erangapulasthi

Muthiyangana

noreply@blogger.com (erangapulasthi) — Tue, 7 Dec 2010 21:05:00 +0530

Muthiyangana Vihara, Sri Lanka

At the southern end of Badulla stands the Muthiyangana Vihara whose origins date back 5th Century BC. Buddha is believed to have visited Lanka for the third time, on the eighth year following the supreme enlightenment. King Indaka of pre-historic (meaning prior to our recorded history) tribe Deva (one of the three tribes believed have inhabited Lanka, the other tribes being Yakka & Naga) built Muthiyangana stupa at the location where Buddha is believed to have made the sermons. The stupa was developed into a temple complex by a succession of Sinhalese kings commencing from King Devanam Piya Tissa (307-266 BC), The Deer Hunter, the first Sinhalese convert to Buddhism.

Dragon Arch at the entrance
The ancient Makara Torana (Dragon Arch) hasn't been dated. Mythological figures Vamana (a non-human ape like tribe believed have existed in India), Lion like beasts; bulls with very prominent humps decorate an arch unlike any other in Lanka.

Main Image House
Once again at the entrance to main image house (the house of status) is a colourful dragon arch with a statue of Maitree Bodhisattva, the next Buddha to be, according to the Mahayana Buddhism. The past Buddhas were Kakusanda, Konagama, Kassapa & Gauthama.

Guardian of the Muthiyangana
To the right of the image house is a statue of god Indaka, the guardian deity of Namunukula mountain range & Muthiyanga. Following his death, king Indaka of Naga tribe was elevated to a deity (most possibly, a superior being in another planet in cosmos) by virtue of his meritorious deeds. That is action & reaction. Lovely.

Muthiyangana Stupa
The stupa enshrines Sacred Kesha Datu, a lock of pure & blue-black, (Perhaps such could be the colour of the hair of an Asian man of perfect of health & purest of thought. Then again medieval Sinhalese poetry praising lissom women of matchless grace never fail to emphasise the colour of hair as bluish black) & Mutukuda datu (solidified sweat) of Buddha. The present 65m tall stupa with a diameter of 90m is a reconstruction of the original stupa. The moonstone at the entrance to the stupa is of Anurdadhapura Era.

Bo trees
The first Bo tree in to the temple complex called Maliyadeva bodhi is believed to be exact location where the last Maha Arhath (the enlightened one, who has broken free from the cycle of suffering of birth, & rebirth) Maliyadeva made the sermons on his visit to Muthiyangana. The second, Ananda Bodhi is believed to be brought from Jetavanarama in India. The third, Dethispala Sri Maha Bodhi was planted by King Devanam Piya Tissa.This is one of the 32 Bo trees originated from Sri Maha bodhi tree at Anuradhapura. It is well protected by the original fence & another newly built gold plated fence.

ArcGIS Desktop Tutorials

noreply@blogger.com (erangapulasthi) — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 14:32:00 +0530

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ArcGIS Desktop and ArcGIS Extensions come with tutorials and tutorial data to help you learn to use the software. You can use the links below to open PDF versions of the tutorials, or to view animations based on the tutorials.

ArcGIS Desktop Tutorials
The following tutorials are available in PDF format or as short animation files. To view the PDFs you need a copy of Adobe Reader, which you can download free from http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep.html.

The tutorial data is available on the ArcGIS installation media. If the tutorial data has been installed on your system, look for it in C:\arcgis\ArcTutor (the default install location).
To view the animations you need the Adobe Flash Player which you can download free from http://www.adobe.com/go/getflashplayer.

Tutorial Description Link
Getting Started In this tutorial you'll see how to explore data with ArcCatalog, add data to ArcMap, explore and symbolize data on a map, add elements to a map layout, and print a map.

