Pink Quartz

The pride of Jathika Namal Uyana:

What is unique about the Jathika Namal Uyana is that it is a many made forest. It has a long history enriched with legend and romance. This was introduced to

Sri Lanka on March 25, 1991.

Venerable W. Rahula Thera, the environmalist brought to the attention of the world that the largest mountain range in Asia, to pink quantz mountain range.

Ven. Rahula Thera who was the first to live in the Uyana also informs of people who kept their footprints on the sacred land. They were helping hands that developed the area, to reach standards economically. He has brought pride not only for him, but also for the villagers at large.

Ven. Rahula Thera is the founder of Jathika Namal Uyana.

It had been a sanctuary for Buddhist monks during King Devanampiyatissa’s reign in the 8th century.

Later it was used as a prison camp. The prisoners had to plant Na trees in the forest as a punishment. That is why it come to be known as Namal Uyana, a man made forest. Archaeological finding show that during certain periods, Namal Uyana, a man made forest.

Archaeological finding shows that during certain periods, Namal Uyana had also been used as a centre of meditation for Buddhist Monks.

Ruins of an ancient Vihara, some huge stone pillars, a buddha statue and a moonstone still exists. Meanwhile Jathika Namal Uyana is a home for more than 18 species of birds and 14 species of lizards. The Jathika Namal Uyana is also famed for having the largest pink quartz mountain range in Asia.

According to the archaeological research finding, the pink quartz mountain range has a history of more than 500 million years. The row of 7 mountains, is situated over and above 180-300 meters above sea level. This mountain range is astonishing in its beauty. It’s only when you look at it it is like 7 giant mountains guarding the ironwood forest.

Three waterfalls from these mountains flows through the forest. According to the legend Emperor Shah Jahan had used pink quartz of the ridge to build his masterpiece Taj Mahal.

Ven. Rahula Thera, volunteered to protect the Namal Uyana and the beautiful rose quartz ridge and walked into this forest 20 years ago. At that time it was a haven for poachers and timber merchants. In addition, the place was infested with poisonous snakes, and ferocious wild beasts.

However, the Namal Uyana gave a fragrance with Na flowers ridge that stood like a giant in the background. Rahula Thera saw some of the ruined Buddhist statues and shrine rooms in the thick jungle.

The beautiful streams and waterfalls made him so enchanted. He decided to leave his Devirada Randada Rajamaha Vihara to settle down in a hastily built hut on top of a “Mora Tree” in the Namal Uyana. This “Mora Gaha Uda Peraliya,” this was on March 28, 1991.

Not discouraged by the dangers posed like mosquitoes and wild beasts Ven. Rahula Thera decided to stay on the top of mara tree. However he had to face the wrath of timber merchants and thief cahoots.

Though it is in the dry zone, people who gets into the Jathika Namal Uyana get an immense satisfaction and pleasure which they have never experienced. If not for the protection of Ven. Rahula Thera, this sacred land which is a gift of nature, with ancient, archaeological and environmental value would have been a bare land.