Ambalama at Kadugannawa
There are three man built monuments and a mother nature’s gift at Kadugannawa
of which every Sri Lankan should be proud of. One is the Colombo - Kandy
main road that runs through a pierced stone, second is the Dawson’s Tower
which was erected in honour of Captain Dawson, who pioneered the Colombo-Kandy
road and the other is the "Ambalama", (the resting place) situated
by the side of the main road. The nature’s gift is the Bible Rock which one
could see at a distance gulfed in grey mist.
It’s heartening to know that the "Ambalama" has been renovated
by the Archeological Department at a cost of Rs. 300,000.00. But if this
building is not looked after properly, all that money spent would be unproductive.
There are some unscrupulous political stooges and tuition ‘mudalaalis’ who
do not care a damn about the historical value and the scenic beauty of a
place of archeological importance as long as the ‘place is suitable to cover
up with posters which would ultimately leave hideous marks even after the
said posters are removed. I feel that this menace could be avoided without
taxing the authorities if some knowledgeable persons would educate the neighbours
dwelling ‘in and around the area about the value of this historic building.
If this building is kept spick and span, without dragging it to a state
of an eye sore as it was sometimes back, I am sure it could be a money spinner
for those living around because there would be hundreds if not thousands
of foreign and local tourists who want to have a glimpse of this small yet
the ancient and neat building and stay there for a couple of hours as this
is a photogenic object situated in an environment inundated with scenic beauty.
Consequently the vendors would get sufficient customers to sell their merchandise.
Without spending any money on advertising.
May this be an eye opener for the authorities concerned to conserve the
Ambalama at Kadugannawa at least for the sake of posterity.
Created : September 13, 2009
Updated :
October 30, 2009
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