Watch the tutorial
Animation in ArcMap In this tutorial you’ll learn how to create temporal animations. You’ll play the animations in the ArcMap display and in a chart to show data changing through time. You’ll also learn how to export the animations to video. Read the tutorial

Watch the tutorial
ArcCatalog In this tutorial you'll learn how to explore geographic data and its attributes, view and create metadata, modify data properties, add and delete attributes, and link geographic features to attributes stored in separate tables. Read the tutorial
ArcMap In this tutorial you'll learn how to display map features, add data to your map, edit geographic data, work with data tables, query and select geographic features, create a summary graph, and lay out and print a map Read the tutorial
ArcReader In this tutorial you'll learn how to view, explore, and print published maps. Read the tutorial

Watch the tutorial
ArcSDE Database Servers In this tutorial you will learn how to: add a database server and connect to it; add users and administer their permissions; create geodatabases and add data to them; administer database servers. Database servers are used to store, access, and administer ArcSDE Personal and Workgroup geodatabases. Read the tutorial

Watch the tutorial
Building Geodatabases In this tutorial you'll learn to build geodatabases that include relationship classes, subtypes, attribute domains, topology, geometric networks, feature-linked annotation, and dimension features. An ArcEditor or ArcInfo license is required to complete the tutorial. Read the tutorial

Watch the tutorial
Editing GIS Features In this tutorial you'll learn the basics of the editing environment in ArcMap including creating new geographic data and input features using a digitizer; editing topological features; updating attributes to geographic and tabular data; performing spatial adjustments on your data; and creating and editing annotation. Read the tutorial

Watch the tutorial
Editing Geodatabases In this tutorial you'll be introduced to advanced geodatabase concepts such as relationship classes, subtypes, attribute domains, topology, geometric networks, feature-linked annotation, and dimension features in the context of editing a sample geodatabase. An ArcEditor or ArcInfo license is required to complete the tutorial. Read the tutorial

Watch the tutorial
Geocoding In this tutorial you'll learn how to create and managing address locators and how to use them to find the location of an individual address or table of addresses. Read the tutorial

Watch the tutorial
Geoprocessing In this tutorial you'll learn how to create new information by processing existing data with geoprocessing tools. Read the tutorial

Watch the tutorial
Linear Referencing In this tutorial you'll learn how to create, manage, display, query, and analyze data whose relative position has been modeled along a linear feature. Read the tutorial

Watch the tutorial
Representations In this tutorial, you will be introduced to representations which allow you to symbolize geographic features with a set of rules that are stored with your data in the geodatabase. Representation rules can create and draw dynamic geometry that differs from the feature shape, allowing a complex depiction of features without impacting the spatial integrity of your data. Representations provide greater control over the precision and definition of the symbolization of your data. Read the tutorial

Watch the tutorial

ArcGIS Desktop Extension Tutorials
The following tutorials are available in PDF format or as short animation files.

Tutorial Description Link
3D Analyst In this tutorial you'll learn how to drape images and features over a terrain surface, extrude points and polygons, interpolate a surface from points, build a TIN from features, create an animation, and navigate in ArcScene and ArcGlobe. Read the tutorial

Watch the tutorial
ArcGIS Publisher In this tutorial you'll learn how to create, share, and distribute published maps. Read the tutorial

Watch the tutorial
ArcScan for ArcGIS In this tutorial you'll learn how to generate vector data from rasters, including how to use the cell selection and raster snapping tools, perform simple raster editing and automatic vectorization, and interactively trace raster cells. Read the tutorial

Watch the tutorial
Data Interoperability In this tutorial, you will learn how to directly read and analyze the additional data formats supported by Data Interoperability; translate data between various formats using Quick Import and Quick Export tools; transform data schemas using Custom Import, Custom Export and Custom Formats; and incorporate all these functions into your geoprocessing models. Read the tutorial

Geostatistical Analyst In this tutorial you'll learn how to represent and explore data and determine data trends; perform diagnostic tests on data; choose and fit a model such as kriging, cokriging, IDW, and others; and compare the results of different models. Read the tutorial

Watch the tutorial
Maplex for ArcGIS In this tutorial you'll learn how to design and create publication-quality cartographic labels for maps using the Maplex for ArcGIS extension. Read the tutorial

