Sunday 22 AUGUST 2021 E-Paper

Wildlife Crimes Stoop to a New Low Gruesome killing of a tusker in Yala Block 3 shocks the country

By Risidra Mendis He says therefore, the department staff needs to be A young tusker lies dead at enhanced several fold. “The Block 3 of the Yala National department should have at Park. Lying on the ground in least 6,000 personnel in the his own blood and dung, this field. But the ideal situation gentle giant lost his life should be 9,000 people in the because he was born with a field if they want to do an pair of tusks. Allegedly shot effective job. Until this problem and killed by a farmer in the is addressed we will be facing area for his tusks this animal such tragedies in the future. breathed his last with nobody We have been telling this to to help him. the authorities for the past Shot and killed in his own three decades and the DWC is territory the animal was earning revenue in billions of helpless at the hands of a rupees each year through brutal killer or killers whose tourism, but the money is not only aim was to get their are treated’. This poor put back at least partly to keep hands on the growing tusks elephant’s face has been the resources alive for the sake and hair of the elephant. The hacked at to get at his milk of the industry at least, if the remains of the dead tusker teeth, not even tusks. What conservation is also not taken with his head cut off paints a protection are we offering into consideration,” Dr. horrid picture and have these innocent creatures? Gunawardana said. shocked environmentalists at None,” the statement reveals. He says the DWC should be the sheer brutality some It further says, “We call upon strengthened to protect the people will resort to, to get a the Government to at least resources that will attract pair of tusks. now take action against these tourists in the future and even The carcass of the tusker wildlife crimes which are if they look at it from a narrow was found at Sella increasing in frequency, are perspective the DWC should Gothamigama electric fence not only illegal but are cruel be given more resources and with his tail and trunk cut off. and incredibly heinous. We tusker in self-defence. the department strength While environmentalists are must strengthen the Environmentalists say the should be enhanced in every trying to figure out whether punishments under the Fauna lives of three other wild respect. this is the elephant named and Flora Protection elephants living in Yala Block “They can enhance the Suranimala, Ordinance (FFPO) and 3 are also at risk following this technology capability of the Environmentalist/Wildlife prioritise increasing the fines recent incident. DWC by having a drone to Activist Nayanaka Ranwella under the FFPO to reflect the “The greatest degree of patrol the national park at says when going through severity and nature of these protection under the night time, so that any photographs published it is wildlife crimes, as it is very provisions of the FFPO is not miscreants who try to enter evident that a bullet has gone clear that the current fines are enough to have legal the park can be handled much through the tusker’s head. year ago and that animal’s in our wildest imagination did not serious enough to deter protection if the enforcement more effectively. This is one “It is clear that the tusker tusks were also stolen. “This we think we would see the these crimes. We must act mechanism is also not way to make use of modern was shot from the front. I clearly shows that elephants same happen here in Sri urgently and make it a priority strengthened to take effective technology and with minimum request the Department of are being killed for their tusks Lanka. Cruelty towards of the nation to protect our action. In my opinion it is the risk for more effective action. If Wildlife Conservation (DWC) to and a big racket is going on,” animals and wildlife killings wildlife from these evil forces,” lack of resources in the DWC there are two drones going locate the bullet used to kill Ranwella explains. are increasing day by day and the statement says. which is the cause of many of round the park at night at the tusker and produce it in A statement issued by the yet, we do nothing is done “A suspect was arrested in these issues and not a problem regular intervals any person Court. The tusks were Wildlife and Nature Protection about it. Clearly our laws are connection with the killing of of the law been weak. The entering the park could be removed with the use of a Society (WNPS) questions not working,” the WNPS the tusker at Block 3 of the DWC is severely understaffed monitored and some park chainsaw leading us to believe whether or not we are going to statement says. Yala National Park. The and even that staff that the personnel can track to that that this was a planned killing. sit by and watch these heinous It says perpetrators continue arrested suspect has