Ancient writings, commonly known as epigraphs are considered as an archaeological source that significantly contributes to confirming historical events. These inscriptions can be categorised based on the medium on which they are recorded.
The Sangamuwa stamp
The most common of these are rock inscriptions of Sannasas which, on the other hand, are inscribed on copper folios or gold folios. Writings on clay boards and pottery have also been discovered. The types of the inscriptions include cave inscriptions, rock inscriptions, slab inscriptions and pillar inscriptions. These records are often contemporaneous with the events they describe making them a reliable archaeological source for constructing historical narratives.
The Philatelic Bureau of the Department of Posts plays an important role in preserving these inscriptions by issuing postage stamps depicting their importance.
Four postage stamps were issued by the Philatelic Bureau on two rock inscriptions and two sannsas in the denomination of Rs. 50 at a ceremony at Melsiripura on Monday. The main topic of the event, organised by the Philatelic Bureau in collaboration with the Ibbagamuwa Divisional Secretariat office, was the world’s first and the only Peace Accord inscribed on a rock at the Sangamuwa Raja Maha Vihara in the Udabulathgama village, Gokarella.
Senior Additional Secretary of the President’s Office and former Post Master General Ranjith Ariyarathne said that this inscription is considered to be the world’s first peace treaty that explains the respect and trust in religion reposed by the king and the people.
Research Officer of the Department of Archaeology T. M. C. Bandara presented a description on other rock inscriptions and two sannasas.
The Panakaduwa Sannasa was found by a farmer in the paddy field of Bogahadeniya, Panakadiwa village, Morawakkorale in the Matara District. It consists of three copper folios. This record was issued by King Vijayabahu I (1055-1110) who reigned in the 11th century A.D.
The Sannasa states the royal privileges granted to a hunting leader named Sithmaru Bhim Budal Navan who protected King Vijayabahu (then Prince Keerthi) and his father, Maha Swami Mugalam who were hiding in the forest due to the South Indian invasion.
A cover with the four postage stamps
The Rajagala rock inscription, inscribed on the rock next to the Mihindu Dagaba near the small lake on the top of the Rajagala Hill, Rajagalatenna in the Uhana Divisional Secretariat area in Ampara, is the main and oldest record confirming the Mahindagamanaya.
The Chodagangadeva Sannasa is one of the two inscriptions that provide information about the reign of King Chodagangadeva (1196-1197 A.D). The script and the language of the four copper folios of the Sannasa date back to the 12th and 13th centuries. It was written to record several places granted as a perpetual endowment to an officer who served the king bravely and loyally and displayed his skills.
