Yatagiyaawe Yata Giya Than - History brought out of Distortion : W. S. Bandara

This is about a book where the author looks at our history from a fresh viewpoint much removed from the general outlook, and attempts to analyse the same with clear, incisive reasoning and brings forth historical vistas that contrast sharply with the ‘accepted’ interpretations, and explains as to why they had to be so.

Mr W. S. Bandara, the author of this extraordinary book gives it the bold title of “Yatagiyaawe Yata Giya Than – Ithihaasaya Vikurthiyen Prakurthiyata”, which could be loosely translated as “Obscure Vignettes of the Distant Past – History brought out of Distortion”. As the title itself implies, the author has been bold enough to challenge the “accepted” interpretations of our history that are generally based on information gleaned from Chronicles, anecdotal stories, folklore, and archaeological findings. What makes this book outstanding is the effort taken by the author to critically analyse these very same sources of information and arrive at his own interpretations. It is interesting to observe how the author uncovers a hidden -or overlooked- aspect of a particular event of our history by the force of his elucidative argument and brings forth compelling evidence to substantiate his point of view while gently exhorting the reader to think anew.

Beliefs can never take the place of truth
The Book makes for an extremely interesting read. The author maintains that a belief can never stand for the truth, and as such, a belief has to be promptly brought under the thorough scrutiny of reason for the truth to be established by facts; a student of history should therefore diligently look for those facts without taking to the easier path of often travelled trails of history laid down in the Chronicles.

A clear thread of reasoning runs right through the book. The author questions why Chronicles gave preference to Vijaya’s story over the legend that is even depicted in Ajantha paintings, and why Chronicles gave short shrift to certain kings, and also why some of the notable deeds of kings were curiously overlooked while some mediocre activities received lavish attention. He discusses at length the eternal power struggle between the clans of Moriyas and Lambakarnas and the inconsistent attitude adopted by the Maha Viharaya towards them. He conjectures why the reciprocal support that existed some times between South Indian kingdoms and Sri Lanka turned to hostility at certain junctures.

Why Sri Lanka should be called Ceylon
Author submits a strong case as to why Sri Lanka should not be called Sri Lanka but Ceylon. He traces, as proof, the roots of the word Ceylon much past the recent colonial past into deeper ancient history. Another interesting chapter examines how some Sinhala place names changed overtime to their Tamil forms, how some were absurdly linked to Ramayana legend, and even how some were distorted into meaninglessness.

Articles on the spread of Mahayanism, the extent of our foreign relations, and the enviable place we occupied in ancient history demonstrated by the oversized Taprobane in Ptolemy’s 2nd century map deserve our special attention. Whether coconut could have come to Sri Lanka from Polynesia along with some common Sinhala words whose origin cannot still be explained shows the colourful spectrum of subjects that has come under the author’s purview.

Author’s view on Sigiriya
The author identifies the famous Sigiriya Damsels and cites as evidence a verse from Sigiri Graffiti. This is a clear example of how historians could fail to see the forest for the trees.

While the basic emphasis of this book is on our history, the author has not forgotten the common people of that bygone era, their taste, and their ability to appreciate nature which made me reflect sadly on the present state of affairs especially the current taste evinced by our media. The influence of the Buddhist doctrine on the lives of our people as opposed to the role played by popular Buddhism later on in our society is also underscored in several places.

Truly a hidden gem
This book should have stirred up a veritable hornet's nest but all I could hear is silence. Except for the buzz generated by some past pupils of Richmond College, Galle, where the author had taught for long years, highlighting the book and its author, and except for a lonely online bookstore that has put up the images of this book which are shown here, there is hardly any mention of this valuable book in the whole of the vast World Wide Web. It is indeed a pity that such a scholarly effort could be so very well hidden in this information age. It is almost by accident that I came across this book and bought it out of curiosity without realizing the value of it – Truly a hidden gem.

As you can see from the title and accompanying images, this book is written in Sinhala and reasonably priced at about Rs 300.00, and available online too for under $5. I wish the author or publisher would take steps to translate this to English and make the ideas available to the whole world. Lack of well deserved publicity or narrow language barriers should not keep this gem hidden from the world.

