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Historic First Visit of Yal Devi Train to Jaffna after 24 Years

After a lapse of twenty four years the Yal devi train reached Jaffna recently.

The train was carrying President Mahinda Rajapaksa and other distinguished guests set off from Palai.

En route to Jaffna President Mahinda Rajapaksa also opened the railway stations at Kodikamam and Nawakkulam.

Photo Credits: Ajith Kumara DTS Photography

Somawathi Chethiya – සෝමාවතී චෛත්‍යය

Somawathiya (Somawathi Chethiya)  was built in 2nd century BC and this stupa is said to enshrine the right tooth relic of Lord Buddha.
According to chronicles, prince Giri-aba and princess Somawathi (sister of King Kavanthissa) lived on a small community called “Somapura” on the beds of Mahaveli River. Price Giriaba constructed Somawathi Chethiya on the request of his wife who wanted to engage in religious activities. Upon completion of the Stupa, the prince requested a monk named Mahinda for some “dathu” to be kept in the relic chamber of the stupa. Maha Thera Mahinda gave him the right tooth relic of Lord Buddha.
According to history this tooth relic was received by a “Na” (serpent) king Jayasena when the remaining relics from the Buddha”s cremation site were distributed. He took this to the “Naga Lokaya” (the kingdom of serpents) and deposited it in a stupa made out of gold for worship. When the prince Giriaba”s request was made, the maha thero Mahinda visited the “Naga” Kingdom and brought this tooth relic to be deposited in the stupa built by the prince.
Upon completion of the stupa and five viharas the prince and princess handed over the temple to Mahinda maha thero and sixty other monks. Thereafter many kings have contributed to this centre in many ways.
According to the historical documents the Somawathiya was built on the eastern bank of the Mahaveli River. But today it is about ½ km from the west bank of the river. Though this caused confusion whether this is the real Somawathi Stupa described in the chronicles, it was later realised the river has changed course during the last 800 years and in fact the current sandy road leading to the Somawathi was the path of the river some 800 years ago.
The site was rediscovered in 1940’s and in ’48 renovations were started by group of enthusiasts. In 1964 archaeologists started excavating the site. While excavating the main stupa, a smaller stupa at a depth of 5 feet 5 inches in to the main stupa was found. It is believed this smaller stupa was the original Somawathi Chethiya build by prince Giriaba in the 2 nd century BC and the latter stupa build around the original was the work of King Kanittha Tissa in 164 AC.
Archaeologists also found four moonstones and flower pedestals after excavating the earth for 5 ½ feet around the stupa. They also unearthed six 3 ½ feet long “siripa gal” (rocks carved with the bottom of the feet of Buddha). In addition to these many buildings has been unearthed including a wall surrounding the stupa.
Nine stone inscriptions have been found around this site and the most popular is the four inscriptions found on the Eric Swan rock. This rock can be seen few metres away from the gravel road, about 100 metres before the main entrance to the temple. This rock got its name because a photographer called Eric Swan who was killed by a wild elephant near this rock.
Today Somawathi is popular for three main reasons.

1. Somawathi holds one of the only two tooth relics of Lord Buddha existing in the world. The other tooth relic is kept at the “Dalada Maligawa” in Kandy.
2. Incredible unnatural phenomena which has been accruing around the stupa .These have been witnessed by thousands of pilgrims
3. The remoteness of the location. This site is located deep inside the jungle infested with elephants and other wild animals.

Miridiya Lake Resort of Anuradhapura

Overview of Miridiya Lake Resort Anuradhapura
Miridiya Lake Resort Anuradhapura is situated by Nuwara Wewa, a vast man-made lake and amidst stupendous monuments surrounded by sub tropical forest, ideal for adventure and wild life tours. Miridiya hotel Anuradhapura is with Well furnished rooms, well stocked bars and restaurants with tasty dishes served by smiling stewards and stewardesses combine to create the right ambience to make it an out of the world experience in Anuradhapura Ancient City

Accommodation at Miridiya Lake Resort Anuradhapura
Miridiya Lake Resort's 39 spacious cleaned air conditioned rooms well equipped with Hot & Cold water Bath rooms /bath tubs , Telephone with IDD facility/color TV/Mini bar / Safety deposit lockers /room service / Dr. on call / Same Laundry service. ( Miridiya hotel Anuradhapura Ancient City )

Dining in Miridiya Lake Resort Anuradhapura Ancient City
Miridiya hotel's Main Restaurant located by the side of the pool with a panoramic view of the Nuwara wewa tank serving Easter & Western cuisine and specializing in exotic typical sri lanken dishes Special Theme nights. BBQ nights & special buffet by Miridiya hotel Anuradhapura

Miridiya Lake Resort's Well stoked wine cellar & a verity of our own cocktails to make your stay much more enjoyable & dizzling !

