Polonnaruwa has the privilege of being the model civilization where the unity of various religions along with marvellous architecture and irrigation canals have been world wonders.


Today, this ancient city has been nearly forgotten by domestic travellers and tourists alike for they don’t really add Polonnaruwa into their itinerary, thinking it’s too close to the northern part of Sri Lanka subject to terrorist attacks.


However, this is not true for Polonnaruwa, once succeeding Anuradhapura as the capital of Sri Lanka at the end of the 10th century, is still protected like the yore days of King Parakramabahu (12th century) making it a must-see site in any trip.


Under the vision of the Tourism Minister Milinda Moragoda, it was decided at a special Council meeting that it was vital to regain the lost glory of Polonnaruwa that will prove beneficial to its town.


The Director General of the Central Cultural Fund, Prof Sudharshan Seneviratne said: “Polonnaruwa is a sacred place because it unites not only Buddhist and Hindus but we can also see an Arab connection as there were many traders who used to frequent the marketplaces”.


Being a place of religious diversity, Polonnaruwa was under the Hindu Tamils in the 13th century before it became deserted. People flocked from all parts of the island to receive blessings from the great Hindu Shrine of Siva Devale who is a renowned god of fertility.


Prof Seneviratne added, “We can see this rings true for the pure essence of ‘Gal Viharaya’ unites all aspects of Buddhism which might be controversial but it still is admired for its amazing craftsmanship.”
Sri Lanka Conventions Bureau General Manager Vipula Wanigesekera said, “In a bid to regain the lost glory of Polonnaruwa, we will coordinate with the Central Cultural Fund to help hold a religious festival to boost the economy and give a helping hand to the people of Pollonaruwa.”


He said that not only were they looking at targeting the domestic travellers and pilgrims but also tourists to spark off interest.


Asoka Perera of the Sri Lanka Promotions Bureau said that any visitor needs at least three days to have a full sight of Polonnaruwa. “You need an experienced tour guide with a degree preferably with history as the major subjects to show you around,” he said.


The Polonnaruwa District Secretary Nimal Abeysiri said, “We will also do more work on enlightening visitors on how they can help preserve and conserve our religious sites without damaging our national treasures.”


He said that there might be a demand for more facilities during the peak season but Polonnaruwa is geared for that. “We are presently working on infrastructure and planning so that meditation areas can be accessible for visitors so we hope we have the fullest cooperation of the public to revive Polonnaruwa,” he said.


Additional Divisional Secretary Panditha Ratnayake said, “Every year for Poson Poya, we have seven small peraheras that join to form the grand pageant which unites all the temples in Polonnaruwa making it lively and colourful in its own way.”


He further stated that nearly 3000 people observe sil during Poson but it is good if the numbers were consistent and were better.


Sudarshan Seneviratne, Professor of Archaeology at the University of Peradeniya, said: “Previously, the ‘Ancient Avenue’ together with major parts of the ancient sights were lit up offering a festive atmosphere. Hence it is imperative to bring back the true spirit of Polonnaruwa which culminates into the yore days of the kings who really shaped Sri Lanka’s history.”


The Most Venerable Venderuwe Sri Upahara Thera said that this religious festival should bring pilgrims from all over the country and possibly the whole world where religions can unite through togetherness and unity.