News
Newly built ‘Makara Thorana’ of historic Sri Subodharama Raja Maha Viharaya, Karagampitiya opened
The newly constructed ‘Makara Thorana’ of the historic Sri Subodharama Raja Maha Viharaya, Karagampitiya, Dehiwala was recently opened under the auspices of Ven Shashtrapathi Ven Dodanduwe Sirikara Anu Nayaka Thera and the patronage of the
Chief Incumbent of the temple Ven Kuttigala Chandasumana Thera with the blessings of the Maha Sangha amidst a large number of devotees.
The temple had been built during the reign of King Parakaramabahu VI, who reigned from Kotte and the newly built ‘Makara Thorana’ had been built at a cost of Rs. 15 million with the generous financial contribution of one of the key benefactors and dayakas of the Raja Maha Viharaya, fulfilling a long felt need.
One of the most senior Dayakes and a main benefactor of the temple Nimal Dias Jayasinha recounted the last Governor General of the then Ceylon Lord Soulbury (1949-54), an ardent follower of Buddhism, visiting the temple every Full Moon Poya Day (sans security personnel) standing and contemplating upon the reclining Buddha statue in the shrine room with its mesmerising eyes made of Blue Sapphires. He said this ritual was firmly witnessed by all the devotees present, including the family members of the Governor’s family.
According to the key members of the Dayake Sabha, Mr. Jayasinha belongs to a family who have been patronising the Raja Maha Viharaya for four generations during the last 75 years
Ven. Dodanduwe Sirikara Anu Nayaka Thera said that the British scholar and photographer Henry William Cave who had taken an abiding interest in the temple has given a vivid description of Subodharamaya in his book ‘The Book of Ceylon.’
President of the Dayaka Sabha Deshamanya Sudharshana Welihinda conducted the proceedings.
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Landslide early warnings issued to the districts of Badulla, Kandy, Kurunegala, Matale and Nuwara-Eliya extended till 8AM on Sunday (21)
The Landslide Early Warning Centre of the National Building Research Organization (NBRO) has extended the Landslide Early Warning issued to the districts of Badulla, Kandy, Kurunegala, Matale and Nuwara-Eliya till 08:00AM on Sunday (21st December 2025)
The LEVEL III RED landslide early warnings issued to the Divisional Secetaries Divisions and surrounding areas of Medadumbara, Doluwa, Ududumbara and Minipe in the Kandy district, and Nildandahinna, Hanguranketha, Mathurata and
Walapane have been extended.
LEVEL II AMBER landslide early warnings have also been issued to the Divisional Secetaries Divisions and surrounding areas of Soranathota, Hali_Ela, Passara, Meegahakivula, Badulla, Lunugala and Kandeketiya in the Badulla district, Thumpane, Harispattuwa, Udapalatha, Kundasale, Akurana, Poojapitiya, Udunuwara, Pathadumbara, Pasbage Korale, Gangawata Korale, Hatharaliyadda, Yatinuwara, Ganga Ihala Korale, Panvila, Pathahewaheta and Deltota in the Kandy district, Rideegama in the Kurunegala district, Ukuwela, Naula, Matale, Ambanganga Korale, Rattota, Pallepola, Wilgamuwa, Yatawatta and Laggala Pallegama in the Matale district, and Nuwara-Eliya in the Nuwara-Eliya district.
LEVEL I YELLOW landslide early warnings have been issued to the Divisional Secetaries Divisions and surrounding areas of Uva Paranagama, Welimada, Haputhale, Haldummulla, Ella and
Bandarawela in the Badulla district, Alawwa, Mallawapitiya,
Polgahawela and Mawathagama in the Kurunegala district, and Kothmale East, Ambagamuwa Korale, Kothmale West, Thalawakele and Norwood in the Nuwara-Eliya district.
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