It's time to save our artefacts
Today many antiques and precious collector’s items which should be preserved for posterity in museums are often found in private homes - most in a bad state of neglect as the owners do not recognize the value of the artefacts in their possession.
In this situation Ven Walatara Sobhitha, Chief Incumbent of the Para mac hit hr an and a Viharaya in Galle stands apart. Today he is endevouring to not only protect these valuable treasures, he also is displaying some of the antique items in his temple at Galwadugoda, in Galle.
Most of his collection relates to mass communication and broadcasting dating back to the colonial era.
Among his collection are records dating back to Radio Ceylon era, early Buddhist songs in Sinhala sung by past greats such as Rupasinghe Master, Rukmani Devi, Mohideen Baig, CT and Latha Walpola.
He also has in his possession gramophone needles, gramophones in working condition, reels of old Sinhala films dating back to the early period of Sinhala cinema, as well as old projectors which are on display at the temple.
The prelate says he began collecting the items when he was around 15 years. His collection includes a record of the original anthem, low country folk songs, nadagam and puppet music belonging to that era. The collection includes old cameras and projectors of different brands which are preserved separately.
Apart from the artefacts of culture and music there are statues of the Buddha belonging to different cultures and civilization. A wooden replica of the Aukana Buddha statue is displayed with other statues belonging to Gandhara and Samadhi tradition. The museum is housed in the Paramachithrananda Viharaya, Galwadugoda, Galle.
The Ven. Monk has set an example at a time when authorities neglect their duties.