Watch the tutorial
Network Analyst In this tutorial you'll learn how to create network datasets and use them to find routes; find closest features on a network; calculate service areas; as well as how to build a model for route analysis. Read the tutorial
Schematics Tutorial In this tutorial you will become familiar with the Schematics graphical user interface in ArcMap by learning how to create diagrams and use many of the toolbar tools to modify the diagrams. Read the tutorial

Watch the tutorial
Schematics Designer Tutorial I In this tutorial you will learn how to create and configure a Schematic Dataset that will use a Standard Builder diagram type to generate diagrams based on a geometric network. Read the tutorial
Schematics Designer Tutorial II In this tutorial you will learn how to create and configure a Schematic Dataset that will use a Custom Query Builder diagram type to generate diagrams based on tabular data from any database where connectivity between objects can be derived. Read the tutorial
Schematics Designer Tutorial III In this tutorial you will learn how to create and configure a Schematic Dataset that will use a XML Builder diagram type to generate diagrams from XML documents; these documents will be built according to the XMLBuilderDiagram XML Schema Definition file. Read the tutorial
Spatial Analyst In this tutorial you'll learn how to create, query, and analyze cell-based raster maps, derive new information from existing data, query information across multiple data layers, and fully integrate cell-based raster data with traditional vector data sources. Read the tutorial

Watch the tutorial
StreetMap In this tutorial you'll learn how to use the StreetMap Find Route dialog with the Data & Maps StreetMap USA dataset to find an address, geocode an address table, export map data, as well as to create simple or optimized routes with detailed driving directions. Read the tutorial

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Survey Analyst - Cadastral Editor In this tutorial you will learn how to create, manage, and edit a cadastral fabric. Read the tutorial
Survey Analyst - Survey Editor In this tutorial you'll learn how to import and export survey data, organize and visualize survey data, use measurements and coordinates in computations, edit features based on survey data, and perform survey network analysis. Read the tutorial
Tracking Analyst In this tutorial you'll learn how to add, symbolize, display, and analyze temporal data in a powerful geographic information system environment. Read the tutorial

Watch the tutorial

C130

noreply@blogger.com (erangapulasthi) — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 09:11:00 +0530

C 130

Background and requirements

The Korean War, which began in June 1950, showed that World War II-era transports—C-119 Flying Boxcars, C-47 Skytrains and C-46 Commandos—were inadequate for modern warfare. Thus on 2 February 1951, the United States Air Force issued a General Operating Requirement (GOR) for a new transport to Boeing, Douglas, Fairchild, Lockheed, Martin, Chase Aircraft, North American, Northrop, and Airlifts Inc. The new transport would have a capacity for 92 passengers, 72 combat troops or 64 paratroopers, a range of 1,100 nmi (1,300 mi; 2,000 km), takeoff capability from short and unprepared strips, and the ability to fly with one engine shut down.
Fairchild, North American, Martin and Northrop declined to participate. The remaining five companies tendered a total of ten designs: Lockheed two, Boeing one, Chase three, Douglas three, Airlifts Inc. one. The contest was a close affair between the lighter of the two Lockheed (preliminary project designation L-206) proposals and a four-turboprop Douglas design.

The two YC-130 prototypes; the blunt nose was replaced with radar on later production models.

The Lockheed design team was led by Willis Hawkins, starting with a 130 page proposal for the Lockheed L-206, and another two-turboprop and heavier one.^[2] Hall Hibbard, Lockheed vice president and chief engineer, saw the proposal and directed it to Kelly Johnson, who remarked when he saw the proposal, "If you sign that letter, you will destroy the Lockheed Company."^{[clarification needed]} Both Hibbard and Johnson signed the proposal and the company won the contract for the now-designated Model 82 on 2 July 1951.^[3]
The first flight of the YC-130 prototype was made on 23 August 1954 from the Lockheed plant in Burbank, California. The aircraft, serial number 53-3397, was the second prototype but the first of the two to fly. The YC-130 was piloted by Stanley Beltz and Roy Wimmer on its 61-minute flight to Edwards Air Force Base; Jack Real and Dick Stanton served as flight engineers. Kelly Johnson flew chase in a P2V Neptune.^[4]