Book Review : Verajay

Effect of global warming on tea production in Sri Lanka

20th November 2009, www.island.lk

By Dr M T Ziyad Mohamed, BSc (SL) Ph D (Sheffield UK), Director, CIC Tea Advisory Services (Pvt) Ltd.,

Tea produced in Sri Lanka commonly known as "Ceylon tea" throughout the world is very popular for its unique quality, since its introduction.

Ceylon tea won such an accolade, due to its unique flavour, especially coming from regions like Dimbula (Talawakele – Hatton), Nuwara Eliya, Uva, Udapussellawa, Bogawantalawa and Maskeliya. Interestingly, apart from soil conditions and the terrain in which the tea is grown, climatic conditions prevailing in these regions contributed significantly, towards the development of such flavour compounds in tea leaf.

Since early 1990s, the leafy grade teas produced, mainly in the Low country (elevations <>

The leafy grade teas too are considered somewhat unique to Sri Lanka. But, Vietnam producing similar type of teas since of late, might pose a threat to the domination of Sri Lankan leafy grade type teas, had enjoyed for quite sometime, in the international arena.

Impact of global warming on productivity of tea at different elevations;

Up country:

Along with good soil conditions, well distributed rainfall and humid conditions, a mean ambient temperature of 20 – 26 0C has been identified as conducive for growth of tea. Tea is a rain fed crop, hence well distributed rainfall enhances its productivity. With global warming, the rainfall patterns have changed and the tea sector is already experiencing erratic weather conditions (higher rainfall during a shorter period of time and long spells of dry weather), which affect the overall productivity. Furthermore, such higher intensity rainfall also results in soil erosion, leading to low land productivity and hence crop losses.

According to data collected so far, the mean ambient temperature is about 14 – 23 0C, in the Up country. While low temperatures had been helpful in maintaining a higher organic matter content in the Up country, the ambient temperature is not the ideal for growth of tea. Thus, on one hand, due to global warming, the productivity in Up country is predicted to increase, with ambient temperature approaching the ideal, 20 – 26 0C.

On the other hand, with the elevation of temperature, some of the tea pests such as, shot hole borer, which were hitherto confined to low elevations, are seen to affect the productivity of tea plantations in Up country. Furthermore, crop losses are also predicted, due to increased activity of dry weather pests, such as Tea Tortrix, Mites etc., with rise in temperature.

Mid Country:

Although the mean ambient temperature in Mid Country 20 - 240 C, is somewhat ideal for growth, the low productivity recorded at present, could be attributed mainly due to eroded soils. With increase in temperature due to global warming, the soil carbon levels would further go down, due to increased carbon mineralization and it will further aggravate the lowering of soil productivity leading to more crop losses.

Low Country:

The mean ambient temperature in Low Country, 23 - 330 C, is already not only higher than the optimum, but it is close to the critical temperature (300 C), for growth. Thus, further rise in temperature will result in, lower productivity due to faster depletion of organic matter and also higher percentage of casualties too.

Impact of Global warming on quality of tea produced

The important reason for flavour development in tea leaf is, the climatic condition experienced in those regions. Although such conditions prevail through out the year, especially during a particular period of the year, the flavour is more pronounced. During the latter periods, the days are dry and the nights are cold, causing stress conditions to the plant, which in turn enhances flavour. Such climatic conditions exist in Dimbula, Bogawantalawa, Maskeliya and Nuwara Eliya during the period of November to February and in Uva as well as Uda Pussellawa, from July to September.

Increase in ambient temperature due to global warming is expected, to increase the night temperatures as well and hence would expose the tea plant to less stress conditions. Thus, a decline in overall quality (flavour) could be expected, in Up country.

However, the global warming might not lead to significant changes in quality of tea produced either in Low Country or Mid Country, provided that the leaf standard is maintained, at a satisfactory level.

Measures to mitigate the effect of global warming on tea production:

By establishment and management of shade in tea plantations, it is possible to mitigate the impact of rise in ambient temperatures in tea plantations. By having a good cover of high and medium shade, not only the mean ambient temperatures could be controlled, but soil fertility could also be improved, through leaf litter from those trees, in addition to lopping them as green manure at regular intervals. In the absence of such shade management, the option available is the installation of expensive irrigation systems, such as drip and sprinkler. However, considering the number of plants per unit area of land and the cultural operations involved (such as plucking every week), drip irrigation systems, might be difficult to maintain, where as the sprinkler systems should work. Furthermore, finding sources of water itself, to irrigate will be an issue during dry periods, under the global warming scenario.

