Photo Story

The largest Nine-dragon wall in the Land of the Dragon (Pics)

Published

6 months ago

November 1, 2023

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A Nine-dragon wall or a Nine-dragon screen is a type of screen wall originating from Han Chinese traditional architecture, which mainly depicts nine different Chinese dragons.

These impressive structures are typically found in imperial Chinese palaces and gardens. It is said that they are usually erected not only for blocking the line of sight to protect privacy, but also to show auspicious blessings.

There are 04 Nine-dragon walls in mainland China. Two are in Beijing, at the Forbidden city and Beihai park. The other two are in Pingyao and Datong, both located in Shanxi Province. Two more are located in Hong Kong with several more outside China.

The Datong Nine-dragon screen, located in Heyang Street of the Datong Ancient City in Shanxi Province, is the oldest and the biggest Nine-dragon walls found in mainland China. It is also 250 years older and three times bigger than the Nine-dragon wall found in Beihai Park, Beijing.

It is built in front of the palace built in the 14th century for prince Zhu Gui, the 13th son of Zhu Yuanzhang – the first emperor of the Ming Dynasty.

The wall is 45.5 metres long, 08 meters high and 2 meters thick and made out of 426 multicoloured glazed tiles. The wall itself comprises of 03 sections, the top, the wall body and the wall seat.

The nine dragons in the wall body are depicted in pairs chasing flaming pearls with a full frontal dragon at the centre. The pearl, essentially called as the ‘pearl of wisdom’, is associated with spiritual energy, wisdom, prosperity, power, immortality, thunder, or the moon. The dragons are depicted among natural elements such as turbulent waves, high mountains and rolling clouds. The dragons themselves, are all four clawed dragons, as the five clawed dragon was strictly reserved for the emperor only.

The seat of the wall was compounded with 75 pieces of relieves made up of colored glaze brick, depicting animals smaller dragons as well as cattle, horse, sheep, dog, deer, rabbit etc.

The rectangular pool in front of the wall is to reflect the dragons in the wall, with the rippling water giving them a more lifelike effect.

(Pics – Shanika Jayasekara)

News

Uma Oya project launched (Video / Pics)

Published

4 days ago

April 24, 2024

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President of the Islamic Republic of Iran – Dr. Ebrahim Raisi and Sri Lankan President – Ranil Wickremesinghe have jointly inaugurated the Uma Oya Multipurpose Development Project (UOMDP) a short while ago.

This project is one of the largest irrigation projects in Sri Lanka following the Mahaweli Development Project.

Speaking at the event, Iran’s President Dr Seyyed Ebrahim Raisi emphasized Iran’s technical prowess and engineering expertise and highlighted that Iranian experts are currently involved in significant electricity and water projects across more than 20 countries.

“Today the Islamic Republic Of Iran, enjoys great technical and engineering skills and expertise, and in more than 20 countries, our experts are running great and big electricity and water projects,” he said.

He further noted that Iran stands ready to share its knowledge, expertise and experience with Sri Lanka for the progress and development of the country, including partnerships in large-scale projects.

Following the inauguration of the Uma Oya multipurpose development project, President Ranil Wickremesinghe expressed gratitude to Iran for their technical support, emphasizing that without Iran’s assistance, Sri Lanka couldn’t have diverted the Uma Oya tributaries into Kirindi Oya. He highlighted the south’s desire to establish its identity & independence, suggesting that southern countries should now strive for their own strength and autonomy

(Video / Pics – PMD)

News

Iranian President arrives in SL (Pics)

Published

4 days ago

April 24, 2024

editor

President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Dr. Ebrahim Raisi & his delegation arrived at the Mattala Airport a short while ago (April 24).

The Iranian President was warmly welcomed by PM Dinesh Gunawardane upon his arrival.

During his one-day official visit, President Raisi will inaugurate the Uma Oya Multipurpose Development Project.

News

Visiting CPC delegation meets with NPP leader (Pics)

Published

5 days ago

April 23, 2024

editor

National People’s Power Leader – Anura Kumara Dissanayake today (April 23) met the visiting delegation of the Communist Party of China (CPC).
The Chinese delegation consisted of Sun Haiyan, Deputy Minister of the Department of International Affairs of the Communist Party of China and member of the Central Committee of the Party, Lin Tao, Deputy Director General of the Department of International Affairs of the Communist Party of China, Chen Xiangyuan, Counselor of the Chinese Embassy in Sri Lanka, Li Jinyan, Director of the Department of the International Affairs of the Communist Party of China, Jin Yan, Deputy Director, Wen Jun, Secretary to the Deputy Minister, Jin Enze, the Third Secretary of the Chinese Embassy in Sri Lanka, and Zhang Guyu, the translator.

The NPP was represented by Vijitha Herath, Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, Prof. Anil Jayantha Fernando, and Sunil Handunneththi.

The meeting, held at the party headquarters, focused on the current political situation, upcoming elections and possible political developments were discussed between the two sides.

The leaders of the NPP had pointed out the importance of creating political stability in the country to get the country out of the crisis.

The visiting delegation had been focused on the measures and organizational structures adopted by the NPP in the political field and their gaining popularity among the public.

The NPP leaders also had emphasized their relations with various people, groups, social strata and Sri Lankans abroad, as well as their policies in building the country, and the dialogue between the party structures and the public.