Ode to Galle

By dictionary definition "Chauvinism" is 'undue partiality or attachment to a group or place, to which one belongs or has belonged.' I entertain unabashed and unconcealed affection, devotion and loyalty towards some places and groups. But, these sentiments cannot be characterized as 'chauvinistic', since they are 'due' and 'called for' - on every respect.

The City of Galle is one of the places, I have always adored and continue to love, for a whole series of reasons, As my partiality and affection are solidly buttressed by logic, my state of devotion does not stray towards 'Chauvinism'. Strictly speaking, I am not exactly a Galle-an. My home is Unawatuna - a village about four kilometres to the South of Galle. But, we have always been within the aura of Galle. When asked, we always respond: "Gama Galle" (Galle is our village). The bond we have with the city of Galle is built-in and is, in a way, ultra-emotional.

Galle is unique in a vast variety of ways. Throughout the history of Earth, it has had numerous encounters with objects from outer-spaces. These included meteors, asteroids and perhaps UFOs as well. It is in the region of Galle, that these impacts have left an unparalleled mark. Due to some unfathomable mystery, the area around Galle is the most stable point in the Earth's gravitational field. It has been discovered that in the vicinity of Galle, there is a spot that does not come within the Earth's magnetic field.

There is hardly any other point on Earth, that can claim, this kind of phenomenon. This way, an event that took place millions and millions of years ago, has given a universal brand-identity to Galle area.

Age-old legend, has marked the region of Galle, in yet another spectacular manure.

When we approach Galle, a dominant landmark that comes into view is Rumassala. This Sinhala expression could be rendered into English as "Beautiful Rock" . Strangely enough the current name of this land-mass is 'Buona Vista' which implies 'Beautiful Sight!'.

In the massmind this escarpment is associated with an episode in "Ramayana" the great Indian epic. The core-theme of this world-renowned epic, is a mythical encounter between Rama, the Warrior God of India and Ravana the ten-headed ruler of Lanka. Rama's brother Lakshman was near- fatally wounded by a poisoned barb, in the battlefield.

There was only scant hope about the Prince's life. The chief physician had a meagre ray of hope. The Prince's life could be saved, if a given herb could be speedily fetched from the Himalayas. Monkey-God Hanuman undertook the mission since speed was his forte. But, once in the Himalayas, he discovered to his dismay, that he had forgotten the herb he had to find.

Undeterred, he broke off a chunk of the Himalayas, where according to the healer, the wondrous herb grew. With alacrity, he brought the whole chunk and presented it to the physician. After the necessary herb was extracted, Hanuman threw away the Himalayan chunk. And legend has it, that it fell near Galle and is the present escarpment Buona Vista.

One cannot help but assume that this thinly wooded escarpment, has a form of mythical appearance, when viewed from a distance.

When seen from the ramparts of Galle Fort, this landmark appears very much like a gigantic snub-nosed dragon, about to dive into the depths of the Indian Ocean.

It is quite evident, that the Port of Galle flourished as a centre of international trade, for ages.

Some tend to believe that Tarshish, a Port referred to Biblical literature is none other than the Port of Galle. Legend has it, that the ships of King Solomon, took in their precious cargo of gems, elephants and other exotic animals from the ancient Port of Galle.

Ancient sea-lanes, led ships from the Far East and from the West, to the Port of Galle, due perhaps to strong ocean currents that took sea-going vessels effortlessly to Galle and its neighbouring cove Unawatuna.

The ocean-conquering Chinese Admiral Shong-Heh, set up an Inscription in Galle in 1409. The ancient Chinese sea-farers were quite familiar with the City and the Port of Galle.

There is a section in the city of Galle, that is still known as "Cheena Koratuwa" - (The Camp of the Chinese).

When the Portuguese navigator, Laurenco de Almeida arrived in Sri Lanka, his ship took him initially to Galle. This was in 1505.

To the daring navigators of the ancient world, Galle was a 'natural' destination, which they could reach on ocean currents that converged on the Port of Galle.

Galle has played a significant historical role. Col. Olcott, the American pioneer of the Buddhist and national revival of Sri Lanka, arrived in this country through the Port of Galle.

He initially embraced Buddhism, in Galle.

The Dutch Fort of Galle, imparts a special significance to this city.

The Dutch Viceroy Mathias de Alberquerque, had it built in 1589. This structure has been declared a World Cultural Heritage site.

This could perhaps be the oldest well preserved Dutch Fort anywhere in the world.

Within the Fort of Galle, there is a residential community.

The Cricket Ground of Galle, has added a modern touch to this ancient city. The cricketing Green, known earlier as the Esplanade, links the myths and the reality of Galle, providing a spot where the world can converge upon.

Galle possesses a vast array of rich material to celebrate this ancient city in an epic-length narration.

The latest chapter to the glory of Galle was added by Mighty Murali, when he spun his doosra, to claim his 800th test wicket, at Galle Grounds. Throughout his life as a super cricketer, he roamed the world armed with the "red cherry" looking for wickets he could demolish.

But, it was in Galle that he scaled his ambitious peak.

When Murali spun his doosra, bails would go for a flying tour, accompanied at times, by a stump or two.

But, as the Good Fortune of the city of Galle, had it he achieved his destiny in Galle.

This is yet another segment of the unending Ode of Galle.