Isipathanaramaya Temple

A Cultural and Historical Overview

1. Introduction

Located in the heart of Colombo, Sri Lanka, Isipathanaramaya Temple stands as a revered symbol of devotion, resilience, and cultural heritage. Founded in the early 20th century, this temple is not only a center for Buddhist worship but also a monument commemorating a turbulent chapter in Sri Lankan history. Rich in artistic, spiritual, and historical significance, Isipathanaramaya has become an enduring landmark that continues to inspire both devotees and visitors alike.

2. Historical Background

Founding and Purpose

Isipathanaramaya Temple was established by Duenuge Disan Pedris in 1916 as a tribute to his son, Captain Henry Pedris, whose unjust execution during the 1915 Sinhalese-Muslim riots left a lasting mark on colonial Sri Lankan history. Henry Pedris, a young militia officer, was accused of inciting unrest and was executed by a British firing squad—an action that was later widely condemned as a miscarriage of justice. His martyrdom ignited nationalist sentiment and inspired resistance against British colonial rule.

Land Purchase

To honor his son’s memory, Duenuge Disan Pedris purchased a two-hectare plot of land in 1905 in Colombo’s well-known Greenlands area. This land would soon transform into one of the most spiritually and historically important sites in the capital.

3. Architecture and Art

Murals by Maligawe Sarlis
The temple is renowned for its extraordinary murals painted by the famed Sri Lankan artist Maligawe Sarlis between 1920 and 1921. These vibrant, expressive artworks are described as “exuberant, theatrical recastings” of traditional Buddhist art. Sarlis’s work blends Kandyan stylistic elements with Baroque drama and narrative depth, offering a unique visual experience that reflects both reverence and artistic innovation.

Reference: Robson, David. (2002). Sri Lankan Temples: An Architectural History. Thames & Hudson.

Standing Buddha Statue

In 2016, the temple unveiled a 12-meter standing Buddha statue, a striking addition that elevated the temple’s architectural prominence. Costing Rs. 4.5 million, the statue symbolizes the spiritual strength of the Buddhist community and the temple’s evolving legacy. The unveiling ceremony was graced by President Maithripala Sirisena, further underscoring its national importance.

Reference: The Sunday Times (2016). “President unveils standing Buddha statue at Isipathanaramaya.”

4. Renaming and Legacy

The temple’s influence extended beyond its religious domain, shaping the identity of the surrounding area. In the 1950s, Greenlands Road was officially renamed Isipathana Mawatha, and Greenlands College became Isipathana Maha Vidyalaya, reflecting the growing cultural significance of the temple in Colombo’s urban landscape.

5. Significance

Isipathanaramaya Temple remains a cornerstone of Sri Lanka’s Buddhist heritage and an enduring symbol of resistance, remembrance, and spiritual strength. For locals, it is a daily place of worship and community gathering; for tourists and historians, it offers deep insight into the intersection of religion, art, and political history in Sri Lanka.

6. References and Citations

Peebles, Patrick (1990). The Plantation Tamils of Ceylon. Continuum.
Robson, David (2002). Sri Lankan Temples: An Architectural History. Thames & Hudson.
The Sunday Times (2016). “President unveils standing Buddha statue at Isipathanaramaya.”
Wickramasinghe, Nira (2006). Sri Lanka in the Modern Age: A History. University of Hawaii Press.

7. Formatting Suggestions

Coordinates: 6.8888°N, 79.8656°E
Images to include:

Interior murals by Maligawe Sarlis
12-meter standing Buddha statue
Exterior view of the temple
Citation Style: Use footnotes or APA-style references depending on the intended medium.

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