By Sudath Gunasekara BA (Hons) PhD. Sri Lanka (Peradeniya) (SLAS. Class 1)
This proposal covers the whole of original Meemure Vasama that includes the Meemure village and few other hamlets of Gandeka Korale of Uda Dumbara in the Kandy district. It comprises the entire area north of Koratuwemunduna (Corbets Gap) surrounded by the Dotalugala-Dumbanagala-Kehelpathdoruwegala-Telambugala ridge in the South and East, Dotalugala-Paskulupav (Knuckles)-Kalupahana on the West and Kalupahana-Katakitula-Lakegala-Demalagala range in the North covering an area of about approximately about 35 sq miles.
Steeped in legend and mystery, the history of Meemure goes far back in to antiquity, as far back as 5000 years BC, to the days of Ravana the Great. The legendary Lankanagara and Mahatissagaama of Mahawamsa and Lankapura of Ravana are also associated with it. Furthermore, it is synonymous with the resplendent and legendary giant Lakegala or Lanka pabbatha, rising up to heavens behind the Meemure village, a towering bare giant rock, unseen and unheard anywhere else is also located in its northern boundary. It is an exceptional world wonder that is acclaimed as the biggest bare rock outcrop in the world, nature has gifted to mother Sri Lanka.
The Geographical Setting
Geographically Meemure is a mountainous area with towering and precipitous mountaintops clad with wet montane type of vegetation and narrow valleys with very little flat lands, displaying climatic extremes from West to East as well as North to South. from Dry Zone, Intermediate to Wet Zone, a unique climatic variation one can see anywhere else in this Island. In terms of longitude and latitude it is roughly located between 80.48-80.53 E and 7.22-7.28 within a span of 10 miles from West to East and covers an area of approximately about thirty-five-40 square miles of which over 98 % is still under forest, mountains and rocks.
The landscape descends from 6112 feet Paskulupav (Knuckles) at the western end to almost 500 feet above mean sea level at Kahatagahawela in the northeast. Meemure basin surrounded by the circular rim of high mountain ranges all round starting at Koratuwe Muduna(Corbet’s Gap 4000 ft) – Dumbanagala in the South, Dotalu gala-Kinihhirigala-Sudu valalle kanda, Paskulupavva (6211) (Knuckles) and Selvakanda plateau (West) Kalupaana (5341, Wamaarapugala (5110)- Lakegala the Queen among mountains in Sri Lanka(4324) in the North and Telambugala (4368), Kehelpath doruwegala (East), (5016) and Dumbaanagala (5389) range again merging with Koratuwe Muduna in the South (4000) is a deep basin surrounded by a rim of steep and lofty mountains. It measures approximately seven miles from South to North and six miles from West to East approximately covering an area of about 42 sq miles. The Maha Oya Heenganga valley traversing at the center in a SW-NE direction encircled by a mountain ring on the West, East, South, and the North, dominating the entire landscape of the area. It is drained by Karambaketiya Oya, Maha Oya, Heenganga, Meemure Oya and Ravana Ela on the left bank and Matinwatte Oya, Na Ela and Kekelewatta Oya on the right bank of Heenganga. Of all these only the three left bank tributaries of Karambaketiya, Maha Oya and Heenganga are perennial.
The landscape of this area exhibits a steep drop from west to east and displays a colossal Amphitheatre with four incised mini amphitheaters representing the Karambaketiya, Heenganga and Meemure Oya valleys on the left bank and St Martin-Na Ela saddle on the right bank is also noteworthy in this regard.
The area gets its rain from the northeast monsoon from October to March. The rest of the year is dry. A special feature of the dry period is the dry wind (mundusulang) that devastates this area from April to August. These wuthering winds sweep across the valley drying up everything that comes within its grip. The rainfall increases as we come to the South. Thus, the annual rainfall at St Martin estate is as 170” whereas at Meemure it is even less than 100”. Temperature ranges are equally impressive. When mean temperature at Meemure village is around 90-95 F, readings at Kalupana or the Corbett’s Gap are often around 60-65 F. The month of Ill (Oct. to end of Dec ) is the rainy months in this region.