Impact on the small holder sector:

With global warming, the small holder sector contributing, nearly 70% of the island’s production might, become vulnerable with regard to its productivity, as it is concentrated mainly in the Low Country. In addition to the effects of global warming, the adoption of short cut methods in tea cultivation practices, as a result of lack of know-how in this sector, might aggravate the situation. Under such a scenario, the contribution from Low country, which presently stands at 58 – 60% of the total, might decline.

Such a drop in production from the small holder sector will lead to, severe competition for green leaf, between private factories processing bought leaf. Thus, it will be prudent for the state to intervene and stop opening up of new factories, in Low country. If not, it will aggravate the unhealthy competition for green leaf already experienced in Low country, which in turn will lead to difficulties in maintaining the quality standards, established over the last so many decades, with great effort by the tea community.

It is hoped that overall wishful thinking and timely intervention by the sector as well as the state, would save this important industry and thereby sustain the image of Ceylon tea in the international arena!!!

(The author was the Director, Tea Research Institute, during the period 2003 -2006)

Motor Insurance and you - Things to remember when you go for an insurance policy

Let us bring to you a very useful and relevant article we found in Daily Mirror.

Motor Insurance and you
By Ravi Sumithraarachchi - Senior Manager-Motor Insurance
Courtesy : www.dailymirror.lk of 11th November 2009

The first insurance policies were issued towards the end of the nineteenth century. At this experimental stage, there were insurance company failures, the first occurring in 1910.

The 1st world war hastened technological development because there was an obvious need for a mode of transport with the attributes of mobility, speed and efficiency. At the end of the war, popular motoring really began, in an era of cheap, light ‘baby’ cars. Consequently, motoring became a worldwide pursuit.

There was a corresponding increase in personal injury litigation, the result of the fact that a proportion of motorists were uninsured. Those insurers who did provide motor insurance cover tended to incorporate the handling of the business within their accident department. As the motor account grew, it was deemed necessary to develop it as a separate class.

In drawing up this new type of policy insurers were influenced by their experience of fire, theft and liability insurance and as a result they placed more emphasis on the subject matter (the vehicle) for rating purposes than they did upon the driver.

Nowadays, they give more weight to the driver and his experience, particularly to the young driver. The early years of the 20th century saw the formation of insurance companies in which the main emphasis was upon motor insurance. The experience of fire, theft and liability insurance, however, influenced the development of composite insurance companies and when motor vehicles appeared on the roads in larger number after the 1st world war, motorists placed most of their business with the larger, composite offices.

Insurance was introduced to Sri Lanka in the early 1930s when foreign insurers opened branches and Agencies following on the opening up of mainly British business houses in the developing Colony that was Ceylon. With the growth of business the market gradually developed till 1962/64-the period over which the insurance industry was nationalised. At this time there were 50 insurance companies doing active business in Sri Lanka.

By the late 1940s the Ceylon Accident Insurers Association had come to realise that their joint and several interests would best be served if they were to agree to adopt a more or less standard set of guidelines and basic rates for motor insurance. Thus the motor tariff came into operation within the framework of the Ceylon Accident Insurers Association. However, the Motor Insurance Tariff has now been lift off (after August 2002) in order to provide a competitive market.

Motor Insurer is, without doubt, the class of insurance business most amenable to standardisation and yet, at the same time, it provides one of the widest range of factors calling for individual appreciation assessment, and decision. With the large number of motor vehicles in use in Sri Lanka there are bound to be sound reasons for grouping the vehicles according to their usage for rating purposes.

(1) Every person is required by law to affect Motor Insurance if such person intends to use a motor vehicle on the road or where people have access. The insurance policy must be in force and must fulfil certain legal requirements. A Certificate of Insurance must be issued in terms of the Motor Traffic Act. There are special regulations concerning Motor Traffic. An action lies for breach of statutory duty.

(2) As in other types of insurance it is essential for the insured to have an insurable interest in the subject matter.

