Life style

A gem of a Monument

Published

4 years ago

2020/09/6

Ratnapura National Museum housed in the historical Ehelepola Walauwa is being renovated and conserved, the first ever exercise of its kind since its establishment. The archaeologically important monument which was closed for a few years is soon to be reopened to the public.

Story and Pix by Randima Attygalle

Nestled in a sprawling green garden of nearly eight acres is a ‘gem of a different kind’ in Ratnapura- the land of gems and the domain of God Saman. An oasis in the midst of the busy Ratnapura town, a drive canopied by its ‘forest garden’ brings a visitor to the stately mansion. The legend has it that once there was a secret tunnel to access this building, its entry point no longer to be found. Its impressive lobby replete with an elaborate wooden doorway, a high ceiling and thick brick walls reflect Dutch and British architectural influence. A dolawa (palanquin) and a wooden oruwa, both several centuries old, are exhibited here today.

Originally built between 1811 and 1814 for the occupation of Ehelepola Maha Adikaram when he was serving as the Disawe of Sabaragamuwa, the building known as Ehelepola Walauwa, was later used as the official residence of the government agents of the Sabaragamuwa Province during the British administration, earning the common reference of Disapathi Medura. Its spacious rooms with high ceilings enabling natural ventilation today serve as the seven galleries of the National Museum of Ratnapura dedicated to the historical and cultural heritage of the Sabaragamuwa Province.

The history of the Ratnapura National Museum goes back to 1946. ‘The exhibition of the first set of museum objects took place in April, 1946. These were brought from the Colombo National Museum, particularly for their safety from any possible danger in Colombo during the Second World War,” says the Director, Cultural, Department of National Museums, Senarath Wickramasinghe. The museum objects were initially exhibited in a private residence in Weralupe, close to the Ratnapura town. In 1957 it was shifted to a building near the old CTB Depot in the town. The museum was opened to the public on May 18, 1988 in the present Ehelepola Walauwa, after the premises were acquired by the Department of National Museums. It was officially declared as an archaeological monument on September 3, 1993 under a special gazette notification by the Department of Archaeology.

The seven galleries of the museum are dedicated to the gems, rocks and minerals of Ratanpura, extinct fauna of Ratnapura, pre-history of the region, History of Ratnapura, textiles, ceramics and jewellery, Sabaragamuwa dance form and rituals and traditional industries and customs of Ratnapura respectively. Among the special objects on display are the sword of Ehelepola Adikaram and the four-poster bed used by Ven. Balangoda Ananda Maithriya Thera.

Besides the objects of antiquity are newly done models reflecting Ratnapura’s well known gem mining, Balangoda man from the pre-history and Sabaragamuwa dance. Modern lighting systems in place enhance the finer intricacies of the objects on display. The gallery, ‘Extinct Fauna of Ratnapura’ features bones of some of the animals which lived in the Quaternary Period (the period between 2 to 500 million years before present) unearthed from gem pits in the area and replicas of some of these animals are found in the Paleo Biodiversity Museum Park- the first of its kind in the country, Wickramasinghe explains.

“Certain fossilized parts of large mammals which lived in the Quaternary Period have been found in the Ratnapura District among the layers of deposits in the areas such as Getahetta, Eheliyagoda, Kuruwita, Kalawana, Pelmadulla, and Kahawatta. These deposits are referred to as ‘Ratnapura deposits’ which belonged to the latter stages of the geological history; Pleistocene and Holocene (two million years before present) periods, found in wet soil layers of gem mines,” he said.

The fossils of the extinct species of animals in the Ratnapura District were first studied by the late Director of the Colombo National Museum, Dr. P. E. P. Deraniyagala. His research had confirmed that three species of elephants, two species of unicorns, one species of hippopotamus, buffalo, hunting dog, lion and wild pig had inhabited this region. The replicas which are exhibited in the Ratnapura Museum are based on the fossil data obtained from such studies.

