The Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka has recently garnered attention by seeking public input to investigate the “aviation routes” linked with the mythological King Ravana. This research project, intriguingly titled “King Ravana and the ancient domination of aerial routes now lost”, will delve into various narratives surrounding Ravana’s alleged prowess in aviation.
Project Description
The upcoming research from the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka will centre on the exploration of the tales associated with the legendary Ravana and his mastery of aerial routes. A plethora of stories suggests that Ravana was involved in operating aircraft and navigating certain airspace. The objective of this project is to sift through these accounts and construct an authoritative narrative about King Ravana and his purported skills in aviation.
Significance of Ravana in Civil Aviation
Ravana’s significance in this context is marked by the common belief that he employed a flying machine, known as “Dandu monara”, not only domestically but across the South East Asia region. This claim validates the relevance of examining these ancient routes and understanding their potential implications for aviation history.
Impact on Tourism
This initiative could also have potential impacts on Sri Lanka’s tourism sector, which actively encourages the ‘Ramayana trail’ to visitors from India, one of its primary tourism markets. By examining and promoting these ancient aerial routes, the research could contribute to enhance the appeal of this touristic offering.
Ravana Balaya: Sinhala-Buddhists Community
The Sinhala-Buddhists community, making up the majority in Sri Lanka, reveres King Ravana. This group, identifying as the Ravana Balaya, aligns itself with this mythical figure, thus amplifying the importance of the project.
Relationship with India
The project’s focus on King Ravana also finds relevance in its connection with India. Dravidian parties in Tamil Nadu venerate Ravana as “the brave king”, resonating with the Sri Lankan Buddhists’ perspective.
First Sri Lankan Satellite
In a testament to Ravana’s significance in Sri Lanka, the nation named its first satellite, launched in June 2019, as ‘Ravana-1’.
Sinhala-Buddhists Community: An Overview
The Sinhala-Buddhists community adheres to Theravada Buddhism, the principal belief system amongst Sri Lanka’s largest ethnic group, the Sinhalese. This community took form as a response to British colonial rule and has become more assertive since Sri Lanka’s independence. Much of Sri Lanka’s ethnic conflict is attributed to the alleged discrimination against the Tamil minority by the Sinhalese majority post-independence.
Understanding Theravada Buddhism
Theravada Buddhism, the most ancient branch of extant Buddhism, aligns itself closely with Buddha’s original teachings. Originally developed in Sri Lanka, it spread across Southeast Asia and is now the dominant form of religion in Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, and Thailand. In India, this variant of Buddhism is represented by the followers of Dr B.R. Ambedkar, known as the Ambedkar Buddhists, who are predominantly found in India.
