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Centuries-old Portuguese era cannon used in perahera
View(s):The cannon used at the Sabaragamuwa Saman Devalaya in Ratnapura is still in good condition and is used during the perahera of the historical temple at its commencement and termination.
This is displayed in the museum of the Saman Devalaya during the festival.
Basnayake Nilame of the Saman Devalaya, Migara Jayasundara said that the cannon is around 400 years old, and has been used in internal warfare.
It has been in operation during peraheras since then.
The cannon blasts when the tooth relic is placed on the elephant to announce the festival to the public. Drums follow the gun salute.
Gunman Hemantha Jayawardena said the cannon is from the Portuguese era. He has served 34 years with this cannon. “I check the gun before operation. Gun powder, paper and coconut husk is used in its operation,” he said.
The cannon weighs about 40 kgs.
This year’s perahera commenced on July 18 and will continue till August 1. The water cutting ceremony is on August 2.
Story and pix by A G Wickremasinghe
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