been department has does not have spot,” Dr. Gunawardana These are heinous crimes,” acts of cruelty towards to walk away after committing identified as the owner of the the adequate resources such explains. Ranwella says. animals and wildlife escalate violent wildlife crimes daily. “It firearm allegedly used in the as vehicles firearms, and Director General of DWC He adds that the head of day by day? was Mahatma Gandhi that shooting,” Wildlife officials say. training to do their job Chandana Sooriyabandara another tusker was discovered “We have seen similar said, ‘The greatness of a nation According to Reliable effectively,” Environmental says joint investigations from the buffer zone of the images of elephants being and its moral progress can be Sources the suspect has Lawyer Dr. Jagth regarding the tusker’s death Yala National Park about a hacked at in Africa, but never judged by the way its animals ironically said he shot the Gunawardana opines. are ongoing with the Police. c2 sunday 22 AUGUST 2021 Picture Story Echo

A Procession of Traditions A brief look at the origins of Esala Perahera By Ama H. Vanniarachchy under the reign of King Kirthisiri Rajasinha. During this time a body of Siamese priests The Tooth Relic arrived in during who came to Ceylon for the restoration of the the 4th century CE when King Kithsirimewan Upasampada ordination was surprised to find was ruling in Anuradhapura. Kalinga princess a purely Hindu ceremony in the capital of a Hemamala disguising herself as a priestess pre-eminently Buddhist country.” sailed to Sri Lanka, when Kalinga was in war, However, if one journeys back in time a little carrying the sacred Tooth Relic, hidden in her further, one could see the faded roots of a hair. perahera held in honour of the Tooth Relic in According to legend, the sacred Tooth Relic Kalinga. It is said that the king of Kalinga was paraded around the city in a perahera. In performed extravagant rituals and an annual later times, the sacred Tooth Relic became the perahara in honour of the Tooth Relic. symbol of kingship in Sri Lanka. Therefore, it Eminent Scholar Ven. Kamburugamuwe Vajira was shifted from place to place in order to Thera states that an Esala festival parade still keep it out of reach of the invaders. exists at the Jagannatha Kovil at Puri, India. Finally, it was shifted to Kandy. The present The month of Esala marks the arrival of the was built by King Sri rainy season or the monsoon of this region. Veera Parakrama Narendrasinha (1707-1739). Monsoon festivals are held in many Asian After King Narendrasinha, the kingship was countries in honour of the rain god. passed over to the Nayakkars and the Archaeologist Charles Godakumbure believes Nayakkar culture eventually dominated that the Esala festival was initially a festival Kandy. gradually faded away from held in honour of the rain god and the Dalada its original ways as Hinduism spread its Perahera and its rituals are related to the authority over the kingdom. This cultural ancient rain festivals. fusion gave birth to a vibrant, unique Hindu- Bearing all these age-old cultural traits, the Buddhist cultural diversity and harmony. parades the streets of The Esala festival at Kandy today, dates the ancient capital of Kandy with all its pride back to the time of the Nayakkars. and splendour, despite the pandemic. John Devy, a British physician who resided The Kandy Esala Perahera commences in Kandy writes in the 18th century; after the ritual of kap situweema which is “The Esala festival was held in honour of followed by five Kumbal and Randoli Vishnu, to celebrate his birth, during the peraheras. The last Randoli Perahera is month of July (Esala). According to legends, considered to be the grandest and the most relics of the Buddha were not carried in the spectacular of them all and will be held Esala Perahera before the time of King Kirthi tonight. Sri Rajasinha.” After the Randoli Perahera, the diya A similar observation by Sir Richard kapeema ritual is performed. On the last day, Aluwihare was published in The Kandy Esala the Diva Perahera is performed marking the Perahera (1952); end of the Kandy Esala Perahera. “From the information I have been able to This year, the main Tusker who carries the gather, the Esala Perahera as we know it sacred casket of the Tooth Relic is the today, with the four Hindu Devala Peraheras majestic Nedungamuwe Raja. participating in it, had its origin in 1775 CE (Pix by Manilka Jayasingha) Echo sunday 22 august 2021 c3

By Ama H. Vanniarachchy

“I do not dispute with the world, it is the world that disputes with me. A speaker of Dhamma does not dispute with Sangayana: To anyone in the world.” — Bhikkus