[edit] Production

C-130H Hercules flight deck

After the two prototypes were completed, production began in Marietta, Georgia, where more than 2,300 C-130s have been built.^[5]
The initial production model, the C-130A, was powered by Allison T56-A-9 turboprops with three-blade propellers. Deliveries began in December 1956, continuing until the introduction of the C-130B model in 1959. Some A models were re-designated C-130D after being equipped with skis. The newer C-130B had ailerons with increased boost — 3,000 psi (21 MPa) versus 2,050 psi (14 MPa) — as well as uprated engines and four-bladed propellers that were standard until the J-model's introduction.

[edit] C-130A model

Mexican Air Force C-130A

The first production C-130s were designated as A-models, with deliveries to the 463d Troop Carrier Wing at Ardmore AFB, Oklahoma and the 314th Troop Carrier Wing at Sewart AFB, Tennessee. Six additional squadrons were assigned to the 322d Air Division in Europe and the 315th Air Division in the Far East. Additional airplanes were modified for electronics intelligence work and assigned to Rhein-Main Air Base, Germany while modified RC-130As were assigned to the Military Air Transport Service (MATS) photo-mapping division. Airplanes equipped with giant skis were designated as C-130Ds, but were essentially A-models except for the conversion. As the C-130A became operational with Tactical Air Command (TAC), the airplane's lack of range became apparent and additional fuel capacity was added in the form of external pylon-mounted tanks at the end of the wings. The A-model continued in service through the Vietnam War, where the airplanes assigned to the four squadrons at Naha AB, Okinawa and one at Tachikawa Air Base, Japan performed yeoman's service, including operating highly classified special operations missions such as the BLIND BAT FAC/Flare mission and FACT SHEET leaflet mission over Laos and North Vietnam. The A-model was also provided to the South Vietnamese Air Force as part of the Vietnamization program at the end of the war, and equipped three squadrons based at Tan Son Nhut AFB. Last operator in the world is the Honduran Air Force which is still flying one of five A model Hercs.^{[citation needed]}

[edit] C-130B model

The C-130B model was developed to complement the A-models that had previously been delivered,and incorporated new features, particularly increased fuel capacity in the form of auxiliary tanks built into the center wing section and an AC electrical system. Four-bladed Hamilton Standard propellers replaced the Aero Product three-bladed propellers that distinguished the earlier A-models. B-models replaced A-models in the 314th and 463rd Troop Carrier Wings. During the Vietnam War four squadrons assigned to the 463rd Troop Carrier/Tactical Airlift Wing based at Clark and Mactan Air Fields in the Philippines were used primarily for tactical airlift operations in South Vietnam. In the spring of 1969 463rd crews commenced COMMANDO VAULT bombing missions dropping M-121 10,000 lb (4,534 kg) bombs to clear "instant LZs" for helicopters. As the Vietnam War wound down, the 463rd B-models and A-models of the 374th Tactical Airlift Wing were transferred back to the United States where most were assigned to Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard units. Another prominent role for the B-model was with the United States Marine Corps, where Hercules initially designated as GV-1s replaced C-119s. After Air Force C-130Ds proved the type's usefulness in Antarctica, the US Navy purchased a number of B-models equipped with skis that were designated as LC-130s. An electronic reconnaissance variant of the C-130B was designated C-130B-II. 13 aircraft were converted and operated under the SUN VALLEY program name. They were operated primarily from Yokota Air Base, Japan. All reverted to standard C-130B cargo aircraft after their replacement in the reconnaissance role by other aircraft. The C-130B-II was distinguished by its false external wing fuel tanks, which were disguised signals intelligence (SIGINT) receiver antennas. These pods were slightly larger than the standard wing tanks found on other C-130Bs. Most aircraft featured a swept blade antenna on the upper fuselage, as well as extra wire antennas between the vertical fin and upper fuselage not found on other C-130s. Radio call numbers on the tail of these aircraft were regularly changed so as to confuse observers and disguise their true mission.