It has also been recorded that Ratnapura district claims evidence representing all ages of prehistory in Sri Lanka. It is presumed that the stone tools that have been unearthed from wet layers of ‘Ratnapura mines’ represent lower and middle stages of the pre-history and also presumed that those tools belong to the period between 250,000 – 125,0000 years from today. The oldest skeletons of Homo sapiens who lived in South Asia have been found in Fa Hien Caves (Pahiyangala Caves) in Bulathsinhala and Batadombalena in Kuruwita. “These findings take us back to a definite time frame of 40,000 years from today and the findings of Batadombalena takes us back to 35,000 years, offering us clear evidence that prehistoric men continuously lived in these places up to 3500 BC,” points out Wickramasinghe. The excavations conducted in Bellanbendipelassa, an open space in the Ratnapura District located in the Walawe Valley had uncovered a burial ground of pre-historic men. The Pre-History Gallery of the Museum visually presents these findings.

An assortment of kitchen and agricultural objects of antiquity, exquisite jewellery worn by the Ratnapura aristocracy, ancient Buddha statues from temples, old coins, ceramics, garments and swords add to the grandeur of the museum. The Medicinal Garden, Bamboo Garden and Endemic Plant Garden surrounding it afford a tranquil setting to the stately building housing the museum meriting promotion among local and foreign visitors.

The first ever ‘conservation-renovation’ exercise since the establishment of the Ratnapura National Museum was a demanding task resulting in closure for several years during which the work was completed, remarks the Director General of the Department of National Museums, Sanuja Kasthuriarachchi. “In the process, while being conscious of the original architectural features of this archaeological site, we also had to do justice to Ehelepola Maha Adikaram who occupied this mansion as well as the historical and cultural heritage of Ratnapura,.” she explains. “The conservation project also aspires to be aligned with the proposed five-year Gem City Master Plan of the Urban Development Authority..”

“Here, we will be taking measures to conserve and develop the Bio Diversity Park of the museum as well, so that the premises can be promoted as a sustainable tourist attraction under the Master Plan,” she added.

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Ehelepola Maha Adikaram

He was born to a noble family from the village of Ehelepola, nine miles from Matale and was educated by the Yatawatte Maha Thera before joining the Royal court. His first appointment was to the post of Paniwidakara Nilame by the King and later succeeded Meegastenne Adikarama as the Second Adikaram. Ehelepola was also appointed as Disave of Sabaragamuva which was held by Meegastenne. Following the death of Pilimatlawe Nilame, Ehelepola was appointed as the Maha Adikaram in 1811 under the reign King Sri Vikrama Rajasinha.

Following the brutal execution of his entire family by the King, (including his eldest son, the child hero Madduma Bandara), he aided the British in launching an invasion of the Kandyan Kingdom. Ehelepola became part of the British administration of Kandy but soon came under suspicion during the Great Rebellion of 1817–18. The royal courtier was arrested by the British and exiled to Mauritius Island along with several Kandyan Chiefs in 1825. He died on April 4, 1829 in Mauritius Island. His tomb, which is a protected Monument, bears the inscription: ‘Sacred to the memory of Ehelepola Wijesundara Wickramasinghe Chandrasekara Amarakoon Wahala Mudianse, late First Adigar or Prime Minister to the King of Kandy, who died on 4th April 1829 aged 57 years”.

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Life style

Jetwing Expands Organic Tea Footprint

Published

6 days ago

2024/09/29

Thilina Walpola

Biodiversity Survey at Jetwing Uva Ben Head Estate

Jetwing acquired the Uva Ben Head Tea Estate in Welimada in 2022 with a mandate to produce premium artisanal teas while safeguarding the environment through organic farming and biodiversity conservation. The Uva Ben Head Estate, a 100-acre expanse previously reliant on inorganic farming methods, is undergoing a transformative journey under Jetwing’s guidance. The estate is now a beacon of organic farming, with Jetwing introducing mixed cropping and phasing out chemical fertilizers and pesticides.