Twenty-five centuries have passed since first preached his teachings in India. During the time of the Buddha, his teachings and his followers were mainly limited to Right the Wrong parts of Northern India and they gradually spread across the Indian subcontinent. Eventually, it spread beyond India, becoming a world religion. While it spread across Today is Nikini Full Moon Poya Day the globe, it absorbed native cultures and beliefs and gave birth to new sects, schools, and traditions. With time, Buddhism divided into three main traditions, which are the Theravada, Mahayana, and the Vajrayana. Within these three traditions, more sects were derived and some of them went extinct, whilst some still exist. The Theravada tradition which is still practiced in Sri Lanka, Thailand, Myanmar (Burma), Cambodia, and Laos, is considered as one of the earliest forms of Buddha’s teachings. Today, the Nikini Full Moon Poya Day, is an important day for followers of the Theravada tradition. According to the history of Buddhism, the first Buddhist Painting of the First Buddhist Council Saptaparni caves, Rajgir, Bihar Council was held on a Nikini Full Moon Poya Day. Followers of the Theravada remains controversial as it is tradition are familiar with the not widely accepted within the statement, “Thus, I have heard Theravada tradition. on one occasion” (Evan me sutan, ekan samayan In retrospect Bhagava…) when learning After a hundred years since Buddha’s teachings. This quote the parinibbana of the Buddha, was given birth to during the a second council was held. first Buddhist Council when Then, during the 3rd century Ananda Thera recited the BCE, the third Buddhist teachings of the Buddha which Council was held. The attempts he had memorised; therefore he of all these councils were to started the suttas saying that, clear certain misconceptions “Thus I have heard them on one that were rising about the occasion.” Henceforth, these original teachings of the teachings were passed down Buddha, to unite the Sangha, from generation to generation and to establish discipline and through oral traditions. Most order among the Buddhist importantly the Pali Tripitaka community. (Theravada) we use today, is a As we may witness today, result of this council. there are so many Subhadras What is the first Buddhist Royal procession leaving Rajagriha, possibly and Devadattas within the Council and how is it important depicting Ajatashatru, from Sanchi (By Bernard Gagnon) Sangha community. for us, and what impact did it Unfortunately, these monks have on the history of It is recorded that Arahat Ven. Paravahara Vajiragnana The Thera says that during the have a notably large number of Buddhism? Upali Thera was appointed to Thera has academically lifetime of the Buddha, certain followers too. But the problem recite the Vinaya (discipline explained and clarified that the As we may monks such as Devadatta, is we hardly see monks like The first Buddhist and rules for the Sangha), and Abhidhamma was included in Sunakkanta, Aritta, and Maha Kasyapa or Upali or Council Ananda Thera to recite the the Tripitaka during the first witness today, Saathi, created disputes among Ananda; those who will step Dhamma. Buddhist Council and that the there are so the Sangha community. forward and take measures to The history of the first The council was held for first Buddhist Council is an According to Ven. Rahula cleanse the Buddhist Buddhist Council is well seven months. After the actual historical event, in his many Subhadras Thera, the Chulla Vagga Pali community and break recorded in Buddhist literature. council, the teachings of the preface of the Mahawaggapali and Devadattas mentions the undisciplined misconceptions that are not The Chulla Vagga Pali XI Buddha were organised in three of the Buddha Jayanthi behaviour of some monks who based on the teachings of the mentions that after three pitakas or books (oral) which Tripitaka series. within the resided at the Keetagiri Gautama Buddha. months of Buddha’s are the Vinaya, Abhidhamma The first Buddhist Council is Sangha monastery. They were engaged One may argue, how can we parinirvana, this council was and Sutta. confirmed as a historical event in gardening, weaving flower know what is the original held in Rajagaha Nuwara. As the council was held by that actually took part as it is community. garlands, giving flower garlands teachings of the Buddha as it According to the Mahavamsa, great monks (maha theras), the recorded in texts such as the Unfortunately, to women, involved in dancing, was passed down through oral Arahat Maha Kasyapa Thera, name ‘Theriya Nikaya’ or the Chulla Vagga Pali, Mahavamsa, singing, and music, engaging in tradition and it has been more decided to hold a sangayana sect of the Theras derived. Dipavamsa, and in the Tibetan these monks sexual misconduct with than 25 centuries and also when he heard the words of a text Dulva and a few more Pali have a notably dancing girls, eating food after what is wrong with having a monk called Subhadra. Scholarly arguments texts and Attakatha which are the time they were allowed to little freedom and changing the After a week of the Buddha’s