[edit] C-130E model

The extended range C-130E model entered service in 1962 after it was developed as an interim long-range transport for the Military Air Transport Service. Essentially a B-model, the new designation was the result of the installation of 1,360 US gal (5,150 l) Sargent Fletcher external fuel tanks under each wings (mid-section) and more powerful Allison T-56-A-7A turboprops. The E model also featured structural improvements, avionics upgrades and a higher gross weight.

[edit] C-130F / KC-130F / C-130G models

The KC-130 tankers, originally C-130Fs procured for the US Marine Corps (USMC) in 1958 (under the designation GV-1) are equipped with a removable 3,600 US gal (13,626 l) stainless steel fuel tank carried inside the cargo compartment. The two wing-mounted hose and drogue aerial refueling pods each transfer up to 300 US gal per minute (19 l per second) to two aircraft simultaneously, allowing for rapid cycle times of multiple-receiver aircraft formations, (a typical tanker formation of four aircraft in less than 30 minutes). The US Navy's C-130G has increased structural strength allowing higher gross weight operation.

[edit] C-130H model

Japan Air Self-Defense Force C-130H

The C-130H model has updated Allison T56-A-15 turboprops, a redesigned outer wing, updated avionics and other minor improvements. Later H models had a new, fatigue-life-improved, center wing that was retro-fitted to many earlier H-models. The H model remains in widespread use with the US Air Force (USAF) and many foreign air forces. Initial deliveries began in 1964 (to the RNZAF), remaining in production until 1996. An improved C-130H was introduced in 1974.
The United States Coast Guard employs the HC-130H for long range search and rescue, drug interdiction, illegal migrant patrols, homeland security, and logistics.
From 1992 to 1996 the C-130H was described as a C-130H3 by the USAF. The 3 denoting the third variation in design for the H series. Improvements included a partial glass cockpit (ADI and HSI instruments), a more capable APN-241 color radar, night vision device compatible instrument lighting and an improved electrical system using Bus Switching Units to provide 'clean' power to the more sensitive upgraded components.

[edit] C-130K model

Royal Air Force C-130K (C.3)

The equivalent model for export to the UK is the C-130K, known by the Royal Air Force (RAF) as the Hercules C.1. The C-130H-30 (Hercules C.3 in RAF service) is a stretched version of the original Hercules, achieved by inserting a 100 in (2.54 m) plug aft of the cockpit and an 80 in (2.03 m) plug at the rear of the fuselage. A single C-130K was purchased by the Met Office for use by its Meteorological Research Flight, where it was classified as the Hercules W.2. This aircraft was heavily modified (with its most prominent feature being the long red and white striped atmospheric probe on the nose and the move of the weather radar into a pod above the forward fuselage). This aircraft, named Snoopy, was withdrawn in 2001 and was then modified by Marshall of Cambridge Aerospace as flight-test bed for A400M turbine, the TP400. The C-130K is used by the RAF Falcons for parachute drops. Three C-130K (Hercules C Mk.1P) were upgraded and sold to the Austrian Air Force in 2002.

Dunhinda Falls Sri Lanka (Bridal Falls)

noreply@blogger.com (erangapulasthi) — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 23:05:00 +0530

Dunhinda Falls (Bridal Falls)

Height :	63 metres
District :	Badulla

Dunhinda is considered to be one of the most enchanting falls in Sri Lanka and is in close proximity to Badulla town. The water resembles a thin cloud as it cascades 63m downwards into a large pool. The backdrop to the fall is known as 'Dunhinda Adaviya'. 'Dunhinda' translates to 'spraying/vapour waterfall' - the word 'dun' means 'gave/was given', while 'hinda' means 'evaporate'.
This fall is steeped in history. The area was once inhabited by indigenous people - the Veddha tribe. During the time of King Rajasinhe, a giant fern got stuck at the top of the fall, between two mountains. This acted as a dam, which resulted in the flooding of Badulla town. Seeing the gravity of the situation, the king entrusted the task of clearing the sluice to a person named 'Ranhavadidaraya'. After toiling for three months he managed to clear the water and the town re-emerged.
The fern was swept away but got stuck again at a place now known as Pussellawa ('pus' meaning fern). It was the first fall on the island where a fee was introduced to view it. This applies to both local and foreign visitors.

