect our heritage for the benefit of our future generations. These historic places are also great tourist attractions and foreign currency earners for Sri Lanka. ************** Qatar Airways in Kurunegala Qatar Airways opened its first Passenger Sales Agency (PSA) in Kurunegala, recently. Qatar Airways appointed "The Traveller Global (Pvt) Ltd" as Passenger Sales Agent for this first dedicated office, which will operate independently with its own sales team serving Qatar Airways clients in the Wayamba district. Chairman and Managing Director of the "The Traveller" Rizmi and Danny Schepers, Area Manager Sri Lanka and the Maldives for Qatar Airways officially opened the Qatar Airways Agency. In his welcome speech, Rizmi praised the great support he received from the people of Wayamba and expressed hope for a successful start in this commercial vibrant region. Speaking on the occasion, Danny Schepers said they had identified Wayamba as a fast developing area with tremendous potential, hence their decision to open this first PSA at the crossroads Sri Lanka's West, Central and North Province. The Kurunegala office will be managed by M. M. Mahir assisted with 5 experienced staff that has received complementary training on Qatar Airways' products & services in Colombo prior to the opening. Danny Schepers, Area Manager Sri Lanka & the Maldives and M. R. M. Rizmi Managing Director, The Traveller Global (Pvt) Ltd. |
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