The renovated Ran Avuda Mandapa |
Reflecting majesty and grandeur of Sri Lanka's magnificent history and
rich traditions, the Ran Avuda Mandapa stands tall within the premises
of the Sri Dalada Maligawa. The construction which was recently carried
out by the Housing and Construction Ministry under the supervision of
the Archeology Department and was handed over to the Sri Dalada Maligawa
by Construction Engineering Services, Housing and Common Amenities Minister
Wimal Weerawansa.
Side view of the Ran Avuda Mandapa |
The newly restored ancient building dazzles with radiance and splendour.
Its whitewashed walls and finely chiseled wood carvings invite visitors
to take a closer look and the beauty of ancient artwork leave them awestruck.
The State Engineering Corporation has undertaken the task of giving life
back to the building. Once complete the Ran Avuda Mandapa will house
the Media and Special Projects unit of the Sri Dalada Maligawa.
"This will be the second stage of the renovation process. Foreigners
and locals will be able to skim through the temple's annals and go through
information on Buddhism at the complex. All the details will be at their
fingertips. They will go through tedious tasks like hunting for information
at various places because all the data about Buddhism practised in the
country will be available. We hope to complete work in time for the 2600th
Sri Sambuddhatva Jayanthi," Sri Dalada Maligawa Media and Information
Unit Head Krishantha Sanjeewa Hissella said.
Buddha statue in Ran Avuda Mandapa |
He noted that modern technological equipment such as Wi-fi facilities
will be available for visitors.
Constructed in 1592 by the King Wimaladharmsooriya I, the Ran Avuda Mandapa
was believed to be the place where the crowns and sword of the Kandyan
kings were designed, moulded and bejeweled. It was one of the first features
which has been adjoined to the Dalada Maligawa complex. It was later
renovated by Kings Senerath, Rajasinghe II and Wimaladharmasooriya II.
View from inside |
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The building was damaged due to foreign invasions and finally fell into
hands of the British during their reign. They attached it to the Kandy
District Courts complex after the Kandyan Convention was signed in 1815.
"The British changed the age old carvings and replaced them with
their won architectural features. All but the traditional wood carvings
were changed according to their tastes. Records relate that the British
were the last party to renovate the building," Hissella added.
Wood carvings |
In 1880, Colonial Governor Sir James Longden, turned destroyed the king's
stores and made it into the District Court.
"The former District Court houses International Buddhist Museum.
The two-storey building encompasses details of 17 countries which have
established Buddhism and have been propagating the religion across the
globe. China, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, India and Afghanistan are
some of the countries included in the list. The Museum has a rare collection
of Buddhist artifacts, replicas of ancient murals and scrolls. Visitors
will be able to get details of some of the religious practices engaged
by the Buddhists when they visit the place," Hissella explained,
adding that the project which was estimated to cost about 2.4 billion
was funded by the featured countries.
The Sri Dalada Maligawa is the abode of the Buddha's sacred Tooth Relic.
It is the highest symbol of royalty. Throughout the years many kings
who have invaded the land have tried to take possession of the Tooth
Relic because it empowers the kings to rule over the people and land.
The Ran Avuda Mandapa was one old building in the Dalada Maligawa premises
which had been neglected for years till recently.
Commemorative
plaqu
|
As Minister Weerawansa puts it not even a scar by the 1998 LTTE bomb
attack should be allowed to remain.
"Event the slightest damage caused to any part of the Dalada Maligawa
should be repaired immediately. President Mahinda Rajapaksa is very keen
on the task. I am honoured to be a part of this meritorious deed," he
noted on this historically significant project.
Though the first stage of the project was completed and entrusted to
the Diyawadana Nilame Pradeep Nilanaga Dela Bandara much earlier than
the scheduled time.
"We began the renovations on January 8 this year and completed the
first stage of construction on March 1. It was opened on March 7. We
got many experts' advice. The prelates of the Malwatte and Asgiri chapters
and many philanthropists contributed towards the success of the project," Hissella
said.
Though kingship is a past concept the idea of preserving traditions and
cultural aspects is an important factor raised by the President Rajapaksa.
Hissella said that the renovation and opening of the Ran Avuda Mandapa
goes along with the President's notion that such places of national and
religious significance should be conserved and protected with devotion.
b yRuwini Jayawardana
Pictures by Gamini Ramanayake
Daily News -
Thursday, 28 April 2011