Accusations to Ananda accepted as valid and accurate large number of eat, and in consuming liquor. tradition? Well, we may agree parinirvana, Subhadra, seeing Thera historical sources. Hence the followers too. But These happened during the that the teaching has gone monks still mourning, said to Some modern scholars say historicity of this event is widely lifetime of the Buddha and then through changes over the them, that Ananda Thera was accepted among scholars, the problem is we he set rules/disciplines to stop centuries, but we know that “Why are you sad? We no questioned during this council worldwide. hardly see monks these undisciplined acts from Buddha’s teachings were based longer have the Chief Monk to and these questions were in the The need to hold a being repeated in the future. on nonviolence, giving up the tell us what is right and wrong, form of accusations, and like Maha Devdatta’s never-ending acts desire for worldly things, letting this is something to be joyful therefore, he had to explain and sangayana created more and more go of greed and hatred, loving about. Why cry in a moment justify. These scholars present Kasyapa or Upali disputes among the Sangha. compassion (metta), and leading when we have to rejoice? evidence from certain Pali texts. Ven. or Ananda; those Therefore, Arahat Maha a simple ascetic lifestyle. Henceforth, we have the However, P.V. Bapat in his Rahula Kasyapa Thera and other senior “There is no fire like passion, freedom to do whatever we are highly acclaimed scholarly Thera who will step monks felt the need to conduct there is no shark like hatred, pleased to do.” work, 2,500 Years of Buddhism says forward and take a council in order to cleanse there is no snare like folly, there It is said that hearing these states that the Deepavamsa, that various misconceptions about is no torrent like greed.” words, Arahat Maha Kasyapa Mahavamsa, the measures to the teachings of the Buddha – Siddharta Gautama Thera decided to hold a Samanthapasadika, and first cleanse the and clear disputes among the Hence, at least based on sangayana and he started Mahavasthu do not mention Sangha. these we can figure out that planning the event. It was he anything about such Buddhist By doing so, they certain things happening in the who chose the 500 arahat accusations or weaknesses of community and strengthened the foundation of name of Buddhism do not tally monks who would participate Ananda Thera. Buddhism and paved a strong with the philosophy taught by in this. When this decision was Controversy about break path for the Theravada the Buddha. The main objective made, Ananda Thera, Buddha’s Abhidhamma misconceptions tradition which was yet to be of the philosophy taught by the closest disciple and the However, there is an born. Buddha was to end the cycle of Dhamma-bhandagarika, or the argument among scholars the suffering of Samsara and one who memorised Buddha’s about whether the After the first that is enough for us to teachings, had not attained Abhidhamma was actually Buddhist Council Buddhist Council understand that so many arahathood. Therefore, 499 recited during this council was held not only as things happening today in the monks were chosen, keeping as they believe it was only Subhadra’s words Since the third Buddhist name of Buddhism, does not one place vacant for Ananda the Dhamma and Vinaya made the senior Council was held in the 3rd encourage devotees to follow Thera, as his participation was that was recited during monks fear and century BCE no other council the path to fulfil this objective. considered essential. the first Buddhist worry about the was held within the Theravada Observing the present Three months after the Council. future of the tradition, other than certain situation and various trends Parinibbana of the Buddha, on Controversy Sasana, but attempts taken by the that may seem as leading an Esala Full Moon day, Arahat cleared also for many Sinhalese kings to preserve the followers astray from the Maha Kasyapa Thera reached Bapat says that other reasons Theravada tradition. Some Buddha’s teachings, it would be Rajagaha Nuwara from Pava almost all scholars that scholars tend to interpret the timely if chief monks would Nuwara. Rajagaha Nuwara is of the world occurred Writing of the Tripitaka during consider holding a council to modern-day Rajgir in the state collectively agreed since the the 1st century BCE, under the strengthen the foundation of of Bihar, India. that the first time of the patronage of King Valagamaba the Sasana. The patron of this council was Buddhist Council Buddha. as a council but regardless, it is “He who sees Dhamma, King Ajashathru (492 - 460 was an actual no doubt that it was the Vakkali, sees me; he who sees BCE) the ruler of Magadha. The historical event. strongest and most sustainable me sees Dhamma. location of this council is Eminent attempt to preserve the Truly seeing Dhamma, one known as