‘Uruma Prasada Pranama’
The history of a country that indicates the expertise of its ancient natives also lifts its image through its native creations. Each nation, whether it is Egypt, China, India or any other has a unique record. They have their own history and tales of their own; so does Sri Lanka.
Ancient Sri Lankan architectural masterpieces have survived natural disasters and wanton destruction during numerous enemy invasions.
It is true that the examples of ancient structures we see today, did not survive on their own, most having been restored to mirror their original appearances as far as possible.
Sri Lankans are lucky that there were some people who treasured these creations and spared no efforts in protecting them and it is the responsibility of the nation to pay gratitude to such noble personalities.
Realising this obligation the Ministry of National Heritage organised an award ceremony ‘Uruma Prasada Pranama’ in 2012, when men and women who made contribution in safeguarding our heritage were officially recognised by the state.
The second consecutive ‘Uruma Prasada Pranama’ ceremony was held recently at the Auditorium of the National Museum Department.
The individuals were selected under two categories, one the Silver Awards-Public Category to those who contributed to protect our heritage although they were not directly engaged in field work and Golden awards for those protected the heritage by working in archives, museums and the archaeology sectors.
Parliament Speaker Chamal Rajapaksa presented the awards to the following.
SILVER AWARDS – PUBLIC SECTION Ven.Gangoda Chandaloka Thera
The heritage of Sri Lanka has always been kindled by Buddhist teachings. Setting a great example in safeguarding our heritage, Ven. Gangoda Chandaloka Thera had handed over about 300 artifacts that included 200 Buddha statues, gold coins and a golden casket unearthed in the excavations carried out in 2004 at the Udahaludeniya Temple in Matale to the National Museum.
Mr Samantha Gunasekara
Mr Gunasekara as the main seizing officer of the Sri Lanka Customs has used maximum powers vested in the Custom in eliminating the illegal export of ancient artifacts of historical importance and archaeological value.
He is also making arrangements to conserve the historical Godawaya stone inscription with funds provided by the Customs Department.
Mr.Jayantha Samarasighe
A chemist by profession and also a managing director of a business establishment Mr Samarasinghe made monetary contributions towards the protection of our national heritage from his own funds. He constantly roamed through historic sites in his own in a quest of unearthing items of historical significance.
The historical Buduruwayaya archaeological site, which was in a dilapidated condition due to environmental
the Ministry of National Heritage organised an award ceremony ‘Uruma Prasada Pranama’ in 2012,
causes and damage caused by burglars in 2009-2010, was revamped by him.
The sleeping Buddha statue in Bambaragasthalawa site in the Kumana National Park and the Henanigala stone cave in the Maduru Oya National Park were conserved by Mr. Samarasighe who has also agreed to provide funds for the conservations of the Hebessa and the Kabiliththa archaeological sites in the Eastern Province.
Mr. L.V.A. de Mel
Mr. De Mel joined as excavating worker of the Archaeological Department and provided his service to safeguard national heritage sites for more than 34 years.
He played a major role in excavations carried out in Kudiramalei, Tissamaharama, Akurugoda, Samalankulama in Vavniya, Belilena in Kithulgala, Pahiyan lena, Batadomba lena in Kuruvita archeological sites. He had also carried out researches on metal production in Sri Lanka. Metallic ovens made by Mr. De Mel are on display in the Martin Wickremesinghe Museum and the Colombo National Museum.
Mr. Tissa Nagodawithana
Converting ancient artifacts and archaeological sites into a different yet parallel division Mr. Nagodawithana promoted and protected cinema arts. Tissa Nagodawithana is popular among the cinema loving crowd. He is the main conservator of Sri Lankan movies.
GOLDEN AWARDS - INTELLECTUAL SECTION
Mr Vidyajyothi Gemunu Silva
Vidyajyothi Gemunu Silva was appointed as an engineer of the State Engineering Corporation in 1970 while working as an Air Force officer. The pinnacle placing of the Mihinthala Chaithya was conducted under his instructions in 1979.
He guided the restoration of the Mirisaweti Chaithya and erecting the Maligavila Buddha Statue and the renovations of the Temple of Tooth after it was damaged by a terrorist attack.
Dr K.D.G. Wimalaratne
Dr. Wimalaratne was the director of the Archives Department until 2004. He has written several books related on Sri Lankan history and culture in both Sinhala and Tamil mediums. His book, ‘Costumes of Sri Lanka’ was awarded the 2013 National Literature Award. The most prosperous era of the Sri Lankan Archives Department was said to be the during Dr Wimalaratne’s 34 years of service.
Dr. Wimalaratne works in the United Nations’ archives and is a member of the international committee today.
Professor Nimal de Silva
Professor Silva was the former director general of the Postgraduate Institute of Archaeology and later the director general of the Central Cultural Fund.
He had generously donated his knowledge in Wasthu Vidya knowledge when surveying national heritage sites.
Professor T.G. Kulatunga
Professor Kulatunga was the history and archaeology professor at the Sri Jayawardenepura University. He made contributions to the Abhayagiri restorations.
He was a founding member of the Central Cultural Fund launched in 1980. He has also written numerous books in archaeological investigation.
Dr. Thelma Gunawardena
Appointed in 1982, Dr Gunawardena is not only the first woman museum director in Sri Lanka but the first in the world as the chief custodian of a museum.
She took action to revamp dilapidated museums and made them people friendly places.