Kurunegala Clock Tower and World War Memorial (කුරුණෑගල ඔරලෝසු කනුව හා ලෝක සංග්‍රාම යුද්ධ ස්මාරකය)

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Kurunegala Clock Tower and World War Memorial

The clock tower found in the centre of Kurunegala town was built as a memorial for the fallen heroes from Northwestern Province in the First World War in 1922. Eleven names are listed on the Kurunegala Clock Tower who lost their lives during World War I and three of the names are Ceylonese.

The clock tower is made of blocks of stones with features of a castle and a tower. The centre is hollow and a wooden staircase is built to reach the clock. The first three steps are made of concrete. There are 3 grand frames marked on 3 sides.

The year 1922 is marked on top of the frame on all sides. On the left frame, it states “THIS CLOCK TOWER WAS ERECTED IN MEMORY OF THOSE WHO WENT FROM NORTHWESTERN PROVINCE AT THE CALL OF DUTY AND GAVE THEIR LIVES FOR THE EMPIRE IN THE GREAT WORD WAR IN 1914-1918”. The translation of the same in Tamil is below the Engish writing. The Sinhalese translation is found on the right side frame. This World War Monument is the only such monument in the country where all 3 languages are used.

In the front frame, the names of the 11 who lost their lives are carved on a granite plaque ending with the statement “THEIR NAME LIVETH FOR EVER”, a phrase from the Jewish book of Ecclesiasticus or Sirach.

At the conclusion of 2nd World War, a new plaque has been added below the original. At the top it “II GREAT WORLD WAR 1939-1945” is marked. below that 7 names of those who died in the 2nd World War are marked.

References

Perera, K.N. (2023) ‘ War Memorials In Sri Lanka – Boer War (1899 -1902), First World War (1914 – 1918) And Second World War (1939 – 1945)’. Colombo: Sri Lanka Ex-Servicemen’s Association.

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Map of Kurunegala Clock Tower and World War Memorial

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Travel Directions to the Kurunegala Clock Tower and World War Memorial

Bandarawela in Colombo to Kurunegala Clock Tower and World War Memorial

Distance: 98 kilometers
Travel Time : 2 hours
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According the Great Chronicle Mahavamsa, Buddha has placed his foot print at the site of Padalanchana Chethiya rising to the air to return to India after his 3rd visit to Sri Lanka. […]

References

Also See

Map of Kurunegala Clock Tower and World War Memorial

Travel Directions to the Kurunegala Clock Tower and World War Memorial

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