the Saptaparni caves Buddhist Theravada tradition. Also, the sees me; seeing me one sees in Rajgir, Bihar. The king made scholar Ven. Buddhist Council patronised Dhamma.” all arrangements and he Attuduwawe by Kanishka which is – Gautama Buddha, decorated the place with all Rahula Thera considered the fourth Vakkali Sutta splendour. states that, Buddhist Council by some, c4 sunday 22 august 2021 Miscellaneous Echo SUPARIKSHA Boosting Pandemic Battle Digitises the entire process of COVID-19 testing The Ministry of Health’s battle Geethanjana, Ishara Roshan, against the COVID-19 pandemic was Tharindu Madusanka, Jeniffer given a timely boost by the Weerasinghe, Yavindu De Alwis, ‘SUPARIKSHA’ PCR/Antigen/Antibody Chathuranga Kaththota, and Lalendra Test Management System developed Dias. by Loons Lab, a Sri Lankan-based Sharing his thoughts, Dr. technology company that specialises in Rambukwella stated, “Through the software development consultancy, to effective use of the system the results address the requirements of the releasing process has been expedited Ministry. by approximately 8 hours, from the SUPARIKSHA is an innovative paper-based system. Communication solution owned by the Ministry of to the general public has also been Health that comes with a mobile expedited by 4 – 10 days via instant application, web portal, and laboratory communication. Presently, the system application to digitise the full process is been integrated with private sector of COVID-19 related PCR, Antigen, and laboratory PCR test results as well. We Antibody tests. SUPARIKSHA digitises also have to thank the MLTs union and the entire process from the point of PHI union for their support in collecting samples, directing sample launching the system.” bulks for the laboratories based on Expressing her opinion, Ranasinghe capacity, conducting tests, test stated, “Loons Lab is proud to be a appointments management, part of this national effort to combat authorising results, generating the COVID-19 pandemic through reports, communicating results to SUPARIKSHA since the first COVID-19 patients instantly via an SMS, wave and incrementally develop and managing stocks, dashboards, and convenience and enhance efficiency streamline the decision-making Maharagama – Digital Health release and to build what it is today. statistics from ground level to district, levels during the course of carrying out process. Initiative, Dr. Nishan Siriwardene, and With the experience of servicing Health provincial and country level. This COVID-related tests. The system has The project was spearheaded by the Dr. Kasun Rambukwella. The software Information System that runs at system was conceptualised as a helped to centralise all data across the Ministry of Health’s Former Deputy development services were provided by around 12 Government Hospitals in breakthrough solution to replace country in each Grama Niladhari Director General (Laboratory Services) the experts at Loons Lab that included Sri Lanka, we were quickly able to traditional paper-based manual division and the data has been used Dr. Saman Rathnayake, Senior Founder and CEO Pulani Ranasinghe understand the domain and address methods and helped provide daily to get better insights and Registrar of Apeksha Hospital and the team comprising Gayan the requirements.”

Young Soloists Bag Gold Inner Wheel Club Extends COVID Support Donates ventilator and masks to HDU, Thambuththegama

Soul Sounds Academy wins big at The Inner Wheel Club of Colombo gifted a Remed Bi-level World Virtual Choir Festival Ventilator and a supply of NRB Masks to the newly set up national level COVID-19 High Dependency Unit (HDU) at the Base Hospital Thabuththegama, recently. The third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic saw a considerable number of patients with the infection, oxygen dependant and requiring breathing support. The 24-bedded HDU was set up at the hospital to treat such patients. The equipment will benefit patients from all over Sri Lanka, as this is a national level HDU set up to treat COVID-19 patients. The project was the Clubs’ first Members of the club with Consultant – Base Hospital Thambuththegama Dr. P. A. Epa in the new Inner Wheel Year which began in July and was made possible with the generosity Charvi Vaidyakularatne Kimaya Wijesuriya of its members in memory of the dearly departed members of the club. Inner Wheel is an International Women’s organisation to foster friendship, service and understanding. Founded in Manchester, England the organisation has grown to a membership of over 100,000 in more than 100 countries around the globe. The Inner Wheel Club of Colombo with a rich history of 55 years is one of the most vibrant clubs in District 322 Sri Lanka. Over the years it has carried out many noteworthy projects for the benefit of the community at Medical staff of the hospital at the demonstration of the equipment with Dr. P. A. Epa large.