Dunhinda Falls
Dunhinda Falls is 5km from Badulla town and from the main highway it is a tortuous 1km walk. The Ella rest-house is 29km away.

Source : LankaLibrary Forum

Badulla (Sri Lanka)

noreply@blogger.com (erangapulasthi) — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 22:25:00 +0530

Badulla

Badulla, Central Highlands of Sri Lanka

Uva health Triangle Ella, Haputale & Welimada

East of the Central highlands ridge are the picturesque hills of Uva Province. Badulla draws Buddhist pilgrims from across the island during the festivals The climate of the triangle formed by Ella, Haputale & Welimada (in Badulla) is regarded by many Sri Lankans as the most favourable on the island. This is a marvellous walking country, where views, particularly at Ella & Haputale, formed by spectacular "gaps" in its precocious ridges. This is the market garden area where carrots, beans, brassicas including cabbages, broccoli, brussels sprout, cauliflower, turnip & many other fresh vegetables are grown, much of it for export to the Middle East.

The town is capital of the mountainous Uva Province, but as it is situated at a slightly lower elevation (about 600 metres) it features tropical vegetation (especially palms) rather than the rolling patanas (plains) typical of the region. Badulla, the end of the line for rail travellers from Colombo, Kandy and Nanu Oya (close to Nuwara Eliya) is surrounded by paddy fields along the banks of the river Gallanda Oya & has an old fort against a backdrop of mountains & a small lake. It is one of the oldest towns in Sri Lanka though there are no traces of the earlier settlement. The Portuguese once occupied it but set the town on fire before leaving. In contrast to the comparatively recently populated Highland region, Uva, which stretches across the plains as far south as Kataragama, is sometimes held to be the original home of the Kandyan civilization, whose people would have used the river valleys draining into the River Mahaweli as a natural migration route into the hills.

In colonial days Badulla thrived under the British, developing into a vibrant social centre complete with horseracing, golf, tennis, cricket, and croquet. It was here that the local planters, who were known throughout the island as the merry men of Uva, lived up to their reputation. Such long gone days are a dim memory, but there is one place of interest that provides a reminder of the times. St. Mark's Church at Badulla was built to commemorate Major Thomas William Rogers.

Major Thomas William Rogers (Rogers the Elephant Slayer)
Major Rogers of "1400 & lost count" fame, died from a lightening strike, as if in divine retribution, at Haputale rest house in 1845. Caught in a storm, he stepped out on to the veranda & looked up at the sky. He called his companion, Mrs. Buller, "It's all over now," referring to the storm. A flash of lightening killed him at her feet. Legend has it that his grave too was struck by the lightening. His tomb at old cemetery in Nuwara Eliya in fact has evidence of a repaired crack.

It is recorded that the residence of Rogers was filled with ivory of some of the 60 tuskers he had killed. His skill in tracking was such it seemed no elephant could get close to him before he would get close to the elephant. It is curious to note on the same breadth that the elephants are believed have ability to cause lightening strikes. The long memory of the elephant is legendary.

The notoriety gained, by means of savage slaughter of the wild beast of superior intelligence, the ancient bulldog & bulldozer of Lanka, has drowned out the achievements of this famous road builder, fabled pioneer of the crown colony of Ceylon. Major Thomas William Rogers was not only responsible for constructing all the roads in the tough terrain of Uva Province, but also for building most of the rest houses there.

