Browsing by Author "Jayathilaka, J.A.I."

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    Heritage Tourism: Development of the Ramba Vihara Complex as a Tourist Attraction
    (University of Kelaniya, 2015) Sumangala Thero, Pahiyangala; Rathnayake, M.V.R.M.S.; Jayathilaka, J.A.I.
    Ramba Viharaya is situated in Ambalangoda, Hambanthota District. Large numbers of religious monuments have been spread over around this site. The problem of this study was “how to promote Ramba Viharaya as a tourist attraction for both foreign and domestic tourists?” Main objective of this study was implementation of suggestions to develop this site as a tourist attraction. This study was conducted through primary and secondary data collective methods. The research was based on structured interviews and field observations. Ramba Vihara complex was occupied by many Buddhist monks since historic times. There are different types of historical buildings such as Sannipathashala, chapter houses, image houses and Buddha statues, inscriptions, ponds, etc., are some of the historical monuments. When developing this site for tourism several weaknesses can be identified including lack of infrastructure facilities, lack of promotions, inadequate transport and sanitary facilities, lack of government involvement, vandalism, no proper visitor management plan. Still Ramba Viharaya has been neglected by the tourists due to unavailability of tourism promoting strategies. This study presents recommendations to overcome this situation and to develop the site as an attraction among the visitors. Providing sufficient infrastructure facilities, establishing sanitary and accessibility facilities, improving tourist awareness by promotional programs, introducing proper visitor management plan are some recommendations to promote the site as a minor attraction.
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    A study of the Buddhist monastery complex in the periphery of Sigiriya
    (University of Kelaniya, 2015) Sumangala Thero, Pahiyangala; Jayathilaka, J.A.I.
    Historically it is revealed that the Sigiriya Rock and its vicinity was a Buddhist monastery complex formonks, before it became known as a kingdom. The aim of this research is to identify whether there was a Buddhist monastery complex at the Sigiriya site before it was selected by King Kashyapa as his rock fortress in 5thcentury BC. The research attempts to prove that Sigiriya and its vicinity were occupied by monks since 3rdcentury BC. The methodology of the research includes the analysis of historical evidence from historical literary and archaeological sources including historical chronicles, inscriptions, archaeological sites and monuments. The Brahmin inscription on the rock shelter in one of the caves at Sigiriya complex offers proof that that this place was occupied by Buddhist monks. The phrase in the inscription “parumakalaguliyalene…” indicates that “Parumaka” has donated the cave complex to the Buddhist monks. More scientific evidence is provided by Prof. SenakaBandaranayaka who discovered through a pollen analysis that the Bodhigara of the Sigiriya complex dates back to 1st century BC. Archaeologists have identified that sites such as Pidurangala andRamakele had been donated to Buddhist monks by King Kashyapa for the purpose of continuing his kingdom at Sigiriya. Prof.SenarathParanavithana has stated thatSigiri maidens depicted in the Sigiriya frescoes show that they are on the way to worship at Pidurangala temple. According to archeological evidence, the Naipena Cave in the boulder garden has been identified as a Sangarama.Analyzing all these literary and archeological sources, it can be conclusively proven that the Sigiriya periphery was a Buddhist monastery complex before it functioned as a palace.