Birth Place of” Panadura Vadaya” which awakened the Nation. “Panadura Rankoth Viharaya” (Temple) where Panadura Debete was held for 140 years. If Sri Lanka was to be brought under the heel of British, it was found necessary to demolish or do away with the cultural identification patterns. When the head of brave Monarawila Kappatipola was to be chopped after reciting the “Gathas” and tearing off the English agreement by Kudahapola Thero before the British flag was to be hoisted in Kandy, the British people tried their best to destroy the identification of this country. The British also tried to annihilate the Buddhism apart from destroying the agriculture built up through irrigational culture. The bravery that elicited by Buddhist clergy against all these not ended here but went beyond the horizon. Although subjected to strategies of Britain at the beginning of the 19th century, but at the end of the same century, there was Buddhist renaissance. The” Panadhura Wadaya” debate which originated by Venerable Migettuwatte Gunananda and complete 140 years had become very supportive for its uplift. In parallel to the background to the Buddhist flag, it is important to state something on “Panadura debate”. It could be well reckoned that Panadura debate which originated about 140 years has stepped in as a memento to Sri Lankan identification. We have to accept without argument that the national renaissance of ours squarely depends on the Panadura debate which originated at “Rankoth Viharaya” at the end of the 19th century. The back bone of the external nations which tried hard to create externalism and its back bone was wholly broken down by the Polonnaruwa debate. What would have happened to our reincarnation and what way it would have taken if excellence was not obtain at the debate. We have to be observant whether the statuesque could be taken forward and be mindful whether this strength could be taken forward. It is no secret that we get the necessary strength in the forward march through Buddhist forces. Arrangements are being made to hold the memorial on 10th October 2014 in this connection with the participation of His Excellency the President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka on completion of 200 years to Rankoth vihara which gave way for Panadura debate. It is not necessary to state that the Buddhists of this country should be mindful at this time about the Panadura Debate and the Rankoth Viharaya which became the spot for the debate. It could sometimes be bewildered or brought to wonder why I introduce Pandura Debate as a special joint for Buddhism. It could also be asked how a thing that made Buddhist upliftment could be taken for national renaissance. Is it not that national renaissance and Buddhist renaissance are not one but two in number. Today, those who are raising the full Buddhist concept through the constitution may raise objections to my concept. The idea of national renaissance is supported continuously by writers G.C. Mendis, Ludowyke who have written prevalent history in English language. They insist that national renaissance and Buddhist renaissance have to be treated separately. In any one of the history books, they have not made mention of “Panadura Debate” or Rev. Anagarika Dharmapala. According to their belief, Migettuwatte Gunananda Thero who spearheaded Panadura Debate, or Rev. Anagarika Dharmapala were not the main leader who contributed to the national renaissance. They declare, without going further, that they were not such leaders but Buddhist nationalists. This ante-national concept is embodied even books used by children. These history books depict that even king Dutugemunu is a Buddhist national who is a blockade for international reconciliation. I can remember Regie Siriwardhana proposing that name “Dhutugamunu” should be expunged from the Sinhala history book. We have to state loudly, without fear, even now that the national renaissance cannot be separated from the Buddhist renaissance and that the culture is not pluralistic. These facts have to be inculcated in to the minds of the Sinhala people at this time of completion of 200 years to Panadura Debate, Rankoth vihara land. As it is, I mention here my preamble. “I believe that most of the people are unaware of the”Panadura Debate” and also the Rankoth Vihara land.” Batapola Kalyaana Tissa Maha Thero was the old editor of the “Rankoth Viharaya”. The present chief incumbent Thero who is instrumental in developing this temple is Walpita Siri Sumanatissa who was appointed in 841.This is the Thero who pioneered the” Panadura Debate”. The other important services extended by him was the institution of marriage law to get the Registrar of Marriages to register marriages of Buddhists instead of registering them in churches. This is the Thero who had got done this through Government of England. These national services extended by Theros were supported by Buddhist of Panadura. During this period locally rich category of people were also there. This category of rich people sprung up from Panadura. They were Buddhists who had a great liking for the land, nation and the religion. In the year 1873, Panadura Debate was held at private land “Dambagahawatta” near Rankoth Vehera. This land was belonged to philanthropist Jeramius Dias. While this land was given to the daughter of Jeramius Dias, she has given to the Buddhist Society, Panasura, through a deed of gift. It is believed that everyone knew that higher grade schools such as Ananda, Nalanda, Dharmaraja etc. came up because of Panadura Debate and as a result of Rev. Ollcot coming to this country. The “Pirivena” that have a connection with Rankoth Temple have started in 1896. It is stated that earlier mentioned Mr.Jeramius Dias , philanthropist, has given a fillip to this. It is not known whether the people are aware that this reputed family has done this yeoman service to the country and its present day inhabitants. A lady doctor known and studied at Visaka College is found quite unaware of the fact that the land for Visaka College had been donated by Madam Jeramius Dias. The chief incumbent of the Pirivena commenced in 1896 was Rev. Weligama Sri SumangalaNayaka Thero. This became almost a birth place of a few eminent and high respected scholars of the country. Among them are the Rev. Beruwala Siriniwasa and Rev.Kanumodera Piyaratana . The chief incumbent, Moratuwe Somaratana Thero who lived has, during the period 1958 -1981 happened to be a close friend of his. The Thero, a follower of Sri Buddha, was a most eminent Pandit. The book written by him on”0 Lankan Mahayana Persuation” brought him a dignified place on writing.
Posted on: Wed, 03 Sep 2014 03:55:32 +0000
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