Stone pillars, Sithulpawwa, Sri Lanka.

In the absence of the technology of the use of concrete and the concept of an arch support, pillars for dwellings were chiseled from granite in the 2nd Century BC in Sri Lanka. Granite was available in plenty and was the raw material used. The picture shows some granite pillars at Sithulpawwa, Sri Lanka.

Rideevihare, Sri Lanka.

 Jak fruits on a tree and a stone shelter for monks doing meditation (old days). The small sticks kept to support the stone are symbolic offerings of devotees.

 Stairway cut into a large rock giving access to a 'Chaithya' on top. A rain water collector made of cement and wire-mesh - a recent design.

Rideevihara, Kurunegala, Sri Lanka

 The influence of South India in the stone pillars and carvings is evident in these phitos I took at Rideevihare dated to the 2nd Century BC.