බොරැල්ල කනත්තේදී හමුවූ කලාකරුවන් - Artist met at the Borrella Cemetery

Borella Cemetery, also known as the General Cemetery (Kanatte) in Colombo, is one of the oldest and largest burial grounds in Sri Lanka. Located in the bustling urban area of Borella, Colombo 8, this cemetery serves as the final resting place for people from diverse backgrounds, faiths, and walks of life. It has a rich history, dating back to the colonial era, and continues to be an important landmark for many in Sri Lanka.
Historical Significance
Borella Cemetery was established during the British colonial period, around the mid-19th century, and it holds the remains of many prominent figures from Sri Lankan history. As the primary cemetery in Colombo, it became the burial place for numerous colonial administrators, local leaders, and war heroes. The cemetery is divided into sections for different religious groups, reflecting the diverse community in Sri Lanka. These include Christian, Buddhist, Hindu, and Islamic sections, highlighting the cemetery's role as an inclusive space for the dead from various faiths.
Many of the tombstones and mausoleums are ornate and reflect the architectural styles of the colonial era. Some of the graves are notable for their historical value, including those of famous politicians, soldiers, and cultural icons. For example, the cemetery is the resting place of several former Prime Ministers of Sri Lanka, including Dudley Senanayake and Sir John Kotelawala, who were key figures in shaping the country's political landscape in the mid-20th century.
War Memorials
Borella Cemetery also holds a section dedicated to Commonwealth war graves, where soldiers who lost their lives in the two World Wars are buried. This part of the cemetery is managed by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC). The war graves are well-maintained and continue to be a place of remembrance, particularly on days like Remembrance Day, when ceremonies are held to honor those who served.
Cultural and Religious Importance
The cemetery is a reflection of Sri Lanka’s multi-ethnic and multi-religious society. Various religious customs and traditions are observed in different sections of the cemetery, where the rituals for burials or cremations are carried out according to the faith of the deceased. The Buddhist section, for example, often sees rituals performed to transfer merit to the departed souls, while Christian funerals in the cemetery may involve services at nearby churches before interment.
The cemetery is also used for traditional observances such as "Mataka Vastra Poojawa" or almsgiving in Buddhist traditions, held in memory of the deceased. These rituals provide solace and comfort to the families and emphasize the importance of remembering the dead in Sri Lankan culture.
Modern Role and Management
As Colombo's population has grown, so too has the demand for burial space, making Borella Cemetery a crucial part of the city’s infrastructure. Over the years, the cemetery has expanded, but with limited space left, cremation has become an increasingly popular choice for families. The cemetery is now managed by the Colombo Municipal Council, which oversees its upkeep and development.
In recent years, there have been efforts to maintain and improve the cemetery grounds. This includes not only regular maintenance of the graves and pathways but also initiatives to document and preserve the historical aspects of the cemetery, particularly the graves of notable individuals. This helps ensure that the cemetery remains not only a place of rest but also a historical site that tells the story of Colombo and its people.
Conclusion
Borella Cemetery is much more than just a burial ground. It stands as a symbol of Colombo's history, its colonial past, and its multicultural present. From the resting places of war heroes to the graves of ordinary citizens, it reflects the diversity and complexity of Sri Lankan society. The cemetery continues to be a place of memory, respect, and reverence, offering insights into the country’s cultural and historical landscape.
#BorellaCemetery #BorellaKanaththa

[@oshiniwickramaratne9762]

Very interesting vedio.. Thank you 👍

[@CharikaSatahan]

Thank you so much 🙏

[@dineththeekshana5402]

❤️ meaningful documentary sir

[@CharikaSatahan]

Thank you Dr.

[@Chathura_Wijenayake]

නියමයි අයියා 👍 ගොඩාක් වටින වැඩසටහනක් ✨

[@CharikaSatahan]

🙏🙏🙏

[@nishantha1422]

අනිවාර්යයෙන්ම

[@sanjeewajayasooriya5722]

❤❤

[@CharikaSatahan]

Thank uuu

[@nirojansk]

👍👍👍

[@CharikaSatahan]

👍👍👍

[@chathurangawanniarachchi]

ස්තුතියි

[@CharikaSatahan]

🙏👍

[@ayomalikosala7563]

Kanathak kiyanne minisun adana, welapena, Biya hithena tenak.

[@TharushaOshima]

Ayiyee maru

[@CharikaSatahan]

🙏👍

[@ayomalikosala7563]

H R Jothipala mahathage Funeral eka dawaselu neda Borella kanaththe peraliyak una dawasa.

[@isankashyamali8445]

Clarence wijewardana ❤❤❤❤ HR Jothipala ❤❤❤❤❤
Milton Mallawarachchi❤❤❤❤
Legends ❤❤❤❤

[@PalithaPathiratne-zj7ig]

⚘Mama Kamathima Tanak⚘
⚘Bohoma Sthuti Obatumanta⚘
❤❤Nawata Hamuwemu❤❤

[@CharikaSatahan]

🙏🙏🙏