• Plans to get the park listed as a world heritage site
• If nature falls so will mankind: Rahula Thera

The Jathika Namal Uyana, a historic site that covers around 2,000 acres rich in biodiversity, and is considered to be the largest ironwood forest in the Island. It is also home to South Asia’s largest, the rose quartz mountain range.

The conservation and preservation of the Jathika Namal Uyana began nearly 33 years ago, with the efforts of Venerable Vanawasi Rahula Thera, the founder of the Jathika Namal Uyana, who has been a resolute advocate for preserving its natural, historical and ecological integrity. Today, the Jathika Namal Uyana is part of the Central Cultural Fund and is also frequented by scientists and tourists from around the world. Later this month, 28 March, the Jathika Namal Uyana will turn 33 years, a testament to the efforts that were led by Rahula Thera to protect it.

According to the Central Cultural Fund (CCF), archaeological researchers have found that the pink quartz mountain in the protected area has a history of more than 550 million years. of Colombo – Anuradhapura highway, towards the road leadingJathika Namal Uyana has 102 species of tropical plants, including 72 species of herbal plants used in ayurvedic treatments, and there are over 18 species of birds and a large number of animals except the leopard and the bear. Many reptile, insect, butterfly and fish species are also found in the forest.

The present ironwood (Na trees) forest of Jathika Namal Uyanas are several hundred years old. The ironwood planting seems to have continued throughout the mediaeval period, the CCF stated.  The ironwood tree, which is native to native to Sri Lanka, India, Malaysia, Myanmar, Thailand, Indonesia, and Nepal, holds a special link to Buddhists. The Jathika Namal Uyana is situated about 7km from Madatugama junction of Colombo-Anuradhapura highway, towards the road leading to Adiyagala at Galkiriyagama.

Following are excerpts from an interview with the founder of the Jathika Namal Uyana, Ven. Vanawasi Rahula Thera:

As Jathika Namal Uyana celebrates its 33rd anniversary, how would you describe your feelings?

I came here from the Ranawa temple in 1991 and started this mission. At that time it was an uninhabited area. Thick vegetation all around.

Unfortunately, it had also become a paradise for treasure thieves and timber smugglers. But today, thirty three years on, I am flying high. Because of this place, this ecosystem has become a beautiful environment that has attracted tourists all over the world.

We are careful to maintain a balance, which will keep the forest sustainable. My aim is to preserve the Jathika Namal Uyana for our people, and next I plan to attempt to get the uyana (park) listed as a world heritage site. With such international recognition for the park and its rich biodiversity, corrupt local officials and parties who mean to exploit this lovely forest for monetary means, will be deterred in doing so. I wish to protect his wonder of nature and habitat which so many animals call home, from the greed and ill-founded ideals of ‘development’ which some leaders and officials have.

What is tragic is that some Sri Lankans behave like they can be detached from nature. This is a falsehood, no man, no matter what technology or wealth they hold, can be detached from nature. Nature is connected to all of us, we are a part of it. We need to educate them that if nature falls, so will mankind.

Did you think that the national mission that started on the ‘mora’ tree would be able to achieve this kind of success?

I really did not think that this mission would be so successful. But it became unbelievably successful. And I think my firm determination led to this. I thank all who contributed and supported me to make this effort see it bear fruit.

Can you explain the historical importance of the place where this Jathika Namal Uyana is located?

Yes. This is not just a forest. This is a location where a Buddhist shrine belonging to the early era of Anuradhapura is situated. It has immense historic value.  Also, it is a land belonging to the prehistoric age of Five Hundred Million years old.

Tell us about the robust operations you have launched to make the Jathika Namal Uyana project a success.

As a Sri Lankan Buddhist monk, I love the animals and plants living on this earth as well as the natural environment. I would be right if I say that kindness to all beings strengthened my resolve to see this project through and to make this mission successful. From day one, as a single human being, I worked tirelessly in this operation process for all of us. Namal Uyana is a valuable place for all beings.

Whose treasure is the Jathika Namal Uyana ?

The Jathika Namal Uyana is a national treasure belonging to all without any race, religion, or caste discrimination, it also belongs to all the animals and plants that call it home. I am not the owner here. Only the watchman. A custodian of sorts. We must all work together to preserve such places of natural diversity and splendour for our future generations.

Why did you feel the need to form an international organisation regarding the Jathika Namal Uyana?

I have been protecting this park now for three decades. Earlier, I handed this (park) over to the Central Cultural Fund. By doing so I thought of relieving myself of all ties to it to further my religious aspirations. Yet, it seems that my task is not completed because I have doubts whether the future generation would be able to benefit from this park as many of those in power see only the monetary value of natural resources.

This park with the pink quartz mountain is said to be over 550 million years old. According to archaeologists the site had been in existence even during the proto-historic period of this country. One of the objectives is to allow any student whether Sri Lankan or foreign to come here and study its natural and other resources. This park is open to anyone irrespective of religion, colour, politics and race. It may serve the needs of an educational centre while its protection is ensured. Currently, the site has become a centre promoting environmental and nature tourism and education. This status should continue with further facilities. The new organisation will allow not only Sri Lankans but also foreigners to take part in preserving this heritage for posterity.

Tell about the pink quartz mountain that helped build the world-renowned symbol love in India

‘Taj Mahal’ is one of the greatest creations driven by love in the world. According to history The Taj Mahal, a memorial of love alive in the world, was built from our country’s (Sri Lanka’s) pink quartz. Within Namal Uyana is South Asia’s largest pink quartz mountain range.

What reactions and feedback do foreigners visiting our country express about the Jathika Namal Uyana?

Foreigners from all over the world come to visit the Jathika Namal Uyana and pink Quartz Mountain.

The presence of the Japanese is special. Because their belief is that if they are in the vicinity of the pink quartz mountain range, it is very beneficial for them to get the powerful energy that comes out from the pink quartz. It is heartening to see so many diverse tourists and scientists being drawn to the park. 

I am very happy to say this, the responses of all the foreigners who come here are very good. Some have praised our efforts. I have no doubt that Namal Uyana will help Sri Lanka attract tourists, if we manage it well, and ensure it is not unduly exploited. Namal Uyana can become a tourist attraction.  

What does Buddhist philosophy say about plants, animals and the whole earth?

Buddhism is a philosophy that is very close to nature. There is no wise philosopher in the world who has lived more in touch with the natural environment than Buddha. The relationship between Buddhism and nature stems from Buddha’s life and teachings. The Buddha spent all of the major events of his life amid the natural forest and the tree became the most sacred symbol throughout the Buddhist world-the Bodhi tree.

According to the teachings of the Buddha, the most suitable atmosphere for liberation is in the nature.

Explain the educational significance of pink quartz mountain, including the Jathika Namal Uyana.

Yes it should be specially mentioned. This ecosystem is very suitable for ecologists and geologists engaged in research activities for their research activities. Also we are ready to provide the opportunity for all those who are into  research related to archeology, ecology and geology to be engaged in their research.

School children, teachers and parents from all provinces of our country come to visit the Jathika Namal Uyana. I have noticed that the youth have developed a great interest in the Namal Uyana, which is a good development.

What is your message to Sri Lanka and our future generations?

We are all children of one mother in the Jathika Namal Uyana. There is no discrimination as Sinhala, Tamil or Muslim, there. Jathika Namal Uyana is your own treasure. It is your responsibility to take care of it. I welcome all of you. Please come forward. Join hands with us.