Page 313 - Proceedings book

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branches of nightshade, Gliricidia branches and flowers, among others, were taken to

the paddy fields and spread before ploughing the land (Senanayake, 1994). Even the
weeds growing in the fields were allowed to decompose with the mud, turning into

natural fertilizer. Thus, the traditional agricultural knowledge of the villagers was
sophisticated and well-suited to their environment.

To protect the crops from birds, farmers employed various techniques. One method
involved the use of the Takapatha or Taka Pooruwa, seen throughout the paddy fields

in the Knuckles region. A wide board was constructed with several holes on both

sides, into which small pieces of wood were fixed. The board was placed at the center
of the field, and a rope was tied to one of the holes. When pulled, the wooden pieces

hit the board and created a sound that scared away birds (Wijesinghe, 2001). Another
device, the Appidi Board, was made by splitting a tall bamboo tree in half and tying a

rope to one of its holes; pulling and releasing the rope created a loud sound that
frightened animals.

In addition, the Diyadogare (water drum) of Ranamure was employed to scare not
only birds but also wild elephants, deer, and pigs. Other traditional instruments such

as the Takaya, Tang Kota, Dandubaraya, and Appidi Board were integral in
protecting the fields. Recently, simply tying ropes across the fields has also been used

as a deterrent for animals.

02.3 Chena Cultivation
While paddy cultivation supplied rice to the people of Ranamure, other food crops

were obtained through Chena Cultivation, a method of shifting cultivation. After
clearing a new section of forest and cultivating it, villagers would move on to another

piece of forest land (Bandara, 1998).

Chena Cultivation, with its long history, appears to have been the initial form of

agriculture among early settlers in the Knuckles region, as evidenced by the
transformation of early chena lands into paddy fields, indicated by names such as

Batalahena and Ilukpena (Gunawardana, 1985).

In this area, Chena Cultivation functioned as a secondary crop system, supporting the

primary cultivation of paddy. Crops such as potatoes, yams, sweet potatoes,

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