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LEGISLATIVE AND POLICY IMPACT THROUGH TRAVEL AT SOMAWATHI TEMPLE

 The demand for #accessible #tourism contributes to the development and implementation of policies and regulations that prioritize #inclusivity and #accessibility in the tourism industry.

It encourages businesses and destinations to comply with accessibility standards and guidelines, creating a more accessible environment for everyone.

#Manique Gunaratne created the opportunity for a group of persons with #disabilities to worship #Somawathi Temple in #Polonnaruwa in March 2022.

The Somawathiya Chaitya is located within the Somawathiya National Park on the left bank of the Mahaweli River and is believed to have been built long before the time of Dutugamunu enshrining the right canine Relic of the tooth of the Buddha. It is attributed to the reign of King Kavan Tissa - Dutugemunu's father - who ruled Magama. Somawathiya is therefore much older than Ruwanwelisaya, Mirisawetiya Vihara or Jetavanaramaya.

The stupa is named after Princess Somawathi, the sister of King Kavantissa, and the wife of regional ruler Prince Giri Abhaya. The prince built the stupa to enshrine the right tooth relic of the Buddha, obtained from Arahat Mahinda, and named the stupa after the princess. Upon completion of the stupa and other constructions, the prince and princess handed over the temple to Arahat Mahinda and other monks.


Large stone Buddha statue in a seated meditation pose, placed outdoors under a large tree with green leaves. The statue is surrounded by golden pillars and a decorative fence. In front of the statue, several people dressed in white and wearing face masks are gathered, some holding flowers, likely participating in a religious or ceremonial activity. There are small offerings placed at the base of the statue, including green and gold decorative items. The atmosphere appears peaceful and reverent.

A woman in a white dress and face mask standing with her hands pressed together in prayer in front of a large stone Buddha statue. The statue is seated in a meditative pose under a tree, surrounded by offerings of colorful flowers and other items placed on a table. The setting appears to be outdoors, with sunlight filtering through the leaves and Buddhist flags visible in the background. The atmosphere is peaceful and reverent.

A group of people, mostly women dressed in white, are gathered on a paved pathway under the shade of trees. Some are holding umbrellas, one of which is white with a decorative edge. The group appears to be participating in a ceremonial or religious event, as they are standing in an organized manner and some are carrying items. There are potted plants lining the pathway and a signpost with text in a non-Latin script. In the background, more people dressed in white are visible, and there is a yellow building partially hidden by trees and greenery. The atmosphere seems calm and respectful.

A group of people, including adults and children, walking outdoors on a paved path in a garden or park. They are all dressed in white clothing and wearing face masks. The central figure, a woman, is holding hands with two boys, one on each side. There are trees, greenery, and a large decorative plant pot in the background. The atmosphere appears calm and sunny.


#Manique Gunaratne

Instagram: Manique Gunaratne


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