(3) The insured is required to answer all the questions in the Proposal Form either affirmative or negative. He is under a duty to disclose to the insurers all material facts to the risk proposed for insurance and should not make any misrepresentations. The completed Proposal Form will be the basis of contract between the insured and the insurer.

(4) Various conditions are set out in the body of the Policy, while some specific conditions are mentioned in the Schedule of the Policy. The Policy may cover injury to the insured, loss of or damage to the insured vehicle, also cover a person driving with the consent of the insured or the insured himself whilst he is driving cars other than the insured vehicle.

(5) As in all insurance Policies, Motor Insurance Policy also contains "General Exceptions" which excludes/restricts liability. The insured is under a duty to observe the "Conditions" imposed by the Policy and these are conditions precedent to liability. Any breach of a warranty or condition of the Policy would make the insurance contract null and void.

(6) Insurance against liability in respect of the death of or personal injury to third parties are generally compulsory.

(7) In certain circumstances a third party has a direct right to claim against the insurers in respect of injuries, which he has suffered by reason of negligent driving.

Choosing motor insurance

If you drive your vehicle on the road, or leave it parked in the street, the law says that you must have motor insurance. It is an offence not to insure your motor vehicle. Before you buy motor insurance, decide who will be driving your car, and how much cover you would like. There are three main types of motor insurance:

Third party insurance

This is the minimum amount of insurance cover that you must have for your vehicle. Third party insurance only covers you for damage to someone else's vehicle or property, or injury to someone else in an accident which involves your car. If your vehicle is damaged in the accident you will have to pay for the repairs yourself.
Third party, fire and theft insurance

This includes third party cover and, additionally, damage to or loss of your car by fire or theft.
Comprehensive insurance

This includes third party, fire and theft insurance. In addition, it will also pay for repairs to your car.

The cost of an insurance policy is called a 'premium'. Ask for quotes from several insurers to help you to get the best deal for your circumstances. You will need to compare:

- What each policy covers, and any exclusions (risks which are specifically excluded, for example, allowing private usage only)

- The no claims bonus which increases for every year that no claims are made on your policy, up to a maximum amount. Most insurers will let you transfer the discount, if you want to change your insurer. You will also need to compare the amount by which your no claims bonus would be reduced if you made a claim.

Things to remember

- You must give your insurer or the person who sells you the insurance as much information as you can about yourself and your vehicle. You must, for example, tell your insurer or the person who sells you the insurance about any medical condition which could affect your driving ability, or any motoring accidents, even if you have not claimed on your insurance as a result. The information you give will affect the level of your premium, and whether your insurer will pay out on any claim.

- You must tell your insurer, in writing, about any change in your circumstances. You should tell them as soon as the change occurs, and not wait until it's time to renew your policy.

- If the vehicle has been bought on credit, the finance company will usually insist that it is insured in the name of the person who has taken out the credit agreement.

- Motor insurance policies normally run for a year. Your insurer does not have to send you a notice reminding you to renew, but most insurers do send out reminders.

- When you take out or renew motor insurance, if you are been given cover note, this will be valid for 30 days or until you get the insurance certificate. It is an offence to drive without a cover note or insurance certificate, so do not rely only on a telephone conversation where someone has told you that you are covered.

- You can cancel an insurance policy if you sell your vehicle or any time if you wish. You should check your policy to see if you have a right to a refund of your premium.

Cars of my youth - When the British and American vehicles held sway on Sri Lankan roads

By Vikmaj

I remember going to school in the 50’s in my father’s Austin A30 which was built as an alternative to the Morris Minor which was very popular at that time. But the Peugeot 203 which came in the 40’s was also extremely popular at that time. The 203 was used by a slightly richer crowd as it was a bit more expensive than the Morris Minor. The Volkswagen Beatle entered the market in the 50s and gave the 203 a very good run for money.

When the Volkswagen Beatle came in, all had reservations, in particular as it was air-cooled. The common consensus of opinion was that it would be a flop and would not be able to withstand a rigorous journey, but all the pundits were proved wrong. The car caught the market like hot cakes and it became a fad even among the upper class. Of course, the Peugeot 203 retained its position, but VW Beatle outsold the Peugeot 203 owing to its price.

The 203 had an excellent turning circle which was considered to be the best among the continental cars other than the Triumph Herald.

