histoy G-10 E

Fig. 5.2. There was a road system stretching from Anuradhapura at that time. The road engineers of that time built bridges
out of granites to cross the Malvathu Oya flowing across Anuradhapura. It clearly shows that they had known the basic
scientific theory of constructing bridges. These are the present ruins of a stone bridge built so.

the earth of the place, where the Stupa was due to

be built, had been dug in seven Riyanas (cubits)

deep. Secondly, using strong men lime stones

were brought, put them into the pit, broken them

into pieces, poured water and trampled them

well using tuskers wearing shoes made of animal

skin. Thirdly, a type of clay named Wendaru

was laid among those stones to reinforce them.

Fourthly, another layer of stones and a layer of

gravel were laid on it respectively. A layer of

crystal was laid on the gravel layer. A type of clay

named ' Navaneetha’ was smeared on that stone

layer. Next, an iron net smeared with wood apple

gum dissolved with a chemical fluid was laid

upon it. Finally, the stones named ‘Ransiriyal’

soaked with sesame oil were laid upon it.

When we pay our attention to this description,

we can understand that the foundation of

Ruwanweli Seya has been made according

to a similar method of the modern concrete

technology. Such kind of strong base has been

laid because it is a must that the heaviness of the

mammoth stupa made of bricks is sustained for

a long time without any damage. This example

clearly reflects the way that our engineers thought

and acted in making a huge construction and

the scientific thought relevant to it two thousand

and two hundred years ago.

Urban Park Designing

There was an advanced knowledge of

constructing buildings and designing parks in

our ancient society. The best example that can

be given for this is the city plan of Sigiriya and

its park complex. Sigiriya is a great city centre

which was built in the 5th century A.D. It has

been built centreing a huge rock which stands

alone. The Sigiriya rock is 200 metres in height

from its surrounding valley. The extent of the

top of the rock, on which ruins of a palace