The gems of the Rathnapura
January 5, 2008
Rathnapura,which means the city of gems is as famous as the gems it is named after. The main source of income in Rathnapura is mining. Mining is not as graceful as a gem, it is very complicated and miners have to face many difficulties.
Before starting to mine, miners have to choose a suitable land, which must be in a slope and consist of gravel soil. The gems are abounded in the solid layer called the “illama” (gem vein or the gravel bearing gems).
Before the mining, the miners perform their religious rites, by lighting four lamps for lord Buddha and the gods. Then the dead souls are also remembered. It is believed that by doing these rituals the miners will be protected from invisible demons and it will help them to find the gems easily.
It is considered that the most suitable days to conduct these rituals are the days called “kemmura” (Wednesdays and Saturdays). Seven types of flowers of seven different colours, seven types of fish, joss tricks, coconut oil and “dummala” are used for these rituals. In addition, the exorcist uses a cock bird as a sacrifice.
Then on an auspicious time, the chief of the miners removes a chunk of soil from the ground. Twelve members are needed to begin mining. The scantlings that are twelve feet in length and six feet in width are used and installed under the earth until the “illama” is found. There must be a gap of about four feet between two scantlings.
Written by- Dilani lasika
My email adders dl.mawela@gmail.com
