That symbolic mango tree

By Dushyantha Kumara

It is 58 years since gaining independence that we are celebrating the 59th year of a symbolic day in the history of Sri Lanka. The first Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, D.S.Senanayake planted a mango tree on 4th February 1948 at the Polwatte temple in Kollupitiya which today is a huge tree to behold. This mango tree is symbolic and is revered every year on the Independence Day. Ven. Depanama Sugathabandu related the planting of the mango tree in this manner. 'It was a habit of D.S.Senanayake to visit the Polwatte temple often.

The statue of D.S. Senanayake and the Mango tree planted by him at the Polwatte Viharaya

Many scholars and politicians visit the temple for advice and blessings from the Bhikkus in the temple and the credit of construction of the temple goes to Ven.Hanchapola Wimalawansa. Since it is situated close to Temple Trees it was a common sight to see D.S.Senanayake cross the bridge and walk slowly towards the temple. All the Bhikkus in this temple adored him and in return he loved and cared for them.

Prime Minister D.S.Senanayake planted this mango tree as a significance of the celebration of the first Independence Day on 4th February 1948. He brought this mango plant to the temple after The Independence Day celebration was over. He had got the plant from the Peradeniya Botanical Gardens. The tree bears a large harvest of mangoes annually and the fruit is very sweet.

Those who come to the temple avail themselves to this delicious treat. It also bears flowers annually and was held with great significance even during D.S.Senanayake's life time with an annual ceremony.Later Rukman Senanayake continued to pay homage to the tree and we protect this tree as it has a valuable history for Sri Lankans to hold in memory.

The statue of Prime Minister D.S.Senanayake in a corner of the temple under the cool shade of the mango tree, his proud history and his personality still pervades us.'