Isipathanaramaya Temple is one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Colombo, which is the commercial capital of Sri Lanka. The temple, which was built in 1916, has quite an interesting story weaved about it. So it is quite a popular one in the region.
Story of the Isipathanaramaya Temple
History said that during the British colonial era, tensions between groups of Muslims and Buddhists started evolving. The Governor of Ceylon was desperate to bring the situation under control. Because more and more people were joining the distressing activities which were taking place as a result of a particular incident in Kandy. where a group of Muslims reportedly threw stones at a Buddhist event. The Governor decided to implement the martial law of the country. And ordered that anyone who was connected to the riots be sentenced to death without trial.
Captain Henry Pedris, the son of wealthy merchant Duenuge Disan Pedris, was targeted by jealous locals, particularly Solomon Dias Bandaranaike. He was accused of being a rioter and so was led to an untimely and an unfair death. His grieving father found this incident unbearable. In memory of his beloved son, who snatched away from him in this unfair manner, he built the beautiful Isipathanaramaya Temple in Havelock Town.
The temple has beautiful paintings which done by Master Artist Sarlis in 1920-21. The temple premises also include a beautiful Bo tree, a stunning stupa as well as a majestic colonial style building. A beautiful standing Buddha statue of 12 meters was added to the temple premises in the year 2016.
You can read all about Isipathanaramaya Temple online. So you will be able to make your tours a lot more interesting. You can include this temple in your travel itinerary when you explore the city of Colombo. Get in touch with Green Holiday Centre if you want to arrange a temple tour in the paradise island of Sri Lanka.