Rakhitha Widyapathige Ruhani Vaidyakularatne

Talented young soloists of premier musician Soundarie David. music academy Soul Sounds won gold The festival, which concluded medals at the third World Virtual Choir earlier this month, featured Sparklink Travels Celebrates 42 Years Festival 2021 hosted by the Bandung participants from 18 countries Choral Society. including USA, UK and Wales, Italy, Sparklink Travels celebrates its The company has processed and In the children’s category, 9 year old Malaysia, Netherlands, Nigeria, 42nd anniversary of providing paid in excess of Rs 10 million in Rakhitha Widyapathige won a Gold Philippines, Poland, Russia, travel excellence in Sri Lanka. The refunds due to its corporate and Medal and a Special Jury Award for Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Sri boutique family-owned travel leisure clients whose travel plans sharing cultural heritage through song Lanka, Thailand, and Vietnam. business was established in 1979 had been affected due to COVID 19 and dance, and Kimaya Wijesuriya was Securing a stellar reputation for by founder Nihal Perera whose pandemic as at now. also awarded a Gold Medal in the same global excellence, the Soul Sounds passion was to provide an Chairman Perera acknowledges category. Academy’s Intermediate Choir also exceptional personalised service, and appreciates their valued Additionally, Charvi Vaidyakularatne won a Gold Medal under the youth based on core values of integrity, corporate and leisure clients for was awarded a Gold Medal in the youth choir category at the second World proactiveness and excellence for air their patronage and the support category, while Ruhani Virtual Choir Festival held last year. travel, cruises and tours. This provided by the National carrier Sri Vaidyakularatne bagged the Gold in “Our virtual festival was intended to continued passion has seen Lankan Airlines, international the adults’ category amid stiff provide a platform for choir singers to Sparklink Travels an IATA airlines, hotels, overseas tour competition. continue singing and performing (International Air Transport partners, Department of Civil A panel of 10 internationally- despite the pandemic. We’re delighted Association)-accredited travel Aviation, Sri Lanka Tourism, acclaimed jury members adjudicated that our singers can showcase their company continue to serve its banks, and their staff – past and the performances. “Beyond music talent on a global stage and find their clients for the last 42 years. Nihal C. B. Perera present – that have contributed to education, Soul Sounds Academy voice among a supportive international Chairman Perera is the former the success of Sparklink Travels believes in giving children the community of musicians,” stated Director of Development and turbulent times. Group. opportunities to perform, interact, and Artistic Director of the Festival Publicity of Ceylon Tourist Board, The experienced and professional Sparklink, a trusted travel, cruise work with experts in music, as well as Tommyanto Kandisaputra. Celebrating and a pioneer and a legend in the staff has continued to offer all and tour partner in Sri Lanka and develop a passion to perform through cultural diversity, Sri Lanka’s Soul tourism industry. Together with travel-related services from their Australia, looks forward to international events of this nature. I’m Sounds Academy and Indonesia’s Praki Perera, now based and office located at Liberty Arcade, international borders being thrilled that they’re being recognised at Bandung Choral Society have fostered operating Sparklink Travels Colombo 3 and remains remotely reopened and the inbound tour this level by a world-renowned panel of a relationship for many years built on Australia, reiterate that they are contactable in the current industry recommenced to provide judges!” commented Soul Sounds the vibrant exchange of each country’s committed to steering the company environment of travel and operating service par excellence to its valued Academy Founder and award-winning music and art. on the ‘Way Forward’ through these restrictions. clients in the future as well.