Muthiynagana Vihara

Kataragama Devale
The eighteenth-century Kataragama Devale is located in the town centre between King Street & Lower Street. It's very Kandyan in style: the main shrine consists of a long narrow wooden structure, decorated with a faded, possibly Kandyan-era painting of a perahera pageant & terminated by a little wooden pavilion tower at the far end. Entrance to the shrine is though a colonnaded walkaway & two fine carved wooden doors. Inside, the principle image of Katataragama is, as usual, hidden behind a curtain, flanked by status of a pink Maha Sumana Saman holding an axe & flag, & Vishnu, holding a conch shell & bell. The Devale was built in thanksgiving for King Vimaladharmasuriya's victory over the Portuguese.

Dunhinda Falls
3.5 km north of Badulla lie the majestic, 63-meter-high Dunhinda Falls, reached via a beautiful drive from town. A huge archway proclaims the existence of the falls. We are into the car park. Now is the pleasant 1.5km scramble along a well worn jungle trek during which we cross a wobbly, Indiana Johnes-style suspension bridge & clamber over jagged rock, past stall selling snakes & herbal teas to reach the viewing platform. The falls are fed by Badulla Oya, a tributary of River Mahaweli. Though the falls are not the highest in the island, in fact are seventh highest, renowned for their sheer volume, spewing out an impressive quantity of water which creates great clouds of spray as it crashes into the pool below spraying us too on the viewing platform. Dunhida, in Sinhala means spray.

The Legends of the Dunhida Falls
In the 14th century, Princess Mampitiya Anuhas Menike Bandara fled with her lover, the commoner Kahapitiya Arachchi Bandara, from the wrath of her father, the ruler of Gampola. Frustrated by the inability to erase tracks & traces of wherever they found refugee, the lovers, pledging their eternal love, plunged themselves into the depths of the pool. It is said following their tragedy, more tragedy fell upon the surrounding villages: a terrible storm swept away whole villages including Kosgolla, together with people, cattle, poultry & all.

The name of the princess "Anuhas" in Sinhalese means supernatural powers. Another legend is associated with an entrance to a secret 30 km long passageway hidden by the falls. Treasure of Prince Kumarasinghe of Uva lies hidden somewhere in the falls.

Bogoda bridge
12 km west of Badulla, in the village of Bogoda, in a valley is an extremely unusual roofed bridge. Its roof is supported by elegant wooden columns. The bridge lies on a pilgrimage route which connects with Mahiyangana, the location of famous Mahiyangana Dagoba & the Dowa Temple near Ella. Though the original roofless structure of the bridge of huge logs of wood dates back to 12th century, the existing roofed structure came into being only in the 17th century. The roof is made of Kandyan era red tiles. Wood carving on the pillars too is of Kandyan tradition. Its wooden floorboards side panels though worn are still in very good condition. The bridge was built by a father & son team for the benefit of worshippers to the rock temple on the banks of the small Galanda Oya.

Bogoda Vihara
The ancient rock temple, partly built into the rocks to one side of the bridge has a few old murals, a large reclining Buddha & one in Samadhi position. The rock was converted into a temple by King Walagambahu (104-76 BC). The king found refuge in the rock from the marauding Dravidian invaders from South India as he did in Dambulla caves. Upon regaining his kingdom, he had the rock temple built in gratitude as he built the world renowned (A World heritage Site) Rangiri Dambulu Temple (Golden Dambulla Rock Temple). In one of famous literary works of Lanka named Sandesha Kavya (1612-1624) (Letter of Poems), travellers were encouraged to worship at this temple on their route from Badulla to Kandy. Behind the temple, down some steps is an entrance to a tunnel believed to run through the mountain to the nearby tea estate, Tudumale. It has been used by King Walagambahu during his 2 1/2 years of hiding at Bogoda. In the present era, no human has ventured through it.

