News

Historic bell tower needs repairs

By Saman Kariyawasam

The beautiful and historic gantara thorana (belfry) at the entrance to the 250-year-old Sri Sudharmarama Maha Vihara in Ambalangoda, is installed in a structure 75 ft in height and 40 ft in breadth.

It is a unique monument that attracts locals and tourists alike, but is now in need of renovation.

The bell weighs five cwts and is rung via a machine connected to it and installed on the ground floor. The structure is the work of one Juwanwadu Endoris Silva, begun in 1876. His son Ondiris took over from where his father left while it was completed by Dinorishamy, another artiste. The money for the structure was donated by persons who sold their land or from the sale of their rice over some period. But today the structure is facing ruin due to neglect. Fortunately the Archaeology Department has now undertaken its renovation.

Those wishing to make a contribution to the renovation programme are requested to send their remittances to AC No 1–047323–6 at the Bank of Ceylon Ambalangoda branch.

 
Top to the page  |  E-mail  |  views[1]
 
Other News Articles
TNA seeks India’s intervention
Police ignored Janaka’s plea for security
Land given to CBK’s masseur to be acquired
No politics after my retirement : CJ
Lankadeepa does it again
World Bank says no more room for Lanka to borrow
Lanka to continue borrowing from overseas banks
Teacher with book bomb nabbed
IDs a must for voting spurs groups to action
Singapore lab test report on milk samples expected soon, says CAA
Historic bell tower needs repairs
Join CDF or go home, Karuna tells cadres
Another Mavilaru in the making
Wild elephant caught and sent to new home
Smooth sailing for suicide bomber
Monsoon rains imminent; Govt. officials struggle with refugees
Another Sakvithi scam comes to light
Will anyone lend a helping hand?
Children’s Day gala not for remote villages
Waters Edge transaction Chandrika’s presidential robbery
Solicitor General appointed acting AG
Cops go on rampage
Bring attackers to justice: BASL
Cost-cutting order riles diplomats
Karuna supporter shot dead
CEB cuts supply to former minister’s house and office

 

 
Reproduction of articles permitted when used without any alterations to contents and a link to the source page.
© Copyright 2008 | Wijeya Newspapers Ltd.Colombo. Sri Lanka. All Rights Reserved.| Site best viewed in IE ver 6.0 @ 1024 x 768 resolution