report in Daily FT online, 12 August 2023
*Says research could contribute to enhancing public perceptions of King Ravana
**Claims it could also shed light on the King’s knowledge allowing SL to use the info to come out of the current crisis
***MP wants an expert panel to be set up to carry out the probe
****Department of Archaeology has maintained there is no evidence to prove the existence of the King
Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Buddhika Pathirana made a somewhat startling proposal in parliament yesterday by calling for an in-depth research to be conducted on the mythological King Ravana.
The MP noted that despite the absence of archaeological evidence confirming the existence of King Ravana, who holds a revered status as a deity among certain Sri Lankans, such research could contribute to enhancing public perceptions about the King. He also noted that any insights gained from this research, if it sheds light on his purported knowledge, could potentially aid in addressing the country›s current challenges and ensure its development.
The MP also emphasised that this research could unveil details about a historical period that has long been forgotten in the country›s history.
Accordingly, presenting it as a private member proposal, the MP proposed the setting up of an expert panel to conduct the research. The matter is to be debated in parliament shortly.
However, the Department of Archaeology officially announced several years ago that there is no historical evidence to substantiate the existence of King Ravana as an actual historical ruler or the existence of a ‘Ravana era’. They concluded that Ravana is a fictional character rather than a figure rooted in historical reality.
https://www.ft.lk/front-page/Buddhika-Pathirana-calls-for-research-on-King-Ravana/44-751729
