The Museum of Memorabilia

One of the most illustrious collections of personal memorabilia of approximately 600 items of diverse gifts received by President Jayewardene from Kings, Queens and Heads of States and many other statesmen and religious dignitaries around the world.

As one enters to the main museum hall, what strikes one’s eye is the large and ornate ‘Maharishi Bell of Invincibility’ and the Torch of Pure Knowledge presented by His Holiness Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. To the right is a replica of a gold plated cannon and a gold plated sword with a jewel-studded hilt in an ornately gilded scabbard. This replica of cannon presented to President Jayewardene by the Commander of the Sri Lankan Army in 1980. It is said to be a replica of the cannon presented by Leuke Dissawe to King Sri Vijaya Rajasinha (1737-1747 A.D.)

Our Significant
Exhibits

  • Kammavaca Manuscript- a gilded manuscript written in Burmese (Myanmar) language supposed to have brought to Sri Lanka (then Ceylon) during the reign of King Wimaladharmasooriya to perform Buddhist religious rites associated with Upasampada Ceremony (Higher Ordination of Monks) held on the River Mahaweli at Getambe Tota (ferry) in the seventeenth century.
  • A Gold Coffee service presented by His Majesty the King of Saudi Arabia.
  • Official Medals presented by His Holiness Pope Paul II
  • A Gold Plated Betel Tray presented by most Venerable Sanga Raja of Thailand.
  • A Japanese Incense Bowl presented by His Majesty Emperor Hirohito.
  • A Silver Dish and a Painted Porcelain Bowl presented by Ms. Margaret Thatcher, Prime Munster of the
    United Kingdom.
  • Several Crystal Items.
  • Portraits and Sculptures of President Jayewardene made by leading artists.
  • Solid gold items such as the Coffee Service, a Buddha Statue and large Gold Keys are stored away due to
    security reasons.
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