Modern geographers like Elsy Cook have named this region as the Nitre Cave District after the famous Nitre Cave found on the western slopes of the eastern ranges. John Davy who visited this cave in 1821 has given a fascinating account of this cave. According to him it is the biggest Nitre cave in Sri Lanka.
A northward view from Koratuwe muduna (Corbet’s Gap)- named after surveyor Corbet who surveyed the Koratu kandu (Knuckles area) in the latter part of the 19th century. It is also called Attalamettuwa (not Attalawettuwa as some people call it) derived from the Tamil word Attaaleyi Medu-(a wooden platform to load logs to lorries, cut from the forest to feed the British owned Tea factories in the Ferndale- Rangala areas. On a clear day it affords a unique scenic splendor one may not see anywhere in the world. Lazarus calls these mountain ranges, Ceylon’s Elegant Mountains” Probably Corbet called the whole area Knuckles” after he was fascinated by the five peaks mountain he saw from Peradeniya-Kandy Road. Kandy. (I have renamed it as Panchakuuta Pabbatha or Paskulupav as it is seen with five conspicuous summits, thereby giving a local interpretation.
Administrative Divisions.
Prior to 1980s Meemure was one GS Division. But at present Meemure comprises of five Grama Sevaka Divisions. They are Meemure, Kaikawala, Pusse Ela, Kumbukgolla (also called Naela) and Karambaketiya. Total population in all five divisions is 1614, Meemure with the highest, 472. The approximate area of this region is about 42 sq miles of which only 473.3* acres come under paddy (1.5%). Paddy cultivation is the only noteworthy economic activity. Hena cultivation which occupied the second most important place in the village economy is no more there now due to banning by government. This decision by Colombo based persons who are utterly ignorant of the economy of this village has badly crippled the village economy and brought about many a hardship to these villagers. The paddy field, home garden and the hena supported by the forest around the village form the four pillars of its economy. Area presently under homesteads and sporadic Cardamom cultivations is negligible due to banning by the Government under the Knuckles Reserve. Incidentally small-scale Cardamom cultivation by the native villagers to Meemure and Kaikavala below 3500 ft was introduced by me in1967 against a move by some outsiders who tried to open up the main Knuckle watersheds like Garandithalawa and the whole Knuckle area, when I was DRO Uda Dumbara (1966 May -April 1971)
This means 98.5 % of the area is still under forest. Leaving a margin for reserved forests, patan, steep mountains, stream reservations and rock outcrops, still there would be a very large extent of arable land available for agricultural pursuits, provided there is water. This provides a rough clue to the development potentials of the region.
The three main constraints of development in this region are
1.Lack of proper roads (a motorable road was constructed in 2022, up to Meemure proper 9 miles from the Corbet’s Gap, as it was named after the British rule.)
2.Inadequate water and lack of all other infra structure facilities
3.Neglect and lack of commitment by all governments since Independence in 1948.
Proposed Master Development Plan for Meemure.
I give below an outline of an updated development plan proposed for the region, which I have conceived way back in late 1960s when I was working as the Divisional Revenue Officer of Udadumbara (2nd.June.1966 to 1st.April. 1971).
The Proposed Plan
This is only an outline. Therefore, it needs to be studied in details as to its feasibility and cost estimates etc by subject specialists before it is implemented.
1 Roads
The present road has to be improved beyond Dambada as priority no.1. The entire section has been haphazardly and unscientifically done in the past using the ancient footpath without an engineering survey done.. The repairs and successive constructions have only fattened the contractors. If someone can at least do the drains and repair the damaged sections immediately, the existing road could be made usable until a better one is constructed.