Paththirippuwa and Hewisi Mandapaya of Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic ( Sri Dalada Maligawa) at Kandy

Paththirippuwa 

It was a well known fact that the Paththirippuwa , which had been considered as the symbol of identity of the of the Kandyan Architecture was built in 1802 A.D on the instructions of kings Sri Wickrama Rajasinhe., who was the last king of Nayakkar Lineage (1798-1815 A.D). The name derived from the Tamil Language, meant as the place of this great construction was a master craftsman named Devendra Moolacharya. Out of his construction Magul Maduwa or the pavilion held a prominent place. According to tradition he had born in Matale, was staying for some time in Kotmale and finally lived in Handessa, till his tragic death which had taken place as a suicide for feeling ashamed of losing one of his fingers on the orders of king, who listened to slander against this great craftsman. This building a master piece of Kandyan Architecture was octagonal in shape and the roof was an attractive creation with a steep gradient.
During the bomb blast by the LTTE terrorist on 25th of January 1998 A.D, aimed to destroy the Buddhist Heritage the paththirippuwa too faced damage. It was pleasure to see the reconstruction of the building. The patronage of the Minister in charge of the Harbor should be appreciated. Concrete mortar and plaster were pumped to the cracked and vibrated walls through novel technological methods to strengthen the building. Reconstruction work had in no way obstructed strength of the ancient building and it had been a great pleasure too.

Hewisi Mandapaya

When proceeding through the Ambarawa one could reach the ‘Hewisi Mandapaya’ or the drummer’s platform or dais. When the great offering to the sacred tooth relic or the ‘Thevava’ was done, one could the way of Hewisi Poojawa or the offering of Hewisi or the drums using the five kinds of musical instruments of the up country tradition. It had been conducted daily. The upper roof had been supported by 20 stone columns 10 each side. These massive stone columns were carved, created and reconstructed during the service of Diyawadana Nilame K.B Nugawela. Pillar caps(pekada) at the top of the stone columns were attractive. One could see three large brass lamps or Dolos Maha Pahan which were lighted through the 12 months of the year.
From right side of the Hewisi Mandapaya one could enter the ‘Image House’ in the lower storey, and paththirippuwa (octagon) from where the king could watch the various festivals held. From the left side near the chaitya these steps could be used to enter the old ‘Diggeya’ the long hall used daily by drummer’s for the ‘great offering’ of thevava.

Cricketer Thilakaratne Dilshan's New Hotel - D Pavilion Inn

'D Pavilion Inn', a luxury hotel owned by star cricketer Thilakaratne Dilshan was declared open by President Mahinda Rajapaksa at Stafford Avenue, Kirulapone recently.

'D Pavilion Inn', Colombo, Sri Lanka is the newest boutique hotel in the city that guarantees comfort and luxury to holidaymakers and corporate travelers alike.

'D Pavilion Inn', a luxury hotel owned by star cricketer Thilakaratne Dilshan was declared open by President Mahinda Rajapaksa at Stafford Avenue, Kirulapone - See more at: http://www.dailymirror.lk/54833/dilshan-s-luxury-hotel-opened#sthash.2ZxQMW2h.dpuf

'D Pavilion Inn', a luxury hotel owned by star cricketer Thilakaratne Dilshan was declared open by President Mahinda Rajapaksa at Stafford Avenue, Kirulapone - See more at: http://www.dailymirror.lk/54833/dilshan-s-luxury-hotel-opened#sthash.2ZxQMW2h.dpuf

'D Pavilion Inn', a luxury hotel owned by star cricketer Thilakaratne Dilshan was declared open by President Mahinda Rajapaksa at Stafford Avenue, Kirulapone - See more at: http://www.dailymirror.lk/54833/dilshan-s-luxury-hotel-opened#sthash.2ZxQMW2h.dpuf

'D Pavilion Inn', a luxury hotel owned by star cricketer Thilakaratne Dilshan was declared open by President Mahinda Rajapaksa at Stafford Avenue, Kirulapone - See more at: http://www.dailymirror.lk/54833/dilshan-s-luxury-hotel-opened#sthash.2ZxQMW2h.dpuf'D Pavilion Inn', a luxury hotel owned by star cricketer Thilakaratne Dilshan was declared open by President Mahinda Rajapaksa at Stafford Avenue, Kirulapone - See more at: http://www.dailymirror.lk/54833/dilshan-s-luxury-hotel-opened#sthash.2ZxQMW2h.dpuf

Dilshan's Hotel - 'D Pavilion Inn' Official Web site is www.pavilioninn.lk
Official Facebook page - www.facebook.com/pavilion.colombo

Negombo | The Little Rome

Beach
Fine sandy beaches of Negombo has been mostly unexplored but less crowded as most tourists use the town for the first or the last night of their stay in Sri Lanka. That is where the advantage where you have the beach mostly to your self. Nevertheless those who have identified it's secrets have been visiting the town year after year. Fine beach stretches are superbly maintained by the hotels while some are always busy with fisherman and their equipment. Equipment for water sports such as diving, wind surfing are available at most hotels and private vendors. There are few schools offering reasonable diving courses.

What to see 
Other attractions in the area include many old church buildings, their feasts dedicated to various saints if you happen to be around at the correct time and the fisheries port.

Muthurajawela Marsh off Negombo lagoon just south of the town is a unique wetland habitat and the largest marsh in Sri Lanka popular with eco enthusiasts. Day or half day excursions could be arranged to visit tile factories to the north of the town. The Buddhist temple in the town is an unique structure where beautiful statures depicting various Buddhist events built beneath a giant Buddhist statue. Unfortunately poor maintenance and negligence has taken it's toll.

Excursions 

The ancient Buddhist temple at Kelaniya believed to have been visited by Buddha about 20km south of the town is a major attraction. A religious cultural pageantry is held in January at the tample. Completely re-built recently, fine wall paintings done in mid 1900s are an attraction.

Distance to other cities
Colombo 40 kM