The estate management has been committed to eliminating the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides through a phased reduction, since acquisition in 2022, with the final application of these chemicals occurring in August 2023. The transformation includes the production of organic liquid fertilizers, composting, and the planned introduction of biochar. Additionally, the estate is optimizing water usage through rainwater harvesting.

To inform future decisions, the estate is conducting comprehensive soil and leaf analyses in collaboration with the Tea Research Institute. Furthermore, a biodiversity survey is being undertaken led by Prof. Devaka Weerakoon, Head, Department of Zoology and Environment Sciences, University of Colombo, to evaluate the impact of organic farming and to develop strategies for resource optimization and biodiversity enhancement.

Jetwing’s vision extends beyond agriculture to community development. The estate supports a vibrant community of over 300 individuals, providing employment opportunities and comprehensive training programmes. Health initiatives and financial assistance programmes reflect Jetwing’s commitment to the well-being of its associates and their families.

Currently, the harvested tea leaf is sold to third-party processors; however, plans for an on-site tea processing facility are underway, promising to enhance quality control and minimize environmental impact. The company’s circular approach to sustainability is further exemplified by initiatives that support dairy farming among estate residents, fostering a symbiotic relationship between agriculture and animal husbandry.

Nestled within the estate are the Jetwing Uva Ben Head Villa and Jetwing Welimada Villa, two homely planter’s bungalows, offering guests an immersive experience in Sri Lanka’s renowned tea country and providing employment opportunities for the local community. These villas are a testament to Jetwing Hotels’ esteemed reputation for providing serene retreats that harmonize luxury with nature.

The acquisition of the Uva Ben Head Estate and its subsequent conversion to organic cultivation represents a strategic expansion of Jetwing’s involvement in the tea industry. The estate complements the company’s inaugural venture, producing organic artisanal teas at Jetwing Warwick Gardens in Ambewela.

Life style

The MMCA Sri Lanka Opens ‘Total Landscaping’ Rotation 1

Published

6 days ago

2024/09/29

Thilina Walpola

The Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art Sri Lanka (MMCA Sri Lanka) opened Rotation 1 of their new exhibition ‘Total Landscaping’ on 12 September. Curated by Sandev Handy and Thinal Sajeewa, ‘Rotation 1 of ‘Total Landscaping’ is open to the public until 1 December 2024. Entry to the exhibition is free and the museum is located on the ground floor of Crescat Boulevard, Colombo 03.

‘Total Landscaping’ explores the broad, dramatic, and stirring ways in which land has been transformed in Sri Lanka. The exhibition brings together 29 contemporary artists whose works go beyond traditional illustrations of landscapes. Instead, their works register the different ways in which perceptions of land have been constructed and contested. ‘Total Landscaping’ unfolds as a sequence of changing displays that elicit an all-out renegotiation of our relationships to land.

“This exhibition comes at a crucial time when concerns about land occupation, what land belongs to us, and how we belong to these lands have animated conversations both locally and globally,” said Handy, Senior Curator at the MMCA Sri Lanka. He added, “This is not a new conversation by any means; rather, this exhibition identifies what has long been an underlying preoccupation for contemporary artists over the past few decades. How might we understand the ways in which land has always coded the story of this nation, and conversely, how political, social, and cultural relationships have coded the land?”

Rotation 1 of ‘Total Landscaping’ features artists Anomaa Rajakaruna (b.1965), Arulraj Ulaganathan (b.1992), Barbara Sansoni (1928–2022), Chandraguptha Thenuwara (b.1960), Danushka Marasinghe (b.1985), Dominic Sansoni (b.1956), Hanusha Somasundaram (b.1988), Jagath Weerasinghe (b.1954), Jasmine Nilani Joseph (b.1990), Jesper Nordahl (b.1969), Pradeep Thalawatta (b.1979), Sebastian Posingis (b.1975), Stephen Champion (b.1959), Suntharam Anojan (b.1991), Thavarasa Thajendran (b.1987), and Thisath Thoradeniya (b.1975).

