When my grandfather aimed for the skies for a blessed occasion
Nandi Sara Makalanda
The Poson full moon poya day of 1940 marked the unveiling of one of the world’s most sacred monuments, the Ruwanweliseya Dagoba. Originally built by King Dutugemunu (161-137 BC), this beautiful stupa, said to contain the most number of relics of Lord Buddha was lost in ruins in the 19th century.
There was no sign of this marvellous structure despite the numerous records dating back to ancient times. It was only in 1873 that it was rediscovered by Venerable Naranvita Sumanasara and archaeologists of the time, veiled by a thick blanket of trees. Bhikkhus collected money to restore the dagoba and by 1902, the Ruwanweliseya Restoration Committee had been formed. After over 35 years of strenuous work, by 1940 it was ready to once again be revealed to the world.
My grandfather Nandi Sara Makalanda born in 1915 was a well organised individual. For our good fortune, he had kept detailed documentation of this momentous day of nearly 80 years ago.
Making it all happen: Preserved correspondence from 1940
His involvement began when people all around the nation were buzzing with excitement as the unveiling of the newly renovated Ruwanweliseya Dagoba was announced. Months of anticipation were slowly coming to reality. In just nearly two months on May 21, 1940 the dagoba was to be unveiled.
My grandfather had innovative ideas. He thought of stories he had heard of ancient times where the Gods would bless these significant events by showering flowers over the people. The idea engulfed him. He was determined to fill the skies with flowers on the day of the unveiling.
The Aero Club of Ceylon Limited at the Colombo Airport in Ratmalana conducted internal flights at this time. My grandfather wrote to them in early April regarding his plan and received a favourable response the very next day. As per the letter, they would be willing to fly him to Anuradhapura to drop the flowers as long as he could get the relevant approval from the Ministry of Home Affairs. After writing to the Ministry he received a note to contact the Ven. H. Rewatha, the chief priest of the Maha Vehara Piriwena – Ruwanweliseya and the restoration committee to obtain their permission as well.
They in turn requested for the pilot’s name and licence and after contacting the Aero Club once again he was informed the pilot was Flight Lt. R Duncanson who held a type “B” licence. Now that he had the information required he was granted permission. He soon passed on the good news to the Ministry of Home Affairs. After correspondence with the Minister of Communications and Works Major John Kotelawela, both he and the Minister of Home Affairs, Sir D.B. Jayatilaka granted permission for the flowers to be dropped from an aircraft on the day of the unveiling.
From the booklet distributed to mark the occasion
Meanwhile the day for the grand opening had been postponed to June.
The big day was approaching and the Aero Club had given my grandfather the opportunity to take a joy ride. He took the chance to test how everything would play out, paying Rs. 127.50 for the 170 minute flight.
Finally the day of the great unveiling arrived – June 19, 1940. Around 2000 people had gathered from all over Ceylon to see the reopening of the stupa. They had come to see the monumental gem.
The “Chudamanikya” (crest gem) had been placed on the dagoba two days prior at an auspicious time.
Everyone my grandfather knew wanted to be part of his effort and they all contributed jasmines which arrived that morning. Overwhelmed with the number of flowers, far greater than he was permitted to have on board he decided to take at least a few flowers from every contribution.
A few hours later a “miraculous metal bird” as stated in an article, took to the skies and encircled the stupa. My grandfather knew he needed to check for the wind. He dropped a few flowers and made a quick judgement, before releasing the flowers, bag after bag. The fragrant blossoms floated towards the building as if the Gods had filled the air with blessing. People filled with joy, honked their horns and looked on at the magical spectacle. A gentle shower of flowers swept them into a world of serenity and their hearts were filled with content.
We can get a feeling of what people thought, what they felt about his action from the articles, letters and stories from that time. Thinking about his spirit and determination and the joy he gave, I wish we could all have been there on that day to witness the crowning of the gem.