Although the VW Beatle was air-cooled and had only two doors, it could run for long hours without a problem as it had no water to boil. VW and the 203 had similar shapes at the back side of the vehicle.

The Police also started using the 203 and the Austin Cambridge MK1 as their mode of transport. The Cambridge was also considered a car for the upper class due to its price.

Italy produced the Fiat 11 and 12 which became very popular family cars. France also put out Simca Aronde which caught the market.

The 203 and the VW Beetle had excellent road holding abilities compared to the rest of the popular cars.

The Peugeot 403 came in later, but this was more expensive than the average vehicle.

The Buick, Cadillac, Pontiac, Chevrolet and Plymouth, the American cars, were the other vehicles used by the rich which were not rare sights as there were no petrol crisis as today and the fairly rich could afford to purchase one of those.

The Studebaker was another vehicle which could be seen along the roads of this country at that time. The Benz 170 also came to Sri Lanka then followed by the 180, 190 and 200.

The Jaguar, which was British, was also popular in Sri Lanka along with the Humber Hawk. The Rolls Royce was also an excellent vehicle used by the Governor General at that time, but very rarely seen on the Sri Lankan roads.

Now all these American and British Marques have disappeared other than Mercedes Benz which is now ruling the upper class car market.

With the advent of the oil crisis in the 70’s these magnificent beauties disappeared almost totally from our roads, and the American and the British car market gave way to the Japanese vehicles. Now the trend continues with Indian and other Asian vehicles giving a tough fight to Japanese models.

Kitulgala - away from the hustle and bustle of the city

By Ethna Brave, Pix by Michael Wiafe, 25th October 2009, www.island.lk

Just when I was starting to tire of the long healing process following an accident when the three-wheeler I was riding toppled over a rut, I was once again pleasantly surprised by Sri Lanka, and my fondness for this exotic island rekindled to its former fervour. Sri Lanka, as I keep finding out, is full of surprises and hidden gems, Kitulgala being but one of them.

Kitulgala, at the gateway as it were to Nuwara Eliya and the hill country boasts a number of attractions. David Lean’s 1957 Oscar winning film, The Bridge on the River Kwai was filmed in this beautiful area; it is also renowned for its excellent white water rafting on the Kelani River, but these are only two of the better known allurements of the area.

As much as I like Colombo I always thoroughly enjoy getting away from the hustle and bustle of the city and a quiet weekend in Kitulgala was just what I needed to rejuvenate myself. The drive from Colombo is a lovely one and the end destination, Kitulgala Rest House sitting offered a warm welcome with the smiling, friendly staff anxious to make us comfortable. The Rest House is part of the Ceylon Hotels Corporation, which has Colombo’s Heritage Galle Face Hotel as its flagship.

After a pleasant lunch at the at a table offering a spectacular view of the river and the Bandara Kele forest, my fortunate colleague had the opportunity to sample Kitulgala’s famous white water rafting. My injured foot made that activity out of bounds for me and I could only watch the takeoff.

The highly trained and experienced instructors from Lanka Adventures decked him out in the required safety gear, gave him a briefing and generally prepared him for the forthcoming adventure. Ninety minutes later I was told all about an amazing experience which he had thoroughly enjoyed. I was more than a tinge envious!

Later that afternoon we visited the Beli Lena caves which are situated high up in the vast and breathtakingly beautiful Kitulgala Rubber Estate. The caves, to which one must reach hiking through coffee, cocoa and rubber plantations, are believed to have been occupied between 25,000 BC and 1500 BC.

In 1950 a monk had built a pathway and temple home for himself in the caves where he lived in isolation until his death. These constructions can be seen in the cave and the view over the estate and the surrounding countryside from the main upper cave is truly beautiful. The serenity and stillness of the forest with only the sound of chirping birds, rustling leaves and the running water was worlds away from the never ending bustle of Colombo.

After dinner we went to bed early in view of our early morning start. My alarm went off at 5.30 am, not a time I am usually roused at. By 6.15 we were crossing the Kelani River on a bamboo raft with our guide who was taking us for an early morning hike through the Bandara Kele forest up to the Makulwella Waterfalls. The cool morning air was refreshing and the mist hanging over the river and surrounding mountains was almost mystical.