Namunukula (Mountain of Nine Peaks)
Badulla is almost encircled by the river known as the Badulla-Oya as well as by a ring of mountains with Namunukula mountain range towering over the town. As a result, the town experiences a climatic phenomenon called the Badulla Blanket, a lingering humid mist. Namunukula, the 2036 metre high mountain range provides an energetic excursion. Namunukula has been a landmark for ships rounding the south coast of the Island since the early days of navigation. The climb can be made through the Spring Valley tea estate. Once at the summit, the view is superb, reaching to coast of Batticaloa in the east to the Great Basses reef in the south.

http://www.geocities.com/semkasthuri/badulla.htm

Sri Lanka Air Force

noreply@blogger.com (erangapulasthi) — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 21:29:00 +0530

Sri Lanka Air Force

When Sri Lanka gained independence on the 4th of February 1948, as provided for in the defence agreement with the United Kingdom, the first prime minister of independent Ceylon, the Honorable DS Senanayake requested the United Kingdom for assistance in establishing an Air Force. The UK's response was to provide the services of Group Captain Graham Clerk Bladen who, on 2nd March 1951, set up office in a small room at the Galle Face Hotel as the Commander of the Royal Ceylon Air Force.

In the same year, the Ground Combat Training Unit was set up at the Stable hill camp at Diyatalawa and 10 Sri Lankans were chosen as trainee pilots and using four Chipmunk aircraft they commenced their training at Katunayake.

In 1958, the RCyAF got a new Commander in the form of Air Commodore John Lindsay Barker popularly known as 'Bouncing Barker' for his enthusiasm and exuberance. He handed over controls to the first Sri Lankan commander, Air Vice Marshal Rohan Amerasekera in November 1962. Todate there has been a total of eleven commanders of the Air Force, and Air Marshal Roshan Goonetileke is the 12th commander of the Air Force which boasts of 6 bases and 15 stations spread throughout the country which are home to the twelve flying squadrons and the numerous Engineering, Logistical, Medical Administration, Regiment and other support organizations of the of the Sri Lanka Air Force.

Except for five of these locations, all other places are home to an airfield.

In the recent past, the SLAF was at the forefront in the defence of the island, a task which it took on without hesitation and with determination. With the humanitarian operations that began in Mavil-Aru until the entire east was liberated the SLAF rendered its fullest cooperation by providing support to the Sri Lanka Army and Navy, and by its independent targeting of identified LTTE bases. The SLAF'S policy of independent targeting has been successful in the past in its attempts at reducing the fighting capability of the LTTE and in its attempts to separate the Leadership from the rank and file of the LTTE.

In commemoration of its 57th anniversary, all stations and bases of the SLAF have organized religious activities, and, as part of its social obligation, 'shramadanas' in the vicinity of the Base/ Station with the participation of a cross section of all persons presently serving in the Air Force.

copy rite by www.airforce.lk

tourism in trinco

noreply@blogger.com (erangapulasthi) — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 11:19:00 +0530

The Tourism Ministry has come up with a massive project prepared by the Urban Development Authority, to meet the severe demand for land to build new hotels in the Trincomalee District due to increasing inflow of tourists, with the ending of the war.
Tourism Ministry Secretary George Michael said yesterday that approximately 500 to 600 acres of state land along an eight-kilometre stretch of the Kuchchaveli coast has been set aside for the new tourism development project in the East.

The plan includes in addition to hotels, public and recreational areas and new access roads. The development of public areas will be undertaken by the Tourism Development Authority, the successor to the Tourist Board, Michael said
Recently the government ordered a halt to haphazard alienation of state land there, which were allegedly taking place with much corruption.

According to the Ministry Secretary, the bidding for the blocks of land between five to 10 acres each would begin as early as end of this month. While the proposals and the conceptual designs will be evaluated by the TDA, the allocation of land to each project will be done by the GA and the Land Commissioner.

Planners have envisaged the construction of 10 rooms per acre on average. There are now moves by the industry to expand in other areas in the East such as Kalkudah and Pasikudah, but according to Michael there are no problems in those two areas as there are plenty of private lands there.

Meanwhile, the clamour of the hotel industry to get a waiver on the no liquor rule on the last Poya Day of the year, which falls on December 31, has been rejected by the authorities. So, all hotels having 31st night celebrations can serve liquor only after midnight with the dawning of the New Year.
The clamour of the hoteliers in Negombo to have a Hikkaduwa type promotional carnival to promote tourism there has got the go ahead and the Ministry Secretary said it would be held before Christmas.

source: nation.lk

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