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Developing problem solving skills of persons with disabilities

 Traveling involves broadening the horizons of the personal universe, thereby increasing the ability to connect abstract concepts, such as experiences or situations that, when applied to everyday life, provide the solutions to many of the problems encounter every day. Therefore,  creating the “Self-managed Trips” programmes in which persons  with disabilities are actively involved in the entire organisation and decision-making process required to plan a trip, regardless of its duration, be it a month or only two days.

#Manique Gunaratne created the opportunity for a group of persons with diverse #disabilities to visit the Hatthikuchchi Vihara in Anuradhapura district in November 2021.

#Hatthikucchi Viharaya is a ruined ancient temple complex situated on the northern border of the North Western Province (Wayamba), in Sri Lanka.

              The name 'Hatthikucchi' is a pali word meaning 'Elephant Stomach' This names has been given because of a large rock inside the temple complex which resembles an elephant.

There are more than fifty rock inscriptions have been identified on the vihara rock and its base, dating from 2nd to 9th centuries AD. Among them several inscriptions, called Vaharala, mention the freeing of slaves from compulsory service.

The Temple complex is considered to have been built by King Devanampiyatissa (307–267 BC) and one of the oldest Buddhist temple complexes in the country. Later for various reasons this complex was forgotten and by the time of king Sirisangabo this was covered with jungle.

It has been taken into consideration that this was the location where King Sirisangabo (251–253 AD) offered his own head to a peasant. Previously it was widely considered that this incident took place at Attanagalla in Gampaha district now most scholars have raised the argument that this must be the place that it really took place.

Main reason for this idea was that, in the story it says the peasant walked half a day from Anuradhapura towards the south where he met the former king Sirisangabo. Since Hatthikucchi Viharaya is only 38.5 km from Anuradhapura rather than Attanagalla which is 170 km from Anuradhapura there is a better chance this is the actual place the incident took place.

Supporting this facts there is a tomb which is considered to have the ashes of the king Sirisangabo. In this tomb the tombstone which is built from bricks resembling a human body have a granite sphere as the head piece since it was missing in the dead body.

Excavations are still under way at the site and more ruins are yet to be found which are covered with the jungle.

 

Ancient stone stupa ruin under a partly cloudy blue sky. The structure is circular with tiered stone layers, and the central dome shows weathered bricks. Around it are stone pillars and what appears to be a stone altar or platform in the foreground. The area is surrounded by trees, casting some shade, and the scene suggests a historical or archaeological site, possibly of religious significance. The sunlight highlights the textures of the stone and the vividness of the sky above.

This image shows the stone ruins of an ancient structure, likely located in Sri Lanka, set within a lush, green landscape. ​Key Features ​The Structure: A low, rectangular stone platform sits in the center. It features a short flight of stairs flanked by two guardstones (Muragala) carved with figures. Small stone pillars or stumps are visible on top of the platform, which once supported a roof or a larger building. ​The Path: A narrow, dirt path leads directly from the bottom of the frame toward the stone steps. ​Nature: The ruins are surrounded by vibrant green grass and dense, leafy trees. Large branches from a tree on the left hang over the scene, casting soft shadows. ​The Background: Thick forest greenery fills the background under a pale, slightly cloudy sky. A single utility pole is visible on the far right, suggesting the site is near a modern road or village. ​The overall atmosphere is peaceful and historical, showcasing how nature has reclaimed an ancient architectural site.

A group selfie in a sunlit park. Seven adults are standing on a dirt path surrounded by grass and trees. The person in front, wearing a blue shirt, is holding the camera and looking directly at it. To the left, a woman in a yellow shirt poses with her hands under her chin, standing next to a woman in a dark blue dress. Three men are standing behind—one in a yellow shirt, one in a pink shirt, and one in a white shirt holding a white face mask. On the right, a woman in a navy blue dress with a pattern and a crossbody bag stands slightly apart. The group appears relaxed and happy, enjoying a day outdoors. Sunlight creates shadows on the ground.



 #Manique Gunaratne

E-mail – maniqueg@empfed.lk     manique.g@gmail.com   

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