Our path took us through Parawalathanne where the villagers were already up and about. As the mist rose, the suns first rays dappled the pathway before us turning the forest into an enchanted dell of dancing sunbeams. The two and a half hour walk was refreshing and ensured a healthy appetite which was rewarded by a wholesome breakfast at the Rest House before heading back to Colombo.

Despite my fatigue and aching bones after the weekend’s uncommon physical exercise, I slept the deep and welcome sleep of one who deserve it, and woke refreshed and invigorated for work on Monday morning.

A trip to Kitulgala was just what I needed; it was thoroughly energizing and it allowed me to see more of this beautiful island.

When Sigiriya Paintings were defaced 42 years ago

By Vikmaj - 42 years ago Sigiriya, a UNESCO World Heritage site and considered to be Eighth Wonder of the World, famous for its frescoes of Sigiriya Damsels, landscaped gardens and Sigiri Graffiti, plunged into a pall of gloom when the vandals defaced the unique paintings. Green paint had been daubed over the priceless paintings while some had been hacked away.

The vandals had carried out their dastardly act on the night of 13th October 1967, and the early morning news of the calamity made the following day a day of despair not only for Sri Lanka but for the entire world as these paintings coming down from 5th century A.D. were a world heritage.

Dr Senarath Paranavithana, regarded as the foremost archaeologist of Sri Lanka who had devoted most of his professional life to bring back Sigiriya to its pristine glory, was horrified by this act. As the saying goes, when Dr Paranavithana visited Sigiriya even on that day, there was a shower in the area.

The Italian restoration expert Dr Luciano Maranzi was flown down to Sri Lanka (Ceylon then) to restore the priceless works of art. Not only the Sri Lankans but the entire world was indebted to this great artist and his team for their incomparable effort in bringing back the famous Sigiriya Damsels to life. In the process, they have managed to uncover some hidden paintings too.

Fresco disaster at Sigiriya in 1967 - Premasara Epasinghe, well known cricket commentator, describes the incident

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The Best Kept Public Lavatory in the whole of Anuradhapura

Last week I made a pilgrimage to Anuradhapura, ancient capital of Sri Lanka for 1500 years and a sacred city to Buddhists all over the world. If you stepped in to the Archaeological Museum of Anuradhapura, you could see a number of intricately carved urinals and various designs of baths and toilets. As this article too is on the same subject, reader may forgive me for highlighting ancient toilet designs out of all the marvellous achievements of ancient Sinhalese.

It was while at the Isurumuniya Vihara, the beautiful cave temple close to the ancient city that I was struck by a sudden and imperative call of nature. In fairness, it has to be said that an adequate number of public lavatories (toilets, as some say) are maintained at various sites of the ancient city though some of them may not be up to the mark in terms of cleanliness and availability of such facilities as a ready supply of water and functioning faucets (taps). Most of the places charge a nominal fee of Rs 10.00 (US Dollar 9 Cents) which is quite fair for the service provided.

At the far corner of the Isurumuniya car park, I was literally amazed by the spick and span condition of the public lavatory there. Invariably the credit should go to the caretaker of the place, Mr Jinadasa who has been maintaining it for years and thanks to his efforts we can talk about, and of course take comfort in, such a marvellous public amenity.

The place is kept neat and clean, floors are all tiled, and inside each cubicle, the actual place of business features a typical Sri Lankan “squatting pan”. These are different from regular commodes or toilets westerners are accustomed to, and now found all over the world. May be the idea is to keep the place as clean as possible because keeping a squatting pan clean is much easier than a regular commode. The only drawback, if it can be called as such, is that some people, especially the elderly, might find the squatting pan a little troublesome to use. But there had been no complaints, but only grateful comments.

Without fear I can say this is the best kept public lavatory in the whole of Anuradhapura, and must thank profusely Mr Jinadasa for his yeoman service. Out of the fee of Rs 10/=, a negligible amount even in Sri Lanka, he keeps the place squeaky clean so that anybody, be they locals or foreigners, can use the facility without any hesitation.

My only regret is that due to the urgency of my visit, I was not in a position to take a photograph or two of the place. I’ll most definitely correct this lapse when I visit Anuradhapura next.