Article by M.H. Hamzah.
On the fresh Monday morning of July 31st, the students of the ‘Paint Your Own Future’ Art Workshop at Trinity College, Kandy, rushed excitedly to the art room with cameras in hand. We were ready for a field trip to Kegalle, accompanied by our teachers, Mrs. Shanaz Naufer and Miss Amali Peiris. Attentively, we noted our teachers’ instructions for photography and video competitions. Looking through the bus windows, fingers poised over camera buttons, we were eager cameramen excited to capture the breathtaking beauty of nature.
As we journeyed along the road, numerous pottery shops came into view. Our teachers granted us the chance to witness the transformation of a raw lump of clay into a marvelous creation worked by the potter’s skillful hands, on the wheel. Carefully clutching the pots, we had purchased, we continued to ‘Ipareny Gama‘ (ඉපැරණි ගම) in Pinnawala.
Little did we know, a surprise awaited us. Stepping into the village, it felt as though we had traveled back in time. Upon entry, a cool breeze from the surrounding paddy fields welcomed us. The village proudly displayed Sri Lankan traditions, rich culture, and the creative minds of our ancestors. It evoked memories of the tales my grandmother had shared about life in those bygone days.
The old-time hospital, known as “Weda Gedara,” (වෙද ගෙදර) was surrounded by herbs used for treatment.. The Wedarala (වෙදරාළ), akin to a doctor, explained the methods employed for curing a myriad of illnessesin days of yore. From there, we ambled along a narrow pathway that led to the house of the Gamarala (ගමරාළ), the village chief. The mini museum within his abode rekindled our familiarity with the ancient artifacts we had studied in Environmental Studies. Of course, we didn’t miss the chance to capture the authenticity on camera. The aroma of delectable cuisine drew us to Kopi Kade (කෝපි කඩේ), where we savored traditional sweets and tea served in coconut shells.
Next, we visited the potter’s workshop, where we had the unique opportunity to shape our own pots. The carpenter’s mastery with hand tools was truly impressive, and we marveled at the inventions of our forebears. We documented the tireless efforts of the blacksmith and were struck by the precision with which a female worker operated a complex loom to weave a carpet. Observing the intricacies of the hand loom weaving machine offered a glimpse into the ingenious, self sufficient lives of our ancestors.
The showrooms displaying paintings and creations left us in awe. We extend our gratitude to the teachers for providing us this marvelous opportunity. With creative ideas and artistic minds, we returned to school, deeply inspired.
Following is a presentation done by one of the students based on his visit.
Field trip to Kegalle – Presentation by R Sharwesan.pptx by R.SHARWESAN