Sajeewa, Assistant Curator at the MMCA Sri Lanka said that,”The works in ‘Total Landscaping’ collectively explore the critical issues regarding land and how these in turn have shaped these landscapes.” He added, “The visual identity designed by Nia Thandapani, and the exhibition design led by Jonathan Edwards and Raeesah Samsudeen, were conceived in relation to the curatorial narrative of the show. Their designs function alongside the curatorial narratives of the exhibition and how audiences will experience ‘Total Landscaping’ across each Rotation.”

He further noted that “The artwork production was taken on by Nishantha Hettiarachchi and Rajendran Soniya, which includes the creation of Danushka Marasinghe’s living paddy field installation titled ‘Walk(er)’ (2016). We are excited for our visitors to see a work that challenges perceptions of contemporary art as well as the idea of landscape.”

Fashion

Tiesh Jewellery shines at Galle Fort Hotel

Published

6 days ago

2024/09/29

Thilina Walpola

Stephani Siriwardene in a beautifully crafted necklace from Tiesh-Blue Sapphire pendent perfect for special occasions

Tiesh Jewellery, The Ropewalk, and Fig & Maple come together for an exclusive showcase of luxury, art, and fine dining

In an exquisite blend of luxury, culinary mastery, and timeless craftsmanship, Tiesh Jewellery recently collaborated with The Ropewalk at Galle Fort Hotel and Fig & Maple, India for an exclusive evening of dining, cocktails, and a stunning showcase of Tiesh’s ‘Timeless Elegance’ jewellery collection. This unforgettable event brought together a select group of Tiesh’s clientele amidst the historic grandeur of the iconic Galle Fort Hotel.

Tiesh, renowned for its meticulously crafted jewellery that embodies luxury and elegance, presented a curated selection of necklaces, earrings, pendants, and rings. The ‘Timeless Elegance’ collection, celebrated for its larger, statement pieces perfect for special occasions, captivated guests with its exceptional craftsmanship and use of finest sapphires, diamonds, rubies and emeralds.

Director of Tiesh, Ayesh de Fonseka stated, “We are thrilled to partner with the Galle Fort Hotel and Fig & Maple for this unique collaboration. As a jeweller hailing from Kandy, it is a privilege to be part of such a prestigious event at one of Sri Lanka’s most historic hotels at Galle. The ‘Timeless Elegance’ collection celebrates the art of jewellery design, with each piece offering an exquisite reflection of beauty, craftsmanship and heritage.”

Set in the heart of the Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site, The Ropewalk is Sri Lanka’s first arrack-specialty bar, located within the 300-year-old Galle Fort Hotel. Known for its exceptional culinary experiences and innovative cocktails, Ropewalk has garnered accolades from prestigious publications such as Condé Nast Traveller India.

The evening’s festivities featured bespoke cocktails crafted by Ravish Bhavnani of Fig & Maple and The Ropewalk’s talented mixologists, followed by a multi-course dinner prepared by celebrated Chef Radhika Khandelwal, founder of the Delhi-based, zero-waste restaurant, Fig & Maple. Chef Khandelwal, recognised as one of India’s top 40 under 40 chefs by Condé Nast Traveller, delighted guests with a sustainable and seasonal menu using locally sourced produce.

Managing Director of Galle Fort Hotel and The Ropewalk Amrit Rajaratnam expressed, “We are honoured to have hosted this collaborative event with Tiesh, one of Sri Lanka’s most esteemed jewellers. The evening was a perfect fusion of culinary excellence and timeless artistry, offering our guests a truly unique experience.”

Throughout the evening, guests were treated to an elegant display of Tiesh’s jewellery collection, modelled by Maya and Diandra, allowing them to experience the beauty and craftsmanship of each piece up close.