New Proposals Roads
1.Improve Rangala- Ferndale-Corbett’s Gap Road. This was constructed by the British planters in 1880s as an access road to their plantations in St Martin. Engineering wise it is the best access road to Meemure and also shorter than via Hunnasgiriya by 3 miles.
2.Attend to repairs of Hunnasgiriya-Loolwatta-Corbett’s Gap section as a supplementary to the present Uda Dumbra -Loolwatta road.
3 Re-do the present Corbett’s Gap Meemure Meegahamula road on the contour where necessary
4 Extend the present road from Karambaketiya via St Martin’s –Welgala, Kekalewatta to Totillagasyaya Minipe stage 11 or Nugagolla through Hulugune, Minipe stage 111.
5 A new deviation to the right from this road through Galamuduna-Pallegaladebokka-Udattawa to Udawela is also suggested.
6 Link up the Meemure-Hettipola road with the St Martin-Totillagasyaya Road at Kekalewatta by a bridge across Heenganga at Kekalewatta.
7 Link up present Damboda Meemure road with the right bank road with a bridge across Mahaoya below Martinwatta.
8 Construct two new roads linking Meemure with Remanure in the north and Meemure with Hettipola Pallegama road through Dandeni Kumbura and Kivulevaadiya on the left Bank of Heen ganga.
9 Within the Meemure two roads are proposed
- A feeder road from Meehghamula through the village to Kamath godella without disrupting the traditional village set up
- The main road from Meemure to Naranagamuwa to be constructed starting at a point below the village from Kendagolla on the present road to link it up with the Meemure Narangamuwa Road at Kamathgodella. This is proposed to be linked with the Naranagmuwa road at Kamatahgodella by taking it over the propsed Wekade Reservoir on the Dalukgolla Wekade- Gorakaththawela LB Ela.
Improvements to the existing road from Karambaketoya to Meemure proper.
An engineering survey of the entire length from Damboda to Meemure village proper should be also done as a first step prior to undertaking any improvements to the existing road as a first step in order to guarantee the sustainability of the present road to Meemure. This could be done on a contour. using the present road as the base line.
Irrigation
b) Construct the following new reservoirs.
1) Maha Oya at or above 2500 ft msl (Karambaketiya as given in the Rangala 1 inch sheet)
2) Karamabketiya oya 1700 ‘
Both these will augment the present Maha Oya-Heenganga supply going up to Bathalahena in Meemure proper.
(It is also proposed that all that area between the Corbet’s Gap and Karamaba ketiya Reservoir should be declared a strict reserved area of the Karambaketiya Reservoir.)
3 Heenganga above Kaikawala-2000 ft msl. In addition to augmenting the Mahaoya -Heenganga ela supply, this reservoir is also expected to provide drinking water to Welangolla and Gedume settlements where the new administrative, cultural and the commercial centers are proposed to be located.
4) On Meemure Oya at Dalukgolla 1500 ft msl. (priority one)
5) Meemure at Wekade at 1400 ft msl and Wewatenna (Both
these sites are ancient village tanks).
6) Daagavilla Reservoire on Heenganga-Maha Oya confluence just below Kaikawala at 1200 ft msl. It is proposed to construct two Elas from Dagevilla rerservoir RB going up to Diyapihilla and LB linking with Wekade – Kekelewatta Ela . going up to Kekelewatt
7) Na- Ela at 1700 ft msl south of Niter Cave.
8) Martinwatta oya at 2000’ ft. Both 7 and 8 are expected to augment Dagevilla reservoir in addition to providing water for settlements and paddy field under their command.
All these are new reservoirs.
