The little ocean of Rajarata

by Supun Perera

Having an interest in taking a little journey to Anuradhapura, the city where our heritage lies is some what fascinating. It is a privilege of any traveller to visit this historic city and it's suburbs since it reflects the glorious past of our tiny island.

Among those in the sacred city of Anuradhapura, 'Kalawewa' needs special mention. Roaming on the banks of Kalawewa paints a natural picture which could be considered as one of the most gorgeous places one could find in Sri Lanka. This reservoir belongs to the fourth century Ad and the brainchild of King Dhatusena.

It provides irrigation to nearly 2500 acres of paddy fields by dividing it in to two sectors, one as Kalawewa the right flank as 'Balalu Wewa'.

The firm belief of the ancient kings of Sri Lanka was development of this country based on agriculture. To fulfil this motive they realised there has to be a sound irrigation system coupled with adequate technology. The era of King Dhatusena could be termed as a precious era as far as the cultivation and irrigation are concerned. He built Kalawewa as the main irrigational reservoir and to divert it's water he initiated 'Yoda Ela.'

However, this 'Little ocean' was in ruins for many centuries. It was subsequently re-constructed by the British and brought back to it's pristine glory in 1887.

Vijithapura temple

It is just 2 km to the North of the Kalawewa. You find the remote village of Vijithapura believed to be the exact place where King Dutugemunu's force and King Elara's force battled for supremacy. Another 'school of thought' says that Vijithapura is located in Polonnaruwa, which was the Medieval capital after Anuradhapura.

According to the village folk the temple belongs to the 2nd century BC. The ruins of 'Pohoya Getya' 'Dana Sala' could be seen. The 'stupa' in Vijithapura somewhat similar to Thuparama is renovated.

What catches the eye of the visitors; the granite stone which was supposed to be used to sharpen the swords in the famous Dutugemunu Elara battle, according to history, is that there had been 500 to 1000 bhikkhus based in Vijithapura premises for meditation purposes during the reign of King Devanampiyatissa.

The archaeological museum and the nestorian cross

The archaeological remains belong to the 2nd and third century BC could be found in the museum which is located in the sacred city of Anuradhapura. Some of these remains opens new vistas to Lankas Arts and Aesthetic culture. The nestorian cross that was carved in a stone dated to 6th century AD.

There is a belief that the Syrian catholics were in Sri Lanka during this era for the trade purposes. However, history books reveal another story where the cross belongs to 16th century AD which was the advent of Portugese to the island. Therefore, it is believed to be a tomb stone.