Indelible notch in history

Sandasen Marasinghe

It is well known that Hambantota is a dry area. But yesterday it was drizzling as to create a balmy environment when multitudes gathered to the basin of Hambantota’s newly constructed harbour to witness the Karadiyawara Mangallaya, the water filling to the harbour on the historic occasion.

The Karadiyawara Mangallaya was held under the patronage of the President Mahinda Rajapaksa. The President released the water to the harbour at the auspicious time of 9.58 a.m. and the sea water slowly flowed while the Mahasangha was chanting pirith. The people present there waded through the water that was slowly flowing in.

This is not just water that was flowing signifying it prosperity of the nation. It was a historic moment that showed the world that Sri Lanka as a nation can stand on its own.

The ceremony was held on a stage made in the replica of a ship. The President was escorted to the site on a motorcade while thousands who had gathered hailed the President. President Rajapaksa and first Lady Shiranthi Rajapaksa were welcomed by Speaker Chamal Rajapaksa, Ports and Civil Aviation Deputy Ministers Rohitha Abeygunawardena and Dayashritha Tissera, Ports Ministry Secretary K. V. P. Ranjith de Silva and Sri Lanka Ports Authority Chairman Dr. Priyath Bandu Wickrama. After observing Pansil, Dr Wickrama, the Speaker and Prime Minister D.M. Jayaratne addresse the gathering.

The President’s addressed to the nation was followed by cultural show inclusive of traditional songs and dances. The gathering left the bed of the Hambantota port with tears of joy after the National Anthem was sung.