They will not only augment the present supplies but they will also bring large extents of new land under the plough as they will store all rain water from North East monsoon that flows in to the Indian Ocean at present down the Heenganga and Mahaweli. These new tanks will bring nearly 3000 acres, if not more, of new land under irrigation when completed. They will also increase the Yala extent appreciably, almost double the asweddumized area
Kalupahana- Meemure Trans-basin canal (This was first conceived by me in 1959 August when I was in my second year at Peradeniya on the day I climbed Kalupana peak and spent the night on its top. (5341)
Under this proposal it is proposed to build a trans basin canal to divert the waters of Naranatta Oya (A tributary of Kaluganga) to the Meemure Oya (Dimbigolle Oya). This is to be constructed at an elevation of 4000 ft msl, to take the waters of six other RB tributaries of Kaluganga to its destination Proposed Dalukgolla reservoir in Meemure. The approximate length of the canal is about 4 miles. This new supply will make Meemure Oya perennial and provide enough water to fill the proposed Dalukgolla reservoir on the Meemure Oya to enhance its irrigation and hydro-electricity generation potentialities. It could even enable the entire paddy acreage in Meemure to be cultivated for both seasons, which will revolutionize the present income levels of the villagers. Linking up Wekade with Dalukgolla reservoir also should be explored under this work.
(Since the Kuda Oya and Walpolamulla Oya (Both LB tributaries of Kaluganga) provide enough supplies, no threat is expected to the Kaluganga present supply. Further, constructing a reservoir just below Walpolamulla Oya –Kaluganga confluence, could increase the downstream Kaluganga supply. This will enhance the acreage cultivated in downstream areas like Batadanduwala, Rambukkoluwa and Gangahenwala. Therefore, diversion of part of head waters of Naranatta Oya to Meemure Oya will not create any water problems to the Kaluganga downstream area.)
At present Meemure village proper has a total of 70.57 ha of paddy of which only 13.7 ha are cultivated for yala season due to lack of water. The proposed Dalukgolla reservoir with the Kalupana augmentation could store sufficient water even to double the present total acreage for both seasons. New areas could be brought under the plough under the following canals.
It is proposed to construct two new Elas RB and LB from this reservoir. In addition, it will also be used to generation Hydro-electricity
a) Dalukgolla-Udakumbura-Bathala Hena RB Ela; approximately3 miles. To be linked up with the Mhaoya -Heenganga -Meemure oya Ela at Bathalahena
b) Dalukgolla-Moragolla-Bathalahenpitiya-Wekade LB Ela also to be linked up with the Maha Oya Heenganga- Meemure oya Ela at Bathalahena.;(about 2 1/2 miles) c)
In addition, these new reservoirs will also improve the water table and the microclimate of the entire region and provide water for the generation of hydro- electricity as well. I am confident that the construction of these 8 tanks will definitely make King Parakramabahus epic statement, that not a drop of water fallen from the heavens should be allowed to escape to the sea without being made use of for the benefit of man, a reality once again in our context. This proposed new irrigation network if constructed, will revolutionize the ecology, landscape and the economic prospects of the entire Meemure basin.
In addition to its irrigation potentials, the Wekade weva will also turn out to be a rare tourist attraction as it is expected to reflect the shadow of the mesmerizing, resplendent and the giant Lakegala, the biggest and the most enchanting largest bare rock in the whole world that was also supposed to be the abode of legendary Ravana the Great in the distant past.
The proposed network of reservoirs and irrigation canals will completely change the geographic landscape of the region.
Agriculture
Paddy
Increase the present acreage under paddy. This could be done in two ways; by increasing the existing Yala acreage and increasing the total area under paddy with additional water from the proposed new reservoirs. This project is expected to bring nearly 3000 new acres under paddy.
Bring Cardamom under better management so that it will not be a danger to environmental destruction (I don’t agree with banning cardamom cultivation as it provides an important source of income for these villagers and also cardamom cultivation has been accepted as the best form of land use for this type of forests. Between 3500-4000).
Introduce new cash crops such as pepper, coffee, cinnamon, cotton, citrus, Kaju, peanuts, ginger, lime and mango, jack, banana, papow and even grapes. etc. on a large scale as well as home garden basis.
