Opinion

Flight of butterflies

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After reading R. Seneviratne’s letter with the above headline referring to my childhood memories on the flight of butterflies towards Sri pada. Last weekend I visited the village where I was born , Meepitiya, two kilometres away from Nawalapitiya, on a family matter, two kilometres, last week-end  after nearly 50 years.  During my stay of two days, seeing the sacred peak at a distance, my thoughts went back to the letter I wrote to your newspaper, and inquired from my relatives whether these this phenomenon of yellow-coloured butterflies in droves flying during this season, when devotees climb Sripada, still existed. Sadly the reply was negative, as, may be due to clearing of acres of land for the construction of houses denuding the natural vegerttion. We always refer to this peak as Sripada or Adam’s Peak but have forgotten its real name ‘SAMANALAGALA’. Does not this name Samanalagala signify or associate with butterflies making their pilgrimage to this holy peak during the season? In fact in one of the stanzas in the Selalihini Sandeshaya, by Ven. Thotagamuwe Sri Rahula,  reads – Saki sanda pene Samanala Gala Negenahira– (In the east behold Samanala Gala).

Incidentally, I consider myself fortunate to view this sacred peak Samanalagala from my home here in Boralesgamuwa, bordering the jogging track and the Bellanwila  lake.

Although I did not see yellow butterflies flying towards Samanalagala, that disappointment was amply compensated when I visited the village temple where I saw a newly painted statue of Buddha. One unique feature was the compassionate, benevolent smile which I have not seen elsewhere, in a statue of the Buddha.

G. A. D. Sirimal

BORALESGAMUWA

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