Research Field Trip to Central Province - 2020

The Department of Musicology of the Faculty of Music of the University of the Visual and Performing Arts had a research field trip to the Central Province in February 2020. For three days, from the 17th to the 19th of February the undergraduate students in the 2nd and 3rd years and a number of academic and non-academic staff members of the Department participated in this field trip. 

The following aims were identified to be achieved by the field trip.

• To inculcate and further develop a research culture within the students.
• To act as an opportunity for the undergraduates to explore and learn about the various fields of Musicology with a hands-on experience in the field.
• To promote the soft skills of the students such as communication, teamwork, delegation and sharing goals, and such necessary skills to engage in research activities in the future.
• To give grounds for undergraduates to explore culture and heritage through music and vice versa.
• Identifying and motivating undergraduates to engage and conduct researches based on fieldwork in the future. 

The following images and descriptions showcase the importance of the locations visited on this field trip. The locations of the research field visit were selected based on the criteria for the subjects of Folklore Studies, the Evolution of Music, Research Methodology, and Organology offered by the Department of Musicology. 

01. Agro Technology Park, Gannoruwa

Visiting the Agriculture museum to study the equipment and methodologies used and applied traditionally. Visiting the Chena cultivation and water tank to study the processes and activities behind these sections in traditional agriculture. Visiting the sales and entrepreneurship center to gain insights into how traditional agriculture can be implemented into entrepreneurship studies.

One of the main outcomes here was that the students were exposed to traditional knowledge that is vital to folklore studies and was encouraged to explore this sector more in the form of researches and studies.

02. Peradeniya Botanical Gardens, Peradeniya

Due to time constraints it was decided to visit the Peradeniya Botanical Gardens for an hour until the time was ready to proceed to the location where lunch had been planned.

03. Kuragala Drum Community, Kuragala

Observing the methodology applied and used in traditional drum making. Studying the process of making a drum from the initial stages to the final product. Comparatively analyzing the traditional and modern methods in making drums. Obtaining data via informal interviews and participant observation.

An important outcome here was that the students gained firsthand experience in conducting field research. Furthermore, they were divided into groups and each group was provided with a different subtopic as a foundation for further doable research.

04. Kotmale Reservoir, Kotmale

Observing the Kotmale reservoir leading to a discussion on the water sources to the Kotmale reservoir.

An important outcome of this was learning about the various advancements in technology and the history of modern reservoir building in Sri Lanka. The very intensive tour of the interior of the reservoir was well appreciated. 

05. Mahaweli Maha Seya, Kotmale

Identifying the folklore related to the temple and observing the technological methods used in constructing the Seya.

This stupa was built as a symbol of the many historic stupas and lands that were submerged due to the Mahaweli Development Project. One of the largest stupas in Sri Lanka it was developed by the great architect Dr. A.N.S. Kulasinghe.

06. Dehedu Kadulla, Kotmale

Learning about the historical significance and folktales surrounding this location. 

According to archeological sources this is a doorway into the area that the Sri Lankan King, Dutugemunu hid his sword in while fleeing Southwards.

07. Niyamgamdora Raja Maha Viharaya, Kotmale

Observing the folklore related to the temple and the Paththini Devalaya in the temple as well.

According to new legend, the Goddess Paththini had arrived in the dreams of an elderly woman and instructed her to purify herself and find the Goddess’ ankle bracelet in a bush in the village and to build a place of worship over it. Sources show the Devalaya to be built-in the Kandyan era.

08. Pusulpitiya Raja Maha Viharaya, Kotmale

Studying the folklore and history surrounding the location and the chronicles of King Dutugemunu.

Many sources cite the village of Pusulpitiya to be a village where King Dutugemunu spent his childhood in during the rule of King Elara. The Raja Maha Viharaya is said to be a location that the Tooth relic of Lord Buddha was hidden in during times of political unrest in the country. One of the four statues that Maha Rahat Maliyadeva Thero brought from India is housed in the temple decorated by an elaborate Makara Thorana.

09. Niyamgampaya Raja Maha Viharaya, Gampola

Identifying and recording the archeological evidence of the evolution of music and musical instruments as depicted through the sources at the temple. Discussing the musicological traits and characteristics present in the katayam and vāmana rūpa in the temple. 

Believed to be built around the period of 880 AD as mentioned in literary sources, this temple once housed the Tooth relic of Lord Buddha as mentioned in the Sinhala Dalada Vamsaya. While literature indicates the temple to be glorious temple housing a large number of monks throughout the centuries, in the modern day most architectural sites are in ruins. A great stone doorway and a multitude of carvings and pillars are of note in modern times.

 The accommodations for lodging was provided by the Kotmale International Training Institute. Apart from the above, a night of musical enjoyment was shown by the participants of the trip. The research field visit concluded successfully on the 19th of February 2020, adding a new experience both academically and personally to all those who participated. 

- Dr. Iranga Weerakkody

Senior Lecturer,

Department of Musicology,

Faculty of Music.