A programme of cultivating medicinal plants like Binkohomba, Nelli, Aralu and Bulu may also be tried out.
Large scale a programme of subsidiary food crops like onions, chilies, garlic, turmeric, yams, finger millet, corn, green gram, gram, peanuts and vegetable like drumsticks, pumpkin, watermelon etc. Some of these could be grown both on high lands and also in paddy fields where water is not adequate for paddy in yala.
Livestock farming. A programme of water buffalo, need cattle, goats fowls,and even Sheep raring could be tried under this programme.
Bee keeping. This could be very successful since there are sufficient forests around this area.
Fruit cultivation like banana, mango, citrus, papaw, pine apple, grapes, oranges and grapes etc.
Education
There are three schools here at the moment, Meemure, Kaikawala and Na-Ela (Kumbukgolla). But facilities are depressing. Therefore, this has to be taken up as a priority. Two Primary and Junior Schols at Meemure village and Kmbukgolla and a Central School at Welangolla.
Industry
Agro-based cottage industries are recommended. Handicrafts like household items such as rattan and bamboo baskets and read mats etc also could be developed, as the talent needed is available here. Beekeeping is another industry where there is very big potentiality in this area. The cottages in the proposed cultural village (existing) could be used for this.
Environmental conservation
A comprehensive environmental conservation programme should constitute a major component of this development project. All land above 4500 ft; over 60 % gradient, source areas and all other vulnerable areas should be strictly protected.
Urban development
A new town to accommodate this development thrust and cater to the increased socio-economic needs may have to be opened up in a central place where adequate facilities like land access and water are available. Two sites are proposed for this purpose. They are Geduma and Velangolla. Both are centrally located flat areas lying between the two villages of Meemure and Kaikawala. Enough land is available here. Water could be brought from the proposed Heenganga reservoir. Easy access is also available from the main road.
Velangolla.
I propose the Administrative Town to be sited at Velangolla, where the Central School, Hospital, Post office, Bank, VC office, and shopping complex serving both as a collection and service center and a sales point and other facilities needed for such a town-let are available. Present Kaikawala health center should be improved at least to a cottage hospital till such time.
Geduma
Located on a more scenic and elevated vantage location right at the center of Meemure is to be reserved for a cultural complex. I have a plan to construct a temple, to be named as Lankaramaya here depicting the ancient history of this village, taking it back to Ravana’s period, the Mahvamsa episode of Lankanagara of Kuweni and the famous narrative of Maliyadeva Mahaa Thera vs Sulugulu Upasaka referring to the Lankaa pabbatha and Mahaatissagaama coming in Pali Rasavaahini. Ven. Prof. Kumburugamuwe Vajira Thero Chancellor of Sabargamuwa Univesiity once told me that The Sacred Tooth Relict (Dalada vaahansei) also had been hidden here at Meemure Gallena, on the left bank of Meemure Oya during the tumultuous time of the Kandyan Kingdom. Considering all these episodes I also have a plan to Construct a Sthupa here on the Ruwanweli seya model
My ambition is to make it a traditional Sinhala cultural and religious complex like no other in this country, in order to tell the whole world, the hidden secrets of this ancient and pristine story of this historic village Meemure.
Mini-hydro projects
Mini- hydro projects are recommended for all the reservoirs proposed. The projects should be connected to the national grid. They will provide the required power for the local needs both domestic and industrial. There is also a 33 KV HT supply proposed by the CECB via Laggala-Pallegama under ADB assistance which I understand is abandoned at the moment. (CEB Ref. No. ADB3 KUDDB 105: File No: UD 105). It is suggested that this project be re-activated. I also suggest that they change the proposed KV line route and take it on the eastern side of Lakegala. It will not only reduce the distance and cost but also the damage that would have caused to the upper watersheds covered with primary forests.
Prospects of wind power should also be studied, as there is a long spell of windy season from April to October in this region.
Tourism
This is another area where there are enormous potentials. The captivating scenic beauty that is not found in any other region in Sri Lanka could attract thousands of tourists from world over. The fantasy that opens up at the Koratuwe muduna (Corbat’s Gap) coupled with the mesmerizing triangular profile of Lakegala alone will create a tourist boom. Lakegala (4329 ft), a vertical bare rock outcrop measuring over 2500 ft from the ground level is the highest bare rock outcrop I have seen in the whole world. Its unparalleled exposed height, enormous beauty and the panorama one could witness from its summit are destined to make it a number one tourist attraction in the whole world. Many a foreigner have already described this are as an area with a unique scenic beauty not seen in any other part of the world.
The following cable car services are also recommended.
a) Corbet’s Gap –Dumbanagala and Corbets Gap-Dotalugala
b) Geduma to Meeriyagolla from there to the summit of Lakegala c) From Geduma to Nitre Cave (According to John Davy this is the biggest Nitre cave in Sri Lanka.)
Rāvana Asapuwa An aesthetic project at Na Ela
It is proposed that an aesthetic center (A Kala Kendraya) be set up in Na Ela at the foothills of Kosgolla Hills overlooking the panoramic valley of Meemure and Lakegala. This should be called Ravana Asapuwa” in memory of Ravana the Great who, according to legend is supposed to have built his capital Lankapura in the vicinity of Lakegala. It is also suggested that this center be modeled on the line of Santiniketan of Tagore, but of cause with Sri Lankan identity. This should be developed as the center for all performing Sri Lankan arts with facilities for research and development. It should also have theatres- both open and indoor and residential facilities. The RB Heenganga Road will provide access. There was a similar idea in early 1950 by a group of aesthetic minded people like proctor Meemanapalana but it was later abandoned. They, I understand, bought the land comprising 1000 acres, for this project.
Foot Note
When implementing this programme of development precaution should be taken not to destroy the purana village between the historic Mee tree and the proposed Wekade weva. The Unique architectural and sociological characteristics of the buildings, stone fences, Bo-maluwa and the traditional cluster type of houses” that is usually found in an ancient Sinhala village demonstrating its unique socio-economic and cultural characteristics must be preserved for posterity as a national heritage. These houses could be used as venues of traditional cottage industries. This traditional village could be preserved and named as the Meemure Under the shadow of Lakegala” like the Shakespeare village by the side of river Avon in England as a tourist attraction displaying the life style of the ancient village. In addition to the items gazetted under the Antiquities Ordinance on 18.6 1999 in No 1085 as protected monuments the following items also should be gazette. Bomaluwa, Katupandure linda, the Meda walawwa site where the two-princess o Sri Wickrama Rajasingha stayed, Dambagahaella burial site of the two Princess and the Historic Meegaha at the entrance to the village.
1 The road,
2 The Naranatte-Meemure oya transbasin ela and
3 The Proposed Irrigation cum Hydroelectricity projects
are the three live wires of this whole proposal. This programme of development should definitely open new vistas of prosperity for this area and transform it to an entirely a different landscape beyond our comprehension. The new road network will link up the East with the West by a new road between Kandy, Trinco and Battticaloa and open up an area hitherto secluded from the outside world. With the new economic activities generated, employment opportunities should increase at an unprecedented scale. Thereby the income levels and the standard of life of the local people will go up. As a result, the new development thrust should be able to support at least ten times the present population (Present population 1614).
This will complete the process of opening up the doors of the 21st century world for this secluded ancient village with new economic, social and educational opportunities that will arrest the present trend of serious ru-urban migration that will obliterate this ancient villages from the map of Sri Lanka as it has already happened to many villages in the Laggala area.
The completion of this project will definitely open a new chapter in the history of this hither to secluded ancient village and usher in an era of prosperity, dignity and